Pairing a Bluetooth device in Windows (2023)

windows 11 windows 10 Windows 8.1 windows 7More or less

You can pair all kinds of Bluetooth devices with your PC, including keyboards, mice, phones, speakers, and more. To do this, your PC needs to have Bluetooth. Some PCs, such as laptops and tablets, have built-in Bluetooth. If your PC doesn't have it, you can connect a Bluetooth USB adapter to your PC's USB port to get it.

Windows 11Windows 10Windows 8.1Windows 7

Before you start, make sure your Windows 11 PC supports Bluetooth. For more information on how to verify, seeFix Bluetooth problems in Windows. If you need help adding a device that doesn't have Bluetooth capabilities, seeAdd a device to a Windows PC.

Liga o Bluetooth

Once you've verified that your Windows 11 PC supports Bluetooth, you'll need to enable it. To see how:

  • In the settings of:selectTo start>settings>bluetooth and devicesand then callBluetooth.

  • In quick settings:To find Bluetooth quick settings, select theRed,As, oBatteryicons () next to the time and date on the right side of the taskbar. selectBluetoothto connect. If it is on with no Bluetooth device connected, it may appear asnot connected.

    Pairing a Bluetooth device in Windows (1)

    (Video) How to Add a Bluetooth Device in Windows 10 | Pair a Bluetooth Device with Windows 10

    if you don't seeBluetoothin quick settings you may need to add it. For more information, seeChange notifications and quick settings in Windows 11.

To pair a Bluetooth device

  1. Turn on your Bluetooth device and make it discoverable. The way you make it discoverable depends on the device. Check your device or visit the manufacturer's website to learn how.

  2. On your PC, select theRed,As, oBatteryicons () next to the time and date on the right side of the taskbar.

  3. selectManage Bluetooth devicesnoBluetoothquick settings and select your deviceunpaired.

    Pairing a Bluetooth device in Windows (2)

  4. Follow any additional instructions if they appear and selectDone.

Typically, your Bluetooth device and your PC will connect automatically as long as the two devices are within range of each other with Bluetooth enabled.

To pair a Bluetooth printer or scanner

  1. Turn on your Bluetooth printer or scanner and make it discoverable. The way you make it discoverable depends on the device. Check your device or visit the manufacturer's website to learn how.

  2. selectTo start>settings>bluetooth and devices>printers and scanners>add device. Wait for it to find nearby printers, choose the one you want to use, and selectadd device.

If you're having trouble setting up your printer or scanner, seeTroubleshoot the printeroInstall and use a scanner in Windows.

To pair a Bluetooth device using Swift Pair

Swift Pair in Windows 11 allows you to quickly pair a compatible Bluetooth device with your PC. If your Bluetooth device supports Swift Pair, you'll receive a notification when it's nearby and put it into pairing mode so it's discoverable.

  1. Turn on a Swift Pair compatible Bluetooth device and make it discoverable. The way you make it discoverable depends on the device. Check your device or visit the manufacturer's website for more information.

  2. If this is your first time using Swift Pair, selectSimwhen asked if you want to receive notifications and use Swift Pair.

  3. When a notification appears that a new Bluetooth device has been found, selectTo connect.

Before you start, make sure your Windows 10 PC supports Bluetooth. For more information on how to verify, seeFix Bluetooth problems in Windows 10. If you need help adding a device that doesn't have Bluetooth capabilities, seeAdd a device to a Windows 10 PC.

Liga o Bluetooth

Once you've verified that your Windows 10 PC supports Bluetooth, you'll need to enable it. To see how:

(Video) Connect a Bluetooth Device in Windows 10 on an HP Computer | HP Computers | @HPSupport

In the settings of:selectTo start>settings>Devices>Bluetooth and other devicesand callsBluetooth.

Enable Bluetooth in Settings

In the action center:The action center is located next to the time and date on the taskbar. On the taskbar, selectAction Center(o), then selectBluetoothto connect. If it is off, it may appear asnot connected.

If you don't see Bluetooth in your Action Center, here's how to change it:

  • Expand quick actions. On the taskbar, selectAction Center(o) >Expand.Bluetoothshould appear here. It will appear asBluetoothonot connected.

  • Add Bluetooth to the action center. selectTo start>settings>System>notifications and actions>quick actions. Go toAdd or remove quick actionsand callsBluetooth.

