How to connect Bluetooth devices

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to connect Bluetooth devices. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Quick Steps (Headphones/Speakers/Mouse/Keyboard)

1. Turn on your Bluetooth device – ensure it is in pairing mode.
2. Turn on Bluetooth in Windows – use the Action Centre toggle or go to Settings.
3. Add the device – Windows will search for nearby Bluetooth devices.
4. Complete pairing – follow any on‑screen prompts.

Detailed Instructions

Step 1: Enable Bluetooth in Windows

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Select Bluetooth & devices from the left‑hand menu.
3. Make sure the Bluetooth toggle is set to On.
4. Alternatively, click the Bluetooth icon in the Action Centre to turn it on.
5. Confirm that the Bluetooth Support Service is running:
   1. Open the Run dialog (Win + R), type services.msc and press Enter.
   2. Locate Bluetooth Support Service and ensure its status is Running. If not, right‑click and select Start.
6. If you use a laptop, verify that Airplane mode is turned off, as it disables Bluetooth.
7. For quick access to paired devices, press Win + K to open the Bluetooth connect pane.

Step 2: Put Your Device in Pairing Mode

• Headphones / Speakers:
  • Press and hold the power button for 5–10 seconds until a flashing light appears (usually blue).
• Mouse / Keyboard:
  • Press the dedicated pairing button, or turn the device off and on while holding the pairing button.
  • If you experience issues, see the article Keyboard or mouse not responding.

Consult the device’s manual for model‑specific pairing instructions.

Step 3: Add the Bluetooth Device

1. In Settings > Bluetooth & devices, click Add device.
2. Select Bluetooth as the device type.
3. Wait for your device to appear in the list, then select it.
4. If prompted for a PIN, enter the default code (commonly 0000 or 1234).
5. Follow any additional on‑screen instructions to complete pairing.

Step 4: Test Your Device

• Speakers: Play a music file or stream audio.
• Headphones: Play audio to confirm sound output.
• Mouse / Keyboard: Move the cursor or type to verify responsiveness.

Troubleshooting

Device Not Showing Up

• Confirm the device is still in pairing mode.
• Move the device closer to the computer (within 5 m).
• Power‑cycle the device and try scanning again.
• Check the Bluetooth Support Service is running (see Step 1).

Pairing Failed

• Remove the device from Settings > Bluetooth & devices and attempt pairing again.
• Ensure the device is not already paired with another computer or phone.
• Disable Airplane mode and any other wireless‑radio conflicts.

Connected but Not Working

• Remove the device and re‑pair it.
• Update Bluetooth drivers via Device Manager or follow How to update Windows for the latest driver packages.
• Run the built‑in Bluetooth troubleshooter:
  1. Open Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.
  2. Select Bluetooth and click Run.

Remove a Device

1. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
2. Click the device name, then choose Disconnect or Remove device.

Desktop PC without Built‑in Bluetooth

• If your PC lacks native Bluetooth, install a compatible USB Bluetooth dongle.
• After installing the dongle, repeat the steps above to pair your device.

Still Having Issues?