How to Fix Bluetooth Accessories on a PlayStation 3

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Your PlayStation game console is capable of connecting to different accessories wirelessly via Bluetooth. This guide will help you troubleshoot Bluetooth issues you may encounter.

Gamer enjoying the PlayStation.

2. Proximity Check

It is important to ensure that your Bluetooth devices are within range of the device you wish to connect to before proceeding further.

  • Bluetooth connection range is often limited to 10 meters or 32 feet.
  • A distance less than 12 inches can sometimes cause issues.
  • Physical obstacles, like walls, drastically reduce Bluetooth signal strength and range.
  • Electronic interference with neighboring radio, microwave, and cellular signals can potentially cause interference issues.

3. Battery Power

It is important to ensure that your Bluetooth device is powered on with an adequate amount of battery life in order to complete the pairing process without interruption.

  • Ensure your Bluetooth device is powered on.
  • Check your Bluetooth device's battery power.
  • Charge the battery if necessary, or replace old or depleted batteries if need be.

4. Pair Bluetooth Device

  1. Start from the main menu of your PlayStation 3.
PS3 main menu.


  1. Go to the Settings column and select Accessory Settings.
Settings menu with Accessory Settings selected.


  1. Select Manage Bluetooth Devices.
Accessory menu with Manage Bluetooth Devices selected.


  1. A message will appear: "There are no Bluetooth devices registered. Do you want to register a device?" Select Yes.
There are no Bluetooth devices registered. Do you want to register a device?


  1. Turn on the Bluetooth device you wish to pair.
Headset with Bluetooth on.


  1. After the device is powered on, select Start Scanning.
Scanning... Please wait.


  1. Select the Bluetooth device you wish to pair from the list of devices your PS3 found.
Select the Bluetooth device to register.


  1. You may or may not be prompted to enter a passkey. Your device's default passkey will be notated within its documentation. Many times, default codes of 0000 or 1234 will work with some devices.
Pass Key prompt.


  1. Select OK. Your device will begin pairing. Once completed, you will receive a message that states Register completed.
Register completed.


  1. Your Bluetooth device is now paired and ready to use with your PS3.

5. Reboot

  1. Hold down the Power Button located on the front of the PlayStation 3 system for 10 seconds.
  2. The power indicator will turn red.
  3. Restart the console by pressing the Power Button again.
PS3 with Power button identified on the right. Diagram.

6. Delete Paired Bluetooth Device

Remove paired devices that you no longer use or devices that you are currently trying to troubleshoot.

  1. Start from the main menu of your PlayStation 3.
PS3 main menu. Screenshot.


  1. Go to the Settings column and select Accessory Settings.
Settings menu with Accessory Settings selected. Screenshot.


  1. Select Manage Bluetooth Devices.
Accessory Settings with Manage Bluetooth Devices selected. Screenshot.


  1. Highlight the device you would like to remove and press the Triangle button for the Options menu.
Manage Bluetooth Devices with example Bluetooth device highlighted. Screenshot.


  1. Select Delete from the Options menu.
Options menu with Delete selected. Screenshot.


  1. Select Yes to confirm device deletion.
Registration with the selected device will be deleted. Are you sure you want to continue? Screenshot.


  1. Once completed, the device will disappear from the Bluetooth device list. The device has been successfully unpaired from your PS3.
Manage Bluetooth Devices list with example device deleted. Screenshot.

7. Pair Bluetooth Device

  1. Start from the main menu of your PlayStation 3.
PS3 main menu.


  1. Go to the Settings column and select Accessory Settings.
Settings menu with Accessory Settings selected.


  1. Select Manage Bluetooth Devices.
Accessory menu with Manage Bluetooth Devices selected.


  1. A message will appear: "There are no Bluetooth devices registered. Do you want to register a device?" Select Yes.
There are no Bluetooth devices registered. Do you want to register a device?


  1. Turn on the Bluetooth device you wish to pair.
Headset with Bluetooth on.


  1. After the device is powered on, select Start Scanning.
Scanning... Please wait.


  1. Select the Bluetooth device you wish to pair from the list of devices your PS3 found.
Select the Bluetooth device to register.


  1. You may or may not be prompted to enter a passkey. Your device's default passkey will be notated within its documentation. Many times, default codes of 0000 or 1234 will work with some devices.
Pass Key prompt.


  1. Select OK. Your device will begin pairing. Once completed, you will receive a message that states Register completed.
Register completed.


  1. Your Bluetooth device is now paired and ready to use with your PS3.

8. What's next?