Connect via Bluetooth on your Android device

To connect via Bluetooth, first turn on your device's Bluetooth. When you use a new Bluetooth accessory, pair it with your device. After pairing, devices can connect with each other automatically.

Important: On a tablet that people share, each person can change the overall Bluetooth settings.

Note: Some of these steps work only on Android 9 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.

Turn Bluetooth on or off

  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 Step 3.
  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.

Pair & connect a Bluetooth accessory

Before you can connect to a Bluetooth accessory, you must pair it with your device. After pairing, your devices stay paired until you unpair them. 

While Bluetooth settings are open, nearby devices can see your phone.

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

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

Step 1: Pair

  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 Step 3.
  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).

Step 2: Connect

  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 Step 3.
  3. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
  4. In the list of paired devices, tap a paired but unconnected device.
  5. When your device and the Bluetooth device are connected, the device shows as "Connected" in the list.

Tip: If your device is connected to something through Bluetooth, at the top of the screen, you'll see a Bluetooth icon Bluetooth.

Option 2: Use notifications (fast pair accessories only)

Accessories that work with fast pair say so on their boxes. Many also say "Made by Google" or "Made for Google."  See accessories in the Google Store.

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

Step 1: Pair

  1. Make sure:
    • Your Bluetooth accessory works with fast pair.
    • Your device is using Android 6.0 or higher.
    • Your device has Bluetooth and Location turned on.
  2. Turn on your fast pair accessory near your device.
  3. Tap Tap to pair.
  4. You'll get a "Pairing complete" notification. If your accessory has an app, tap Tap to get the app on Google Play.

Step 2: Connect

  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 Step 3.
  3. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
  4. In the list of paired devices, tap a paired but unconnected device.
  5. When your device and the Bluetooth device are connected, the device shows as "Connected" in the list.

Tip: If your device is connected to something through Bluetooth, at the top of the screen, you'll see a Bluetooth icon Bluetooth.

Configure, unpair, or rename a Bluetooth accessory

If your Bluetooth accessories can do more than one thing, like calls and music, you can pick which actions to take with each accessory.

Your device has a Bluetooth name that other devices see when you connect them via Bluetooth. You can change your device's Bluetooth name.

Unpair, rename, or pick actions for a Bluetooth accessory

Important: Settings can vary by device. 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. If you don't see "Connection preferences," go to Step 3.
  3. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
  4. Tap the Back arrow twice Back.
  5. Open your Bluetooth accessory's settings:
    • If you see your accessory under "Available media devices," next to its name, tap Settings Settings.
    • If no accessories are listed, tap Previously connected devices. Next to your accessory's name, tap Settings Settings.
  6. Change the accessory's name, disconnect, pick actions ("profiles"), or unpair ("forget") the accessory.
Change your phone or tablet's Bluetooth name

Important: Settings can vary by device. 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. If you don't see "Connection preferences," go to Step 3.
  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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