Bluetooth Not Connecting on Android: Google's Fixes for Cars, Accessories, Music and Calls

ANDROID

When a car or Bluetooth accessory will not connect, the fix is usually a short checklist. Google's Android Help page on Bluetooth problems lists the steps by problem type. This guide keeps them in Google's order.

Before you start: Google notes that some steps work only on Android 8.0 and up, and that if you use a custom Android version from a phone maker, you may need to check with the manufacturer if these steps do not work.

Step 1: Check the basics

1. Turn Bluetooth off, then on again.
2. Confirm that your devices are paired and connected.
3. Restart your devices.

Step 2: Match the fix to the problem

Can't pair with a car

Clear old devices from your phone.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Connected devices, then Saved devices. If you do not see Saved devices, tap Bluetooth.
3. For devices you are not using, tap the settings icon next to the name, then Forget, then Forget device.
4. If you paired your phone and car before, forget your car's name the same way.

Clear phones from the car's memory. Follow your car's manual. Clear phones you are not using, and if you paired before, clear your own phone.

Refresh the list and pair. Your car's manual tells you whether to pair from the phone or from the car.

• From your phone: check that the car is discoverable, open Settings, tap Connected devices (or Bluetooth), tap Pair new device and pick the car.
• From your car: keep the Connected devices (or Bluetooth) screen open on the phone, then pick your phone on the car's list. If asked, check that the PINs match. Tap Allow access to your contacts and call history if you want that, then tap Pair, Accept or Confirm.

Can't pair with other accessories

1. Check that the accessory is discoverable and ready to pair, following its own instructions. Google says you often see a blue light when it is ready, and some accessories, like folio keyboards, must be connected to the phone or tablet before they can pair.
2. Refresh your list: Settings, Connected devices (or Bluetooth), Pair new device, then the accessory's name.
3. If it asks for a passcode and you do not have one, Google suggests trying 0000 or 1234, the most common ones.

If a Fast Pair device does not show a notification

• Search for the device in Settings, under your profile, All services, then Devices in "Connected devices & sharing."
• Be close to it. Google says your phone needs to be within 0.5 m (1.6 ft) of accessories that work with Fast Pair.
• Make sure Bluetooth and Location are on, and that the phone is on a Wi-Fi or mobile network.

Google adds that your phone cannot find and set up every device automatically. If nothing appears, connect through regular Bluetooth instead.

Can't hear music

Google notes not all cars can play music over Bluetooth, so check the car's manual.

1. Turn the volume up on the phone and on the car or accessory.
2. Check that no other paired device is playing the music.
3. Make sure Media audio is on: Settings, Connected devices (or Bluetooth), Saved devices, the settings icon next to the car or accessory, then turn on Media audio.

Can't make or get calls

Google notes not all cars can make or get calls over Bluetooth, so check the car's manual.

1. Check that no other paired device is getting your calls.
2. Turn on Phone audio in the same place: the settings icon next to the car or accessory.

Source: Google, "Fix Bluetooth problems on Android", Android Help, https://support.google.com/android/answer/9769184 (read November 13, 2026). Menu names vary by phone and Android version.