Observation:For more information about how to change the apps and settings that appear in the action center, seeChange notification and action settings in Windows 10.

To pair a Bluetooth headset, speaker, or other audio device

  1. Turn on your Bluetooth audio device and make it discoverable. The way you make it discoverable depends on the device. Check your device or visit the manufacturer's website to learn how.

  2. On your PC, selectTo start>settings>Devices>Bluetooth and other devices>Add Bluetooth or other device>Bluetooth. Choose your device and follow any additional instructions if they appear, then selectDone.

    Typically, your Bluetooth device and your PC will connect automatically as long as the two devices are within range of each other with Bluetooth enabled.

Observation:Don't see your Bluetooth audio device?Learn how to repair connections to Bluetooth audio devices and wireless displays.

To pair a Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, or other device

  1. Turn on your Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, or other device and make it discoverable. The way you make it discoverable depends on the device. Check your device or visit the manufacturer's website to learn how.

  2. On your PC, selectTo start>settings>Devices>Bluetooth and other devices>Add Bluetooth or other device>Bluetooth. Choose your device and follow any additional instructions if they appear, then selectDone.

To pair a Bluetooth printer or scanner

  1. Turn on your Bluetooth printer or scanner and make it discoverable. The way you make it discoverable depends on the device. Check your device or visit the manufacturer's website to learn how.

  2. selectTo start>settings>Devices>printers and scanners>Add a printer or scanner. Wait until it finds nearby printers, choose the one you want to use, and selectadd device.

If you are having installation problems with your printer or scanner, seeTroubleshoot the printeroInstall and use a scanner in Windows 10.

(Video) HOW TO Connect Bluetooth Device to Windows 10 PC

To pair a Bluetooth device using Swift Pair

Swift Pair in Windows 10 allows you to quickly pair a compatible Bluetooth device with your PC. If your Bluetooth device supports Swift Pair, you'll receive a notification when it's nearby and put it into pairing mode so it's discoverable.

  1. Turn on a Swift Pair compatible Bluetooth device and make it discoverable. The way you make it discoverable depends on the device. Check your device or visit the manufacturer's website for more information.

  2. If this is your first time using Swift Pair, selectSimwhen asked if you want to receive notifications and use Swift Pair.

  3. When a notification appears that a new Bluetooth device has been found, selectTo connect.

  4. Once connected, selectFence.

Before you start, make sure your Windows 8 PC supports Bluetooth.

  1. Turn on your Bluetooth device and make it discoverable.

    The way you make it discoverable depends on the device. Check your device or visit the manufacturer's website to learn how.

  2. selectTo start> typeBluetooth> selectbluetooth settingsof the list.

  3. To connectBluetooth> select the device >Par.

  4. Follow the instructions if they appear. If not, you are all set and connected.

Typically, your Bluetooth device and your PC will connect automatically as long as the two devices are within range of each other with Bluetooth enabled.

Before you start, make sure your Windows 7 PC supports Bluetooth.

  1. Turn on your Bluetooth device and make it discoverable.

    (Video) How to Connect/Pair your Bluetooth Speaker/Headphones to your Computer/Laptop on Windows 10

    The way you make it discoverable depends on the device. Check your device or visit the manufacturer's website to learn how. Turn on your Bluetooth device and make it discoverable. The way you make it discoverable depends on the device. Check your device or visit the manufacturer's website to learn how.

  2. selectTo start Pairing a Bluetooth device in Windows (3)>devices and printers.

  3. selectadd a device> select the device >Next.

  4. Follow any other instructions that may appear. If not, you are all set and connected.

Typically, your Bluetooth device and your PC will connect automatically as long as the two devices are within range of each other with Bluetooth enabled.

Recommended Articles

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Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows

Add a device to a Windows PC

Change notifications and quick settings in Windows

Install and use a scanner in Windows

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FAQs

How do I fix the Bluetooth pairing problem Windows 10? ›

Select Start , then select Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot . In Find and fix other problems, select Bluetooth, and then select Run the troubleshooter and follow the instructions.

How do I fix the Bluetooth pairing problem? ›

Step 1: Check Bluetooth basics
  1. Turn Bluetooth off and then on again. Learn how to turn Bluetooth on and off.
  2. Confirm that your devices are paired and connected. Learn how to pair and connect via Bluetooth.
  3. Restart your devices. Learn how to restart your Pixel phone or Nexus device.

