Windows & BSOD · low

How to fix Bluetooth device won't pair or connect

Error code: BLUETOOTH-PAIRING-FAIL

What this error means

Windows does not find a Bluetooth device, pairing fails, or a paired device shows as paired but will not connect. Bluetooth itself is working on the PC, but the connection with this device does not succeed. Common reasons are a device that is not in pairing mode, low battery or distance, an old pairing record, airplane mode, or interference from nearby USB 3.0 devices. Microsoft's steps go from checking the device to removing and re-pairing it, and then to drivers.

Updated

Applies to
Windows 11 and Windows 10
Difficulty
Beginner
Before changes
Low

Reviewed by Matyáš Rada · Documentation checked: 2026-10-31 · Checked against Microsoft's Bluetooth troubleshooting articles; not tested with every device.

Before you begin

Check the device's manual for how to enter pairing mode (often holding the power or Bluetooth button until a light flashes). If the Bluetooth toggle itself is missing in Windows, see the Bluetooth missing guide on this site instead. If Windows cannot start, see the startup guide.

Work through these checks

0 of 7 complete
01Put the device in pairing mode and move it closer

Microsoft's first checks are that the device is on, charged, in pairing mode and in range.

  1. Charge the device fully or insert fresh batteries. Microsoft suggests leaving rechargeable headphones or speakers connected to power while pairing.
  2. Turn the device off, wait a few seconds and turn it on, then put it in pairing mode.
  3. Move it close to the PC, and away from USB 3.0 ports and devices, which can interfere with Bluetooth.
What to expect

The device appears when you click Add device.

If it does not help

If it is still connected to a phone or another PC, disconnect it there first; many devices connect to only one at a time.

Browse related errors
02Turn Bluetooth off and on

Restarting the Bluetooth radio clears temporary connection problems.

  1. Press Windows + A and make sure Airplane mode is off.
  2. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices, turn Bluetooth off, wait about 10 seconds and turn it on again.
  3. Try pairing again.
What to expect

The device pairs and connects.

If it does not help

If it was paired before but will not connect, remove it in step 3.

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03Remove the device and pair it again

An old pairing record often prevents a device from connecting.

  1. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices, find the device, click More options (…) > Remove device > Yes.
  2. Put the device in pairing mode, then click Add device > Bluetooth and select it.
  3. If the device has a reset option, reset it as described in its manual before pairing.
What to expect

The device pairs fresh and connects.

If it does not help

If it does not appear in the list, continue with step 4.

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04Show all device types during discovery

Windows can hide less common device types in the default discovery list.

  1. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices > Device settings.
  2. Set Bluetooth devices discovery to Advanced.
  3. Click Add device again.
What to expect

The device appears in the list.

If it does not help

If it still does not appear, check the device's specifications to make sure it supports your PC's Bluetooth version and profile.

Browse related errors
05Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter

The troubleshooter checks the adapter, services and settings automatically.

  1. On Windows 11, run the Bluetooth troubleshooter in the Get Help app, or open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and select Run next to Bluetooth.
  2. Apply the fixes it suggests.
What to expect

The troubleshooter fixes the problem.

If it does not help

If it finds nothing, update the driver in step 6.

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06Update or reinstall the Bluetooth driver

Microsoft's next step is updating or reinstalling the Bluetooth adapter driver.

  1. Right-click Start > Device Manager, expand Bluetooth and right-click the adapter (its name may include Radio) > Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
  2. Or install the Bluetooth driver from your PC or adapter maker's website.
  3. If that does not help, right-click the adapter > Uninstall device > Uninstall, then shut down, wait and start the PC; Windows reinstalls it.
What to expect

The adapter works with a fresh driver and the device pairs.

If it does not help

If Windows does not reinstall the adapter, click Action > Scan for hardware changes in Device Manager.

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07Install Windows updates and restart

Updates include Bluetooth fixes and new device support.

  1. Open Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates and install everything, including optional driver updates.
  2. Restart the PC and try pairing again.
What to expect

The device pairs and connects.

If it does not help

If the device pairs with other computers or phones but never with this PC, contact the PC maker about its Bluetooth adapter.

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Possible causes

  • The device is not in pairing mode, is out of range or has a low battery
  • An old or damaged pairing record on the PC or the device
  • Bluetooth is off or airplane mode is on
  • Interference from unshielded USB 3.0 devices
  • An outdated Bluetooth driver

Useful Windows tools

These commands open Windows tools. Review changes before applying them.

devmgmt.msc

Sources & further reading