If your iPhone 11 Bluetooth functionality isn’t working, there are a number of things you can try to get it working again. In this article, i’ll explain why Bluetooth is not working on your iPhone 11 and show you how to fix the problem for good.
It’s incredibly frustrating when your iPhone 11 won’t connect with a Bluetooth accessory. Whether it’s a set of wireless headphones, a smart speaker, or your car stereo, we expect our Bluetooth accessories to work seamlessly, but that isn’t always what happens.
In this article, we’ll walk you through all the best ways to fix Bluetooth problems on your iPhone 11. Most of the time, these problems are the result of a software issue, which means you can usually fix them yourself for free. Let’s get started.
Common iPhone 11 Bluetooth problems
Some of the most common iPhone 11 Bluetooth issues include:
- iPhone 11 Bluetooth not working
- Can’t turn on Bluetooth on iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Bluetooth is grayed out in settings
- iPhone 11 Bluetooth not pairing
- iPhone 11 Bluetooth not finding devices
- iPhone 11 Bluetooth keeps disconnecting
This post will guide you through 13 fixes that will, hopefully, solve the iPhone 11 Bluetooth problems you are experiencing.
Understanding the possible causes of the Bluetooth issues on iPhone 11 can make it a lot easier to find the right solutions. So, let’s first dig into the possible reasons!
Why is Bluetooth not working on iPhone 11?
Bluetooth issues on iPhone 11 occur due to a number of reasons such as software bugs, outdated software, and the ill-functioning of the Bluetooth accessories. Besides, the problem could also crop up if the Bluetooth device isn’t fully charged or if you have restricted the companion app from using Bluetooth on your iPhone. Taking all these possible causes into account, we have compiled a list of solutions that can resolve the infamous iPhone Bluetooth not working on iPhone 11 issue.
Note: Before you start troubleshooting, do check whether your iPhone’s Bluetooth is turned on. You can do this from the Control Center, or by checking the Bluetooth toggle within the Settings app.
Ways to Fix Bluetooth Not Working on iPhone 11
Note: Information on this article applies to iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max. Without any further delay, let’s get started.
1. Toggle Bluetooth on Your iPhone
The first solution you should try when you face Bluetooth connection issues on your iPhone 11 is to give Bluetooth a fresh restart. It has always been my go-to trick whenever I encounter Bluetooth problems on my iPhone 11. More often than not, it gets the job done. That’s why I have put it right at the top. To do so, open Settings app > Bluetooth and then turn off switch. Please note: that turning Bluetooth off from Control center doesn’t work so you have to go to Settings to do that.
Now, go back to Settings > Bluetooth and then turn on the switch. Now, try using Bluetooth as usual. If you are able to get the better of the problem, rejoice. But if the success is yet to smile, move on to the next solution.
2. Turn Off/On Bluetooth accessory
Still unable to fix Bluetooth issues on your iPhone 11? Don’t worry, the problem could be with your Bluetooth accessory. So, try resetting the Bluetooth device. Most Bluetooth devices come with a power switch to let you enable/disable them with ease. So, look for the power switch and then press it to turn off the Bluetooth accessory. After that, press the power button again to turn it on.
3. Update Your iPhone
If none of the above tricks has worked in resolving the Bluetooth issues on your iPhone 11, I suspect the problem could very well be due to a software bug or outdated software. In either case, you can get rid of the issue by upgrading the software. You can do this by going to Settings app > General > Software Update.
4. Update Your Bluetooth Accessory
To improve performance and also fix common issues, accessory makers often release software updates. So, if you haven’t updated your Bluetooth device for a while, there is a high chance that the problem could be due to outdated software. Most Bluetooth devices come with a companion app that lets you customize the settings. Open the App Store -> Your Profile to check if there is any software update available.
Updating AirPods are pretty straightforward. The earphones are automatically updated to the latest firmware versions when they are connected via Bluetooth to your iPhone and iPad.
5. Make Sure Your Bluetooth Device is Charged
Ensure that your Bluetooth accessory is fully charged or connected to a power source. If the accessory comes with a rechargeable battery, check if the battery needs to be replaced.
If you are able to pair your accessory with some devices but not your iPhone 11, unpair the accessory from your other devices. After that, try to pair it with your device again. Besides, also contact the accessory manufacturer to make sure that your accessory supports iOS.
