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ProblemFor a Bluetooth accessory that will not pair or connect with iPhone. This does not cover file transfers to another phone or sound problems after a confirmed connection. Check that the manufacturer supports the intended function with iPhone.

iPhone won't connect to a Bluetooth device

Check discovery mode, the accessory’s existing connections and its app permission where applicable.

Try this first

1 quick checks · ~4 min

  1. Enable accessory discovery modeCheck power, distance and the procedure in its manual.

Step-by-step solutions

01

Enable accessory discovery mode

  • Estimated time: 4 min
  • Easy
  • Low risk

Check power, distance and the procedure in its manual.

  1. Charge or power the accessory, keep it nearby and turn it off and on normally. Enable discovery mode as its manufacturer directs.

  2. Open Settings > Bluetooth on iPhone and select the accessory when listed. If setup needs an app, also follow that model’s official instructions.

Sources:
02

Check permission if the accessory app cannot connect

  • Estimated time: 3 min
  • Easy
  • Low risk

This step only applies to accessories that use an app.

  1. Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Bluetooth. If the official accessory app is listed, check that it has Bluetooth permission.

  2. Skip this step if the accessory does not need an app. App permission does not replace accessory discovery mode.

Sources:
03

Pair only the affected accessory again

  • Estimated time: 5 min
  • Easy
  • Low risk

Use this if it was previously paired and now will not connect.

  1. In Settings > Bluetooth, open the accessory information and choose Forget This Device. Put it back in discovery mode and pair again.

  2. If it connects to another device but not the iPhone, unpair it from that device following its manual and retry. Do not remove all phone accessories.

Sources:
Next step

Still not working?

If Bluetooth is greyed out or no compatible accessory connects, contact Apple. If only one fails, contact its manufacturer with the model, iOS version and comparison with another device. Do not factory-reset the iPhone for this diagnosis.

Sources

Documentation behind this guide. Editorial recommendations are identified separately.

Source review: . A documentation review, not a physical hardware test.