Phone not connecting to the car's Bluetooth? 5 fixes you can try (2024)

FAQs

Phone not connecting to the car's Bluetooth? 5 fixes you can try? ›

If your vehicle's software isn't up-to-date, it could lead to Bluetooth connectivity issues. Always ensure that your car's system software and your phone's operating system are updated to the latest versions. Compatibility issues – Not all phones and cars play nice together.

If your vehicle's software isn't up-to-date, it could lead to Bluetooth connectivity issues. Always ensure that your car's system software and your phone's operating system are updated to the latest versions. Compatibility issues – Not all phones and cars play nice together.

If your Bluetooth devices won't connect, it's likely because the devices are out of range, or aren't in pairing mode. If you're having persistent Bluetooth connection problems, try resetting your devices, or having your phone or tablet "forget" the connection.

Bluetooth connection may be interfered with by an abrupt movement or distance between devices over 33 feet(10 meters). Placing metallic stickers near the antenna or using metallic protection covers can cause pairing problems.

If your iPhone isn't detected by CarPlay, make sure that CarPlay isn't restricted. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. If Content & Privacy Restrictions is on, tap Allowed Apps, and make sure that CarPlay is enabled. Go to Settings > General > CarPlay, tap your car, then tap Forget This Car.

Make sure your Bluetooth device is in range. If your Bluetooth device is unresponsive or sluggish, check to make sure it's not too close to any other USB device that's plugged into a USB 3.0 port. Unshielded USB devices can sometimes interfere with Bluetooth connections.

Try turning off the device, resetting the device or removing the device's battery, then trying again. Try deleting your device from SYNC, deleting SYNC from your device and trying again. Check the security and "auto accept/prompt always" settings relative to the SYNC Bluetooth connection on your phone.

A headset or a speaker doesn't reconnect automatically

Return to Settings, search for Bluetooth auto-connect and enable this feature. Make sure that the other device is within the effective Bluetooth range from your smartphone and restart it. Re-enable Bluetooth on the phone and check if the issue is fixed*.

How do I force my Bluetooth to connect? ›

Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. Touch and hold Bluetooth . In the list of paired devices, tap a paired but unconnected device. When your phone and the Bluetooth device are connected, the device shows as "Connected."

A problem may be caused by your phone's or vehicle infotainment system's software. Be sure you have the latest software version for your phone. If you've updated your phone and are still experiencing Bluetooth calling concerns, try deleting your phone's pairing and then pairing it again.

Restart your phone and car's infotainment system

Restarting your electronic devices can be very effective. Turn off both your phone and the car's Bluetooth system, then turn them back on and try connecting your device again. This simple action often fixes many connectivity problems.

A headset or a speaker doesn't reconnect automatically

Return to Settings, search for Bluetooth auto-connect and enable this feature. Make sure that the other device is within the effective Bluetooth range from your smartphone and restart it. Re-enable Bluetooth on the phone and check if the issue is fixed*.

You may have software issues, including an outdated Android operating system or Android Auto app. You may have a bad wired or wireless connection. You may be using a faulty app. You may be trying to connect Android Auto to the wrong vehicle.

If Android Auto had worked properly before and no longer works now, replace your USB cable and that will likely fix the issue. Here are some tips to help you find the best USB cable for Android Auto: Use a cable that's under 3 feet (1 meter) long and don't use USB hubs or cable extensions.