Connect through Bluetooth on your Android device

You can use Bluetooth to connect some devices to your phone without a cord. After you pair a Bluetooth device for the first time, your devices can pair automatically. If your phone is connected to something through Bluetooth, at the top of the screen, you'll see a Bluetooth icon Bluetooth.

Important: Some of these steps work only on Android 10 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.

Turn Bluetooth on or off

  1. Open your phone's Settings app.
  2. Tap Connected devices And then Connection preferences And then Bluetooth. If you don't see "Connection preferences," go to the next step.
  3. Turn Bluetooth on or off.

Tip: To save battery, turn off Bluetooth when you're not using it. Bluetooth is off in Airplane mode.

Step 1: Pair a Bluetooth accessory

Important: After pairing, your devices stay paired until you unpair them.

Option 1: Use the Settings app (all Bluetooth accessories)

Important: Settings can vary by phone. For more info, contact your device manufacturer.

  1. Open your device's Settings app.
  2. Tap Connected devices And then Connection preferences And then Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. If you don't see "Connection preferences," go to the next step. When Bluetooth settings are open, nearby devices can find your phone.
  3. Tap Pair new device. If you don't see "Pair new device," you're using a different Android version. Look under "Available devices." If needed, tap More More And then Refresh.
  4. Tap the name of the Bluetooth device you want to pair with your phone or tablet.
  5. Follow any on-screen steps.

Tip: If you need a passcode and don't have it, try 0000 or 1234 (the most common passcodes).

Option 2: Use notifications (fast pair accessories only)

Important: Settings can vary by phone. For more info, contact your device manufacturer.

  1. Make sure:
    • Your Bluetooth accessory works with fast pair. Accessories that work with fast pair say so on their boxes. Many also say "Made by Google" or "Made for Google." Find accessories in the Google Store. 
    • Your phone is using Android 6.0 or higher.
    • Your phone has Bluetooth and Location turned on.
  2. Turn on your fast pair accessory and put it in pairing mode. Make sure your accessory is near your phone or tablet.
  3. When you get a notification, tap Tap to pair.
  4. You'll get a "Device connected" or "Pairing complete" notification.
  5. If your accessory needs to be set up, tap Set up now.

Tip: If you don’t get a notification, open your phone’s settings app and tap Connected devices. Under “Nearby devices,” tap the device you want to pair.

Step 2: Connect

  1. Open your phone's Settings app.
  2. Tap Connected devices And then Connection preferences And then Bluetooth. If you don't see "Connection preferences," go to the next step.
  3. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
  4. In the list of paired devices, tap a paired but unconnected device.
  5. When your phone and the Bluetooth device are connected, the device shows as "Connected."

Configure, unpair, or rename a Bluetooth accessory

Unpair, rename, or pick actions for a Bluetooth accessory

Important: Settings can vary by phone. For more info, contact your device manufacturer.

  1. Open your phone's Settings app.
  2. Tap Connected devices And then Connection preferences And then Bluetooth. If you don't see "Connection preferences," go to the next step.
  3. Open your Bluetooth accessory's settings:
    • If you find your accessory under "Available media devices": Next to your device's name, tap Settings Settings.
    • If no accessories are listed under "Previously connected devices": Tap See all. Next to your accessory's name, tap Settings Settings.
  4. Make your change:
    • To change the accessory's name: At the top, tap Edit .
    • To disconnect: Tap Disconnect Remove.
    • To remove the device from your phone completely: Tap Forget Clear.
    • On some devices, you can turn other settings on or off.
Tip: On a tablet that people share, each person can change the overall Bluetooth settings.
Change your phone or tablet's Bluetooth name
  1. Open your device's Settings app.
  2. Tap Connected devices And then Connection preferences And then Bluetooth. If you don't see "Connection preferences," go to the next step.
  3. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
  4. Tap Device name. If you don't see "Device name," you're using a different Android version. Tap More More And then Rename this device.
  5. Enter a new name.
  6. Tap Rename.

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