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Likely fix

Fix: Bluetooth headphones won’t connect

Headphones that appear but will not connect usually have a corrupted saved pairing, are connected to another device, or need Bluetooth restarted.

Quick answer

Forget the headphones from Bluetooth settings, restart both devices, then pair them again from scratch.

Important warning

Do not just tap Connect repeatedly. If the saved pairing is broken, removing and pairing again usually works better.

Try this

  1. 1 Open Bluetooth settings on your phone, tablet, or computer.
  2. 2 Forget or remove the headphones from the saved devices list.
  3. 3 Turn Bluetooth off and on.
  4. 4 Restart the headphones.
  5. 5 Restart the phone, tablet, or computer.
  6. 6 Put the headphones into pairing mode.
  7. 7 Pair them again from the Bluetooth settings screen.

Common causes

Saved Bluetooth pairing is corrupted.

Headphones are connected to another device.

Bluetooth is stuck.

Headphones need a firmware or factory reset.

Device limit is reached on the headphones.

What to check next

  • Check whether the headphones connect to another device.
  • Check whether they are listed twice in Bluetooth settings.
  • Check whether a companion app has firmware updates.
  • Check whether the headphones support only one active connection.

FAQ

Why do my Bluetooth headphones appear but not connect?

The saved pairing may be corrupted, the headphones may already be connected elsewhere, or Bluetooth may need to be restarted.

Should I forget the headphones and pair again?

Yes. Forgetting and pairing again is one of the most reliable fixes for Bluetooth headphones that appear but will not connect.

Can headphones connect to the wrong device automatically?

Yes. Turn Bluetooth off on nearby phones, tablets, or laptops to stop them from grabbing the connection.

Related fixes

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Fix: Bluetooth speaker won’t connect

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Fix: Only one Bluetooth earbud works

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Fix: Bluetooth audio stutters or cuts out

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Fix: Bluetooth connected but no sound

Bluetooth can connect successfully but play no sound when the wrong audio output is selected, volume is muted, the app is using another device, or the Bluetooth audio profile is stuck.

Fix: Bluetooth speaker not showing up

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