Earbuds Will Not Connect or Pair to Bluetooth

• Restart your Device/Earbuds: Oftentimes restarting the device is enough to fix the issue. Restarting your device also restarts the underlying software controlling services like Bluetooth, clearing up any temporary glitches impeding the Bluetooth functionality.
• Test with other wireless devices: This will help determine if this is an issue with your earbuds or the sound source’s Bluetooth module. If you find that your sound source is detecting nothing after a restart, then the issue might be with your sound source.
• Turn Bluetooth on: Occam's razor states that the simplest explanation is usually the best. If your earbuds won't connect to your device, double-check that Bluetooth is turned on.
• Disconnect Earbuds from Other Devices: Earbuds normally connect to only one audio source at a time or automatically switch to whatever device you are using. If you recently used your earbuds with a device other than the one you are using, make sure your device is pairing with the in-use device.
• Charge your Earbuds: If you're finding that your earbuds aren't being detected, make sure that the earbuds you are trying to connect to are powered on, and have a full charge. If your earbuds aren't charging, check out our Earbuds Will not Charge page.
• Update your device: Updating your device can help resolve any software conflicts that might be causing issues with how your device handles Bluetooth functionality.

Other nearby Bluetooth devices or wireless signals such as wireless routers or access points can cause interference, reducing the signal strength or causing connection conflicts.

• Move your Audio Source: Make sure that your audio source isn't near any signal-generating hardware, such as wireless routers, access points, or streaming hardware, such as cable boxes, Apple TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire sticks, etc.
• Decrease Distance from Audio Source: Being too far from your audio source or having physical barriers between you and it can weaken the Bluetooth signal, preventing a successful connection. Try to get as close to your audio source as possible, or at least try to be in the same room as it.

Bluetooth devices generate keys and metadata stored on your phone for automatic connection. On Android, this data is written in a system file typically named bt_config.xml, while on iOS, pairing information is stored in a secure part of the system's storage and integrated with the keychain and Secure Enclave. If this data is for any reason lost or corrupted, re-pairing is recommended.

1. Go to your device’s Bluetooth settings.
2. Find your earbuds in the list of paired devices.
3. Select Forget Device and confirm.
4. Put the earbuds back into pairing mode and reconnect to your audio source.

Firmware is specialized software embedded in your earbuds that enables communication between hardware and software. In many cases, outdated firmware might have glitches that lead to frequent disconnections or pairing failures. If your earbuds support it, try updating their firmware.

1. Ensure that your AirPods are within Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac connected to Wi-Fi. Place your AirPods in their charging case and close the lid.
2. Connect the charging cable to the charging case and plug the other end into a USB charger or port. If you're trying to update your AirPods Max, you will just plug your headphones in.
3. Wait for at least 30 minutes for the firmware to update. Don't open your Airpods case during this time.
4. Reopen the charging case lid to reconnect your AirPods to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. You can verify the firmware version once more through your Bluetooth settings.

1. Insert the earbuds into the charging case, leaving the lid open.
2. Navigate to and open the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone or tablet, and then tap Earbud settings or About earbuds.
3. Tap Earbuds software update, and then tap Download and install. If an update is available, the update process will begin.

In some rare cases, earbuds not pairing can indicate an issue with either the earbuds internal antenna. Now earbuds have a lengthy and tempestuous histroy when it comes to repairability, however if you have some micro-soldering skills, consider checking out some of our incredible guides.