6. Make Sure the Companion App Can Access Bluetooth
If the Bluetooth accessory comes with a companion app, make sure the app can access Bluetooth on your iPhone 11. Open the Settings app on your device and choose Privacy. Now, locate Bluetooth and tap on it. After that, ensure that the app (in question) can use Bluetooth.
7. Forget The Device and Pair Again
Another trick that has always worked for me in troubleshooting the Bluetooth not working issue on iPhone 11 is forgetting the device and then reconnecting the iOS device to Bluetooth accessories. So, I’m going to give a try to this trusted troubleshooter as well. You can do this by going to Settings app -> Bluetooth -> “i” button right next to a Bluetooth accessory. After that, tap on Forget This Device and confirm. Now, reconnect your iPhone 11 to the Bluetooth accessory.
8. Force restart Your iPhone
Another solution that has often worked for me in fixing common iPhone 13 issues including the Bluetooth problems is the performing a force restart. To force restart iPhone 11: Press and quickly release the volume up button, press and quickly release the volume down button. Then, press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo on the screen.
9. Make sure your bluetooth accessory isn’t broken
The next step when you find your iPhone 11 bluetooth not working is an obvious one. It’s entirely possible that there’s nothing wrong with the iPhone and that the bluetooth accessory is the problem. You can check this out quickly just by pairing your bluetooth accessory to another device. This doesn’t necessarily have to be an iPhone. A laptop, TV, or any other device that supports bluetooth will do.
If your bluetooth accessory is not working when paired to a different device, you’ve found the source of the problem. If they’re working fine with a different device, something else is to blame. It’s time to try out one of the other fixes listed below.
We also recommend pairing a different bluetooth device into your iPhone 11 before moving forward. Although it’s rare, there’s still a chance that your original accessory isn’t compatible with your iPhone 11, even if it work with other devices.
10. Reset Bluetooth Accessory
As we’ve mentioned above, there is a chance the problem isn’t with the your iPhone 11 but has to do with the bluetooth accessory. If this is the case, you’ll be able to sort it out in no time. The most obvious fix is to try to reset the Bluetooth accessory. If the problem is with the accessory, you can get rid of the issue by resetting it.
Do note that the process of resetting Bluetooth accessories varies. So, be sure to check the user manual if you need assistance. If you have AirPods, you can reset them with ease. With the lead open, hold down the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until the status light flashes amber and then white. After that, you need to reconnect your AirPods to your device. With the lead option, simply place your AirPods close to your device and then follow the instructions.
11. Reset Network Settings
Whenever I find my iPhone embroiled into network issues, the one trick that I never fail to try out is resetting the network settings. And just as you might expect, I’m not going to miss out on it in this post either, considering it has a pretty good record of resolving Bluetooth issues on iPhone 11. Please note: this will wipe out all the existing network settings and return them to the factory defaults. Head over to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings > Enter your device passcode and confirm.
12. Factory Reset Your iPhone
Having faced Bluetooth issues quite a few times on my iPhone 11, I can say that you may rarely have to restore your device to fix such problems. But hey, strange things do happen with software when you expect them the least. And iPhone 11 is no exception to such things. So, if the luck is still frowning upon you, why not try it out as well as it’s often considered as the last resort.
To do this, head into Settings -> General -> Transfer or Reset iPhone. Here, tap on ‘Erase All Content and Settings‘ to completely wipe your iPhone. Do note that you should back up your iPhone before you do this. Moreover, you should only use this fix as last solution.
13. Contact Apple
If none of the fixes listed above work, it means the problem isn’t quite as minor as hoped. If you can’t turn on Bluetooth on your iPhone 11 or the setting is grayed out or you can’t connect any Bluetooth accessories with your iPhone 11, and the accessory manufacturer has confirmed that your accessory supports iPhone 11 you will have to contact Apple support for a solution. You can head into your nearest Apple store, or book a Genius Bar appointment first.
See also: Wi-Fi Not Working on iPhone 11? Here Are The Fixes!
Fix Bluetooth Issues on iPhone 11
This wraps up the article. Hopefully, the iPhone 11 Bluetooth problems are behind your back now. Let us know in the comments if you faced any Bluetooth related issues on your iPhone 11 or iPhone 11 Pro, and if so, were you able to fix the issues with these tips?
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