Why Won't the Bluetooth on My Phone Work?

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that lets you transmit information between electronic devices, such as a mobile phone and an earpiece. For the devices to work together properly, profiles on both must be set up and turned on according to the manufacturer's instructions. If Bluetooth isn't working with your phone, one of several common problems may be to blame.

Phones and Headsets

If the phone and headset are both powered on but there is no dial tone, make sure both are fully charged (your adapter as well, if needed). Most have a blinking light that signifies a full charge. If they still do not work, they may need to be synced manually so they can communicate with each other. This is also referred to as linking or pairing. Using your phone's menu screen, find "Communications" or "Connections" and scroll to find "Bluetooth." Select this and navigate to "Find Devices." Choose the device you want to sync with. If successful, you will hear a dial tone in the headset.

No Bluetooth

Some Bluetooth problems are very easy to fix. A simple but often overlooked step is to make sure your device is turned on. Some phones will not even display the "Bluetooth" option in the menu screens unless the Bluetooth device is powered up. If there is still no Bluetooth option, double-check that your phone is enabled for wireless connectivity. If it is not, you will need an adapter.

Device Not Found

When you want to send a file and scroll to "Send via Bluetooth" on your phone, your device list may come up empty. Sometimes this can be resolved by physically moving the devices closer together. The maximum distance between devices is 30 feet -- less if there is an obstacle blocking the signal.

Transmission Failed

You may be getting an error message when you try to send a file, saying that the transmission did not go through. First, check to see if the receiving device expects a security code before receiving transmissions. Some phones have security restrictions to prevent hacks. If that's not the case, you may have a weak signal. Try moving closer to the target device and re-sending your file.

Connectivity Issues

Most Bluetooth-equipped devices come with a factory-set name. Change your device settings so that all your electronics have unique monikers. There are still some compatibility issues among Bluetooth devices, too. If you can send a file from your phone to your computer, odds are everything is working properly, but you have compatibility issues with the receiving device. Check the manufacturer's website for software updates for your phone, or visit a service center. But be careful: New phone software that updates the operating system can erase all your phone information.

References

• Bluetooth Troubleshooting