How to Connect to Bluetooth on a Windows Phone

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

Bluetooth connectivity on a Windows Phone allows you to wirelessly connect and transfer data between your phone and other Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as headphones, speakers, keyboards, and more. Whether you're setting up a new Bluetooth device or connecting to an existing one, here's how to connect Bluetooth on your Windows Phone.

Connecting Bluetooth on a Windows Phone

Method 1: Pairing a New Bluetooth Device

Step 1: Enable Bluetooth

Unlock your Windows Phone and go to the home screen. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Action Center. Tap on the "Bluetooth" icon to enable Bluetooth. 

Alternatively, you can access Bluetooth through the Settings menu:

Open the "Settings" app (gear-shaped icon). Scroll down and tap on "Devices." Tap on "Bluetooth & other devices." Toggle the switch under "Bluetooth" to the "On" position.

Step 2: Put the Device in Pairing Mode

Make sure the Bluetooth device you want to pair with your phone is in pairing mode. This usually involves holding down a button or following the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 3: Pair the Device

Once your Windows Phone is in Bluetooth mode and the target device is in pairing mode, you'll see the device listed in the Bluetooth menu on your phone. Tap on the device's name to initiate pairing. If prompted, confirm the pairing on both your phone and the target device. Once the pairing is successful, you'll see a confirmation message, and the device will be listed as "Connected."

Method 2: Connecting to a Previously Paired Device

If you've already paired a device with your Windows Phone and want to reconnect it, follow these steps:

Step 1: Enable Bluetooth

Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on your Windows Phone, as mentioned in the first step of Method 1.

Step 2: Access Bluetooth Settings 

Go to the "Settings" app on your Windows Phone. Scroll down and tap on "Devices." Tap on "Bluetooth & other devices."

Step 3: Connect to the Device

In the list of paired devices, find the device you want to connect to and tap on its name. Your phone will attempt to establish a connection with the device. Once the connection is successful, the device will be listed as "Connected."

Method 3: Troubleshooting Bluetooth Connectivity

If you encounter issues with Bluetooth connectivity, try the following troubleshooting steps:

Ensure that Bluetooth is turned on both on your Windows Phone and the target device.

Verify that the target device is in pairing mode. Check if there are any Bluetooth device driver updates available for your Windows Phone by going to "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Windows Update." Restart your Windows Phone and the target Bluetooth device. Remove the Bluetooth device from your phone's list of paired devices and then attempt to re-pair it. Consult the user manual or support resources for the specific Bluetooth device for additional troubleshooting steps.

By following these steps, you can easily connect Bluetooth devices to your Windows Phone, whether you're pairing a new device or reconnecting to a previously paired one. Bluetooth connectivity allows you to enjoy wireless audio, keyboard input, and file sharing, enhancing the functionality and versatility of your Windows Phone.

Contact Support.Com:

If you are still having trouble, refer to the Step-By-Step Guide below or consider seeking personalized assistance from Support.Com.

1. Introduction

Your device has the ability to pair with a variety of Bluetooth devices. This guide will help you with the connection process.

2. Connect Bluetooth

Some Bluetooth accessories are configured with a PIN or a passkey that is often listed in its information manual. Check your Bluetooth accessory documentation for the correct PIN or passkey.

1. Starting from the top of the device, swipe your finger downwards.
   

1. Press All Settings.
   

1. Press Devices.
   

1. Press Bluetooth.
   

1. Slide the Status bar to On.
   

1. Set your Bluetooth accessory in Pairing/Discovery mode.
   This process will vary depending on what kind of device you have. Refer to your device's documentation for specifics on how to accomplish this.
2. Your phone will automatically search and display a list of available devices. Tap on the Bluetooth device you wish to connect. If your device is not listed, make sure it is Bluetooth enabled and within 10 feet of your phone.
   

1. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish connecting your device.
   

1. The connection was successful if the Bluetooth device is listed as paired.
   

3. Troubleshoot Bluetooth

1. Bring your Bluetooth accessory and Windows device close to each other (within a couple of feet).
2. Ensure the Bluetooth accessory is on and fully charged or connected to power. If your accessory uses batteries, check if they need to be replaced. Some Bluetooth accessories will not connect while the charger is connected.
3. Restart your Bluetooth accessory.
4. Swipe down from the top of the screen.
   

1. Tap on the All Settings tile.
   

1. Tap Devices.
   

1. Tap Bluetooth.
   

2. Toggle the Bluetooth switch to Off and then back to On.
   

1. If your device was previously paired, you'll want to remove it from your system. Press and hold the device you would like to delete and then tap delete.
   

1. Your device is now ready to be paired again.

4. Troubleshoot Bluetooth (cont)

Additional TroubleshootingIf you still can't pair or connect your Bluetooth accessory. Try these steps:

Try Another Device

If you have another device available, attempt to pair your Bluetooth device to a different device. If it pairs with other devices but not your Windows computer, you may have compatibility issues.

Device Compatibility

Verify your PC meets the hardware requirements of your Bluetooth device.

Other Windows Issues

Windows issues may be caused by faulty hardware or software issues. Here are some examples.

• You cannot turn on Bluetooth or the setting is grayed out.
• You cannot connect any Bluetooth accessories to your device.
• The accessory manufacturer confirmed that your accessory is working correctly.

What Next

Contact Bluetooth Device Manufacturer

If you are unable to pair your Bluetooth device to any device, you will want to contact the manufacturer of your Bluetooth device.

Contact Computer Manufacturer

If you were able to pair your Bluetooth device to a different Bluetooth device or you cannot enable Bluetooth on your computer, you will want to contact the manufacturer that built your computer.