How to fix your iPad's Bluetooth when it's not working

⚡ Fast fix

• Bluetooth won't connect at all? Turn Bluetooth off and back on—this usually does the trick.
• Accessory shows up but won't pair? Remove it from your saved devices list and pair it again from scratch.
• Only one device acting up? Make sure it's charged and not secretly connected to another phone, tablet, or computer.
• Everything keeps disconnecting? A quick iPad restart can clear out Bluetooth glitches and get things talking again.

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Imagine this scenario: You take a Zoom® meeting from a coffee shop, using your iPad® and Bluetooth® headphones, but something's wrong—the sound is coming full blast out of your tablet. Embarrassing right? We've been there—and we know how to fix it.

At Asurion, we make tech easy. From protection to repairs, we show you how to get the most out of your gadgets. Here's what to do if your iPad Bluetooth isn't working.

1. Verify Bluetooth is turned on

If your iPad's Bluetooth isn't discovering devices, it's usually because your Bluetooth is turned off. This step may seem obvious, but it can be easy to forget to turn Bluetooth on before trying to use it. Just swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open the Control Center and make sure the Bluetooth icon is highlighted in blue. You can also go to Settings > Bluetooth and toggle it on.

2. Move your devices closer

Having your iPad and Bluetooth device close to each other—especially when first connecting—makes them easier to pair. Most devices have ranges for how far they can send and receive Bluetooth connections. For iPads, it's about 33 feet. So the closer the devices are, the better.

3. Check battery charge and compatibility

Ideally, you want both gadgets fully charged when you try to pair them. If your Bluetooth device is out of power, your tablet won't be able to find it. Plug into its charger and make sure it's at least 50% charged before pairing.

You also need to make sure they're compatible. An iPad is generally able to connect with many Bluetooth accessories—though there are some exceptions. To find out whether your Bluetooth accessory is compatible with your iPad, contact the accessory's manufacturer.

4. Restart your iPad and Bluetooth device

It sounds almost too simple to be true, but restarting your iPad and Bluetooth accessory usually clears up most issues that could be preventing your connection. Turn them both off, wait 10 seconds, and try again.

How to restart your iPad

1. Press and hold the physical Top Power button and either Volume button at the same time until the power-off slider appears on the screen.
2. Drag the slider to the right, then wait 30 full seconds for the iPad to shut down completely.
3. Press and hold the Top Power button again until the Apple logo appears to turn it back on.

Note: If you are using an older legacy iPad that still features a physical, circular Home button below the screen, you only need to press and hold the Top Power button by itself to bring up the shutdown slider).

5. Make sure both devices are up to date

Outdated software can cause more than just iPad trouble; it can even keep your Bluetooth from connecting properly. Check for any available updates and install one if it's available.

Before starting the update, you might want to back up your iPad using iCloud® or your computer. Updating the software doesn't erase any data, but it's better to be safe just in case.

1. Plug your device into power and connect to your Wi-Fi network.
2. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
3. If an update is available, tap Download and Install (or Update Now), enter your passcode, then let the device safely reboot.

If your Bluetooth accessory has a companion app, make sure it's up to date in the App Store®. Here's how:

1. Open the App Store.
2. Tap your profile icon at the top of the screen.
3. Tap Update next to the app.

6. Confirm Bluetooth is turned on in the companion app

When you first download a smart home or audio app, it asks for permission to use your Bluetooth. If you breezed past this prompt and clicked Don't Allow, the app will be completely blocked from finding your device.

1. Open your iPad Settings app.
2. Scroll down the left sidebar to the very bottom where your individual apps are listed, and tap on your accessory's companion app.
3. Look at the app's permission toggles and ensure the Bluetooth switch is turned ON.

7. Forget your Bluetooth device

Try forgetting the Bluetooth device on your iPad and setting it up again. Doing so lets you restart the Bluetooth pairing process.

1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth.
2. Locate the name of your accessory under the My Devices list and tap the blue Information button ("i") next to it.
3. Tap Forget This Device and confirm.
4. Place your Bluetooth accessory back into its physical Pairing/Discovery Mode (usually by holding down its power or sync button until a light flashes rapidly).
5. Look under the Other Devices list on your iPad's Bluetooth screen and tap the accessory's name to establish a clean handshake.

8. Reset the network settings on your iPad

If you're still having trouble with your iPad not connecting to Bluetooth, you may need to reset your network settings. Doing so targets saved Wi-Fi networks and their passwords, as well as any cellular settings and virtual private network(VPN) settings that could keep you from connecting to Bluetooth. Don't worry, this won't delete any apps, photos, or contacts. Follow these steps to reset your network settings:

1. Open Settings > General.
2. Tap Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

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FAQ

Why won't my iPad connect to Bluetooth devices?

Common causes include low battery, pairing issues, software bugs, interference from nearby devices, or an accessory that's already connected somewhere else.

How do I reset Bluetooth on my iPad?

Try turning Bluetooth off and on, restarting your iPad, or using Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset Network Settings if the problem persists.

Why does my Bluetooth device keep disconnecting from my iPad?

Low battery, wireless interference, outdated software, or being too far from the iPad can cause frequent disconnects.

Can a software update fix iPad Bluetooth problems?

Yes. iPadOS updates often include bug fixes that improve Bluetooth performance and compatibility with accessories.

Why can my iPad find a Bluetooth device but not connect to it?

The accessory may already be paired with another device, need to be put back into pairing mode, or require a fresh pairing after being removed from the Bluetooth list.