How to find out why your Bluetooth isn't connecting

Bluetooth has been providing convenience and entertainment to everyone ever since it hit the Philippine market.

But what if your Bluetooth device suddenly stops connecting with your in-car unit, would you need to immediately ask a technician for help? Find out the answers in this article from Philkotse.com.

The problem with your Bluetooth device

Bluetooth was never intended for the sole purpose of vehicle application. But it has still managed to find its way into in-car entertainment systems and even made itself an absolute necessity in the field.

The problems with Bluetooth can come in many forms. Nut the usual ones is an earpiece no longer connected to your device or in a car, your head unit may no longer pair with your phone.

Bluetooth was never intended for the sole purpose of vehicle application

Most of these problems can range from interference all the way to compatibility issues. When this happens, you’ll find that the universal connector, Bluetooth, isn’t so universal after all.

>>> Read more: [Philkotse tips] How to choose the right head unit for your car

Most common reasons why your Bluetooth devices can’t connect

Having Bluetooth connection problems, especially when you need entertainment in the car, can be a real bummer. But no problem happens without reason.

But no problem happens without reasons

This applies to Bluetooth connectivity issues too. So to help you narrow down your issue with your device, we listed down the most reasons why your Bluetooth device won’t connect.

Your Bluetooth devices may not be completely compatible

Are your Bluetooth devices compatible? If you’ve never paired the device and head unit in question before, then you first have to make sure that they are indeed compatible.

Some people out there assume that just because one device has “Bluetooth”, it can automatically connect with every other Bluetooth-capable device out there. Sadly, that just isn’t right. Yes, Bluetooth-capable devices aren’t as universal as you think.

Bluetooth-capable devices aren’t as universal as you think

The good news here is that newer Bluetooth versions can work with other older versions of Bluetooth. So in most cases, car radio with an older Bluetooth version is rarely a problem.

There’s always a high chance that the head unit in your car comes with a much older Bluetooth version. But it should still work with the handheld device that you have.

The only exception is if one of the devices in question uses a version called “Bluetooth Smart”. These types of devices only pair with devices that have the same Bluetooth version.

Newer Bluetooth versions can work with other older versions of Bluetooth

>>> Check out: [Philkotse guide] How to properly install Bluetooth in your car

There may be obstructions between the two devices or one device may just be too far away

Most Bluetooth devices will remain paired even at about 30 feet of distance. Although it may not have the best sound quality, it should still stay connected at this distance.

Bluetooth devices work better when they’re close together. But proximity is still important when pairing the devices.

So if your handheld device does not want to connect with the head unit’s Bluetooth while it’s kept somewhere, pull it out and bring it closer.

Proximity is still important when pairing the devices

Once the phone or handheld device is successfully paired with your head unit or car kit, you will be able to stash it safely.

You can put it in your pocket, in the center console or even better, in a dedicated phone holder. The last option won’t only make the connectivity more secure, it will also give you better access to your phone.

>>> For your information: Top 4 best Bluetooth kits for your car and its cost

Bluetooth device may not be on entirely or one of which are still low in battery

If you’re a fan of Bluetooth and have used it more than once, you already know how this activity sucks up a lot of power. Even in your phone, it can cut down the total talk time even if you just left it on and paired with another device.

Of course, thanks to innovative modern technology, there is the “battery-saving mode”. This is also known as the ``power-saving mode” that we appreciate today. This automatically shuts the Bluetooth off so your device saves battery.

You can turn this on manually or you can also charge one or both of the devices

You can turn this on manually or you can also charge one or both of the devices. This may just get them to connect and pair successfully.

If it still doesn’t work, you still end up with a fully-charged Bluetooth-capable device. It’s still a win-win situation.

>>> Suggested article: Getting to know Wifi and Bluetooth: Two technologies of the present and future

Bluetooth devices in question may not be Bluetooth-enabled or aren’t ready to pair

Pairing your phone with an earpiece, a car kit or a head unit is usually very easy. But then again, the situation can vary from one user to another. For example, if you want to pair your phone to an earpiece or a car kit, you need to be sure about two things.

Pairing your phone with an earpiece, a car kit or a head unit is usually very easy

First is that the device’s Bluetooth capability should be turned on. Second, the accessory device should be set to pairing mode.

In devices that come with a single button, you would typically need to press it and hold for a few seconds. This should set the device to pairing mode.

If there is also a single light for power, charging, and operation, this should flash red when in pairing mode.

If the devices are already set as discoverable but you still can’t see them from the other, you may have a compatibility issue

When you’re pairing a device to a head unit, you usually have to set one or both of them to be discoverable. If the devices are already set as discoverable but you still can’t see them from the other, you may have a compatibility issue.

>>> It's time to tell the difference between aux and Bluetooth

There is a source of interference close by

Bluetooth operates in the unlicensed part of a typical radio spectrum. That’s why interference from other devices can forbid you from connecting your phone to the head unit.

So if you’ve tried the listed tips above and still have problems with pairing, you may have an interference problem. You just need to drive away from that source of unwanted interference. Some examples of interference are Wi-Fi and USB 3.0.