How to unforget a Bluetooth device on iPhone or Android

It's dark and gloomy outside—perfect weather for an indoor cleaning project. You fire up a music playlist on your smartphone and pop your earbuds in, but all you hear is silence. What's wrong with the Bluetooth® connection?

Asurion Experts give tech help when you need it. Whether Bluetooth isn't working on your iPhone® or you have trouble connecting Bluetooth devices, we've seen it all—and can fix it all. Here's how to unforget a Bluetooth device with your iPhone or Android™ smartphone.

Understand what "forget this device" means

Before you start, it helps to understand how forgetting a Bluetooth device works.

To unforget a Bluetooth device on iPhone or Android, you need to re-pair it. That means re-establishing a connection between your device and phone. It's a simple fix you can do with a quick settings adjustment on your smartphone.

Your smartphone may forget a connection if you've used it with other wireless devices or tweaked your settings. Conflicts between apps or your network settings can also interfere with the pairing process. Once you re-establish the connection, your phone should remember it for future use.

How to reconnect a forgotten Bluetooth device

If your Bluetooth accessory isn't showing up, you can reconnect it by pairing it again. Here's how.

On iPhone:

iPhone recognizes most Bluetooth-enabled devices, including headsets, earbuds, and keyboards. To enable a fresh connection, take these steps.

• Verify the Bluetooth accessory is in discovery mode. Check the device's user manual or the manufacturer's website to learn how to make it discoverable.
• Open Settings.
• Tap Bluetooth. Turn the Bluetooth switch on.
• Tap the name of the Bluetooth accessory when it appears in the devices list.

Some Bluetooth devices require you to enter a PIN before you can finalize the connection. If a prompt appears asking for a PIN, consult the device's user manual for guidance.

On Android

Android phones connect with most Bluetooth devices, including headsets and earbuds. If you experience Android Bluetooth issues, follow these steps to re-pair the accessory.

• Verify that the Bluetooth accessory is in discovery mode. To learn how to make it discoverable, check the device's user manual or the manufacturer's website.
• Swipe down from the top of your phone's screen.
• Tap and hold the Bluetooth icon.
• Tap Pair new device. If you don't see this option, tap More > Refresh.
• Tap the name of the Bluetooth device when it appears in the devices list.

If a prompt requests you to enter a PIN or passcode, check the Bluetooth device's user manual for instructions.

Troubleshooting tips if the device doesn't show up

If your Bluetooth accessory doesn't appear in the pairing list, try these tips to fix the issue.

1. Restart your phone and the Bluetooth device

When in doubt, restart! Hold your phone's Power button to restart it, and turn off the Bluetooth accessory. Follow the earlier steps to initiate the pairing process for iPhone or Android again.

2. Verify the accessory isn't connected to another device

Do you use the Bluetooth accessory with another smartphone, computer, or gaming console? Turn off Bluetooth for that device. The accessory may automatically connect to it, rather than your iPhone or Android smartphone.

3. Reset network settings (last resort)

This process deletes Wi-Fi settings and other network configurations that can cause conflicts with a Bluetooth connection.

iPhone

• Open Settings.
• Tap General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
• Tap Reset Network Settings.

Android

• Open Settings.
• Tap System > Advanced > Reset options.
• Tap Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth.
• Tap Reset Settings and enter your passcode.
• Tap Reset Settings > Reset.

FAQ

Is there a way to restore a forgotten Bluetooth device without resetting network settings?

To unforget a device on Bluetooth, initiate the pairing process. Make the Bluetooth accessory discoverable and connect it through your device's Bluetooth settings.

How do I reset Bluetooth settings on Android to rediscover a forgotten device?

Disable Bluetooth on Android and put your accessory in pairing mode. Turn Bluetooth back on, and use the Bluetooth settings to locate your device and establish a connection.

What should I do if my Bluetooth device is not appearing after being forgotten?

Before trying to pair the Bluetooth device, make sure it is turned on and in discovery mode. If the accessory doesn't appear in the pairing list, verify that it is not connected to another nearby device.

Do I need to pair a forgotten Bluetooth device manually again on iPhone or Android?

If your Bluetooth device no longer appears in the pairing list for your iPhone or Android smartphone, you need to pair it again. That may happen if you haven't used the Bluetooth accessory in a while or if you updated your phone settings.