You try to connect your smartphone to your wireless headphones, speaker, or other device, but Bluetooth isn’t discovering or finding it. This can be frustrating when you want to stream music or take a call. There are several potential reasons that Bluetooth is not finding available devices.
Out of Range
Bluetooth has a typical range of up to 30 feet depending on the device class. If your two devices are farther apart than the maximum range, Bluetooth will not be able to find the device to connect. Try moving the devices closer together or within direct line of sight.
Power Off
Ensure that the Bluetooth device you are trying to find is powered on. Bluetooth cannot find devices that are powered down or have a flat battery. Check that your device is switched on and charged.
Pairing Mode
Many Bluetooth devices need to be put into a special pairing mode before they are visible to other devices. Refer to your device’s manual to find out how to make it discoverable. This often involves pressing and holding a pairing button until a light flashes.
Incorrect Settings
Go into your smartphone’s Bluetooth settings and ensure the toggle is switched on. Also check that the target device is not already paired – you may need to delete old pairings. Turn off Bluetooth and turn it back on to refresh available devices.
Software Issues
Updating to the latest software on your smartphone and Bluetooth device can help resolve discovery problems. Outdated firmware may prevent pairing. Check app stores for any available updates.
Interference
Nearby wireless signals like other Bluetooth devices, Wi-Fi networks, and microwaves can interfere with Bluetooth connections. Try turning off other wireless devices or moving your smartphone and target device away from potential sources of interference.
Defective Hardware In rare cases, a defective antenna or Bluetooth module in your smartphone or device can prevent successful pairing. You may need to replace the faulty device if it is damaged and discovery consistently fails after trying other troubleshooting steps.
With some experimentation and by working through the common causes above, you should be able to get Bluetooth finding your target device successfully. Check user manuals, adjust settings, move devices closer, power cycle, and update software and firmware. If the issues persist, the culprit could be wireless interference or hardware damage. Careful troubleshooting saves you the headache of dealing with lost Bluetooth connections.