Bluetooth Troubleshooting Tips for All of Your Wireless Devices

Many modern brands and products are all about cutting the cord. From earbuds with wider Bluetooth ranges to smartphones without headphone jacks — today’s tech is pushing us into a wireless world! But with all that convenience comes a bit of frustration, especially when you run into problems pairing Bluetooth devices. If Bluetooth issues have you rethinking all that wireless tech, check out these Bluetooth troubleshooting tips to get you paired up again in no time!

My Bluetooth device won’t connect to my car.

Connecting your phone to your car’s Bluetooth can not only be convenient, but it can also be much safer! Many Bluetooth-equipped vehicles have an answer, decline, and voice assistant button built right into the steering wheel so that you can keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Try these simple tips if your device doesn’t connect to your car.

#1: Stop driving.

As a safety feature, most cars won’t allow you to connect your device while the vehicle is moving. If you’re already on the road and trying to connect your device, you’ll have to wait until your next stop to get it set up.

#2: Make sure your car is ready to pair.

If you’re still having connection issues after you’ve stopped driving, you might need to make sure your car is ready to pair. Some cars require the gear selector to be in “park,” some need to be stationary, and some may even require updates to your infotainment system.

Try pairing your device under different conditions — while the car is in “park,” while it’s in “neutral,” and when the key is turned to “accessory mode.” You may find that pairing your Bluetooth to your car is as easy as switching gears in an automatic vehicle. However, if this doesn’t work, refer to the Bluetooth or infotainment section of the owner’s manual. It will usually have the information you need to install updates and troubleshoot finicky connections.

#3: Make sure your device is ready to pair.

If you still can’t get your device to connect, make sure it is ready to pair. Open its connection settings and ensure that Bluetooth is turned on. Also, check that the device isn’t already connected to other devices, as this may make syncing it up with your car slow or impossible. If your vehicle is in pairing mode, your device should pop up in your car’s device list. Once it pops up, tap the device on your vehicle’s screen and allow them to link up!

My Bluetooth device won’t connect to my computer.

From your keyboard and mouse to your speakers and headphones, there are all sorts of Bluetooth devices that can upgrade your computer-using experience. But all these devices are useless if they won’t connect to your computer! Try these quick troubleshooting tips and get back to surfing, streaming, gaming, or working in no time.

#1: Make sure each device is in pairing mode.

For your computer to find your Bluetooth device, the device needs to be ready to pair. Most devices are automatically ready to pair when you first turn them on. However, if a device such as a wireless mouse or keyboard is not showing up on your computer’s Bluetooth list, it might be paired to a different computer within range. If so, disconnect the mouse or keyboard from the other computer, and sync it to the one you’re using.

Bluetooth headphones and speakers like the Samsung Sound Bar offer freedom and mobility while still keeping you plugged into whatever you’re working on. But if your sound device is connected and you aren’t getting any sound, your computer’s audio settings could be to blame. Fix this issue in your computer’s sound settings by making sure your desired device is selected for “audio output.”

#2: Make sure your computer’s Bluetooth is on and looking for devices.

Find your computer’s Bluetooth settings. From this menu, you can check that your Bluetooth is on and find a list of nearby devices available for pairing. If your device isn’t popping up on the available devices list, try switching the Bluetooth signal off and on again. If the list is still not updating, try restarting the computer.

My Bluetooth device won’t connect to my phone.

Keeping your phone in your pocket while you enjoy your music from wireless headphones or portable Bluetooth speakers like the retro-styled Brooklyn Boombox is not just a convenience – it’s an expectation. But if your phone refuses to connect to your Bluetooth speaker or headphones, it’s time to try a few troubleshooting tips.

#1: Make sure the sound device is ready to pair.

For your phone to connect to any accessory, the device has to be sending out a Bluetooth signal. Check that your headphones or speakers are sending out this signal by making sure they’re turned on and set to pairing mode.

If you’re not sure how to set your audio device to pairing mode, check the owner’s manual for detailed instructions. Some devices turn on in pairing mode by default, while others have a dedicated pairing button — the important thing is to find what works for your wireless tech!

If your speaker or headphones won’t go into pairing mode or can’t be recognized by your device, they might still be connected to another device. Try turning off other Bluetooth-enabled devices to allow your speaker or headphones to pair to your phone.

#2: Make sure your phone is looking for devices.

When connecting a Bluetooth device to your phone, the device should automatically pop up in your phone’s Bluetooth device menu in settings. If it doesn’t, start by turning your phone’s Bluetooth off and on again. If it still isn’t showing up even though your device is in pairing mode, make sure that your phone is up to date with the latest software. Additionally, restart your phone to make sure that nothing else is connected that could be interfering with your device’s Bluetooth signals.

My Bluetooth device won’t connect to my headphones.

Bluetooth headphones like the Beats Studio3 Wireless headphones can be a great way to stay connected without actually being connected. But with this freedom can come a bit of frustration if your devices won’t pair. If this sounds familiar, try these simple steps to connect and get the tunes cranking again.

#1: Make sure your headphones are in pairing mode.

As mentioned above, your audio device has to be in pairing mode to connect to any other tech! Depending on your headphones’ brand and model, getting them into pairing mode might involve holding down a specific button, hitting a combination of buttons, or restarting them entirely. Refer to your headphones’ manual to see what you need to do.

#2: Turn your device’s Bluetooth on.

If your headphones still have connection issues, make sure the device you’re trying to connect them to is actively searching for other accessories to sync up to. Check that Bluetooth is turned on and looking for devices. Once your headphones are in pairing mode, and your device is searching for them, the headphones should pop up on your device’s Bluetooth settings!

Upgrade your Bluetooth devices at Rent-A-Center.

Living in a wireless world is nice when things work. But if you spend more time “searching for device” than you do enjoying your device, it’s time to upgrade! Ditch your old Bluetooth tech and head into your nearest Rent-A-Center location to find deals on today’s latest electronics. From computers to smartphones, we can pair you with a device for your needs.