How do I force a Bluetooth device to pair? ›

Swipe down from the top of the screen. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. Touch and hold Bluetooth . In the list of paired devices, tap a paired but unconnected device.

Why does my Bluetooth pairing keep failing? ›

Try these steps first

Make sure that your Bluetooth accessory and iOS or iPadOS device are close to each other. Turn your Bluetooth accessory off and back on again. Make sure that your Bluetooth accessory is on and fully charged or connected to power. If your accessory uses batteries, see if they need to be replaced.

Why is my PC not finding Bluetooth devices? ›

Right-click the Bluetooth icon present on the notification center of the taskbar. Select Open Settings. Select More Bluetooth options. Check Allow Bluetooth devices to find this PC (to protect your privacy, select this check box only when you want a Bluetooth device to find your computer).

How do I reset my Bluetooth on Windows 10? ›

To reset a Bluetooth device, open the Start menu and go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices. Then select the Bluetooth device you want to remove and click Remove device > Yes. Finally, click Add Bluetooth or other device to reconnect your device.

How do I clear my Bluetooth cache? ›

Clear Your Android Device's Bluetooth Cache
  1. Open Settings, and then tap Apps.
  2. Tap the Sort icon (the down arrow with three vertical bars), then tap Show system apps.
  3. Tap OK and all the system apps will appear in the list.
  4. Tap Bluetooth > Storage > Clear data.
  5. Tap OK to confirm.

How do I fix my pairing? ›

15 ways to fix Bluetooth pairing problems
  1. Make sure both devices are on. ...
  2. Make sure both devices have and support Bluetooth. ...
  3. Make sure your devices are compatible with each other. ...
  4. Check the manufacturer websites. ...
  5. Make sure both devices have Bluetooth turned on. ...
  6. Reboot both devices just to be sure.
Feb 25, 2020

What to do if pairing is unsuccessful? ›

What you can do about Bluetooth pairing failures
  1. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. ...
  2. Determine which pairing process your device employs. ...
  3. Turn on discoverable mode. ...
  4. Make sure the two devices are in close enough proximity to one another. ...
  5. Power Bluetooth off and back on. ...
  6. Remove old Bluetooth connections.
Dec 30, 2022

How do I force Bluetooth on Windows 10? ›

Here's how to turn Bluetooth on or off in Windows 10:
  1. Select the Start button, then select Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
  2. Select the Bluetooth toggle to turn it On or Off.

How do I allow Bluetooth devices to find my computer? ›

Click the Start button and then click Control Panel. In the Control Panel search box, type 'Bluetooth', and then click Change Bluetooth settings. In the Bluetooth Settings dialog box, click the Options tab, select the Allow Bluetooth devices to connect to this computer check box, and then click OK.

How do I manually reinstall Bluetooth? ›

Install Bluetooth driver manually summary
  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Update & Security.
  3. Click on Windows Update.
  4. Click the Check for updates button (if applicable).
  5. Click the View optional updates option.
  6. Click the Driver updates tab.
  7. Select the driver you want to update.
  8. Click the Download and install button.

Does factory reset fix Bluetooth? ›

Resetting your Bluetooth device clears the unit of any stored passkeys and connections and can usually be completed within minutes. The procedure returns the device to its factory settings. Perform a reset procedure as a last resort and only after troubleshooting connection and function problems.

What does clearing Bluetooth data do? ›

Note: Clearing Bluetooth cache will cause the Bluetooth configuration settings for all your Bluetooth devices to be lost. In a sense, you're resetting Bluetooth on your device and "starting over" fresh. Do this as a last resort and at your own risk. Choose the option to "Display system apps".

How do I delete an old paired Bluetooth device? ›

Android mobile devices (smartphone, tablet)
  1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
  2. Tap the Settings icon.
  3. Select Connected devices or Device Connection.
  4. Select Previously connected devices or Bluetooth.
  5. If the Bluetooth function is OFF, turn it ON. ...
  6. Tap the. ...
  7. Tap FORGET.
Jul 4, 2022

How do I clear Bluetooth memory on my computer? ›

Clear Bluetooth on Windows

Step 1: Right-click on the Bluetooth icon. Step 2: Click Settings and switch to the Sync tab. Step 3: Click the Clear Sync History button.

How do I update my Windows Bluetooth driver? ›

To manually update your Bluetooth driver on Windows 10, follow these steps: Open the "Device Manager" You'll see a list of devices and you should see one or more available under "Bluetooth" Right-click on the device you want to update under Bluetooth and select "Update Driver"

How do I connect to a Bluetooth device using CMD? ›

In this case, use Windows command prompt: Type cmd in the Windows search bar and press the [Enter] key. In the window that opens, enter the command net start "bthserv” and press the [Enter] key to confirm.

How do I unblock Bluetooth on Windows 10? ›

For Windows 8 or Windows 10
  1. Open the Start menu, type “Bluetooth Settings”, and select Bluetooth Settings from the search results.
  2. Under the 'Manage Bluetooth Devices” section, click the toggle switch to enable Bluetooth capabilities.
  3. Click the toggle switch again to disable Bluetooth capabilities.

How do I manually connect to Bluetooth on Windows 10? ›

On your PC, select Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices > Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth. Choose the device and follow additional instructions if they appear, then select Done.

How do I manually reinstall Bluetooth drivers Windows 10? ›

Install Bluetooth driver manually summary
  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Update & Security.
  3. Click on Windows Update.
  4. Click the Check for updates button (if applicable).
  5. Click the View optional updates option.
  6. Click the Driver updates tab.
  7. Select the driver you want to update.
  8. Click the Download and install button.

How do I clear my Bluetooth cache Windows 10? ›

Clear Bluetooth on Windows

Step 1: Right-click on the Bluetooth icon. Step 2: Click Settings and switch to the Sync tab. Step 3: Click the Clear Sync History button.

How do you force a Bluetooth reset? ›

To do this on your Android device:
  1. Open Settings, and then tap Apps.
  2. Tap the Sort icon (the down arrow with three vertical bars), then tap Show system apps.
  3. Tap OK and all the system apps will appear in the list.
  4. Tap Bluetooth > Storage > Clear data.
  5. Tap OK to confirm.

How do I reset my Bluetooth pair? ›

On your Android phone or tablet, you can use these steps to reset a Bluetooth device:
  1. Go to Settings > System.
  2. Tap Advanced.
  3. Select Reset options.
  4. Tap Reset Wi-Fi, mobile, & Bluetooth.
  5. Tap Reset settings. Then, enter your phone's PIN if asked.
Aug 15, 2022

How do I connect my Bluetooth to Windows 10 without a adapter? ›

On the computer, open the Bluetooth software. The Bluetooth software is typically located in Control Panel. For more information about opening the Bluetooth software, see the "How to open the Bluetooth software" section. Click the Devices tab, and then click Add.

How do I add external Bluetooth to Windows 10? ›

On your Windows 10 device PC, click Settings > Devices > Bluetooth. When your device appears in the Bluetooth window, click it, then click Pair. Click yes to confirm the passcode matches on both the device and the computer. Wait a few seconds while both devices are paired.

How do I add Bluetooth to Device Manager? ›

The steps to do this are given below:
  1. Press Win + X keys and select Device Manager.
  2. In the Device Manager, go to “View > Show hidden devices.”
  3. Now, check if the Bluetooth driver appears in the Device Manager. ...
  4. Select the “Search automatically for drivers” option.
  5. Let Windows update your Bluetooth driver.
Mar 30, 2022

What happens if I clear Bluetooth storage? ›

Here's how to clear Bluetooth cache in Android: Note: Clearing Bluetooth cache will cause the Bluetooth configuration settings for all your Bluetooth devices to be lost. In a sense, you're resetting Bluetooth on your device and "starting over" fresh.

How do I clean my Bluetooth driver? ›

Explains how to perform a clean installation of Bluetooth drivers.
...
Environment
  1. Go to Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Network Adapters category.
  3. Right-click your Intel Bluetooth and choose to uninstall it.
  4. Make sure to the option to Delete the driver software for this device is selected.

How do you delete all Bluetooth paired devices? ›

Android mobile devices (smartphone, tablet)
  1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
  2. Tap the Settings icon.
  3. Select Connected devices or Device Connection.
  4. Select Previously connected devices or Bluetooth.
  5. If the Bluetooth function is OFF, turn it ON. ...
  6. Tap the. ...
  7. Tap FORGET.
Jul 4, 2022

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2. [GUIDE] How to Turn ON Bluetooth on Windows 10 Very Easily
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