Some users have reported odd issues where their Bluetooth device, such as earphones, is paired but is not connected to Windows PC. It means they are not able to use the earphone the usual way. This issue can be because of corrupt drivers, faulty devices, Windows updates, etc. This post will discuss some of the most effective ways to help you if your Bluetooth device is paired but not connected.
Bluetooth device paired but not connected in Windows 11/10
Here we have listed some working methods to help you if your Bluetooth device is paired but not connected. You should try them out and follow the exact steps given in this guide to resolve the issue effectively.
- Bluetooth connection types
- Uncheck Alert me Option
- Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter
- Restart Bluetooth Support Service
- Switch USB port
- Reinstall Bluetooth Driver
Make sure to use an administrator account when executing these suggestions.
1] Check If there are two Bluetooth connection types for the device
Some Bluetooth devices offer two types of Bluetooth adapters. One is a normal adaptor, and the other is for lower-energy (LE-type) devices. When facing an issue with your Bluetooth earphone or headphone, you will need to reconnect to another adapter if it’s not working with the first. Usually, Low Energy Bluetooth adaptor is used for passive activities such as data sync. You will need to connect with the standard adaptor to stream audio to headphones.
Search for available Bluetooth devices when connecting your PC to an audio device. If you find any low-enlight listing, do not connect; instead, connect to another one from the device.
2] Uncheck Alert me when a new Bluetooth device wants to connect
You can quickly fix the Bluetooth not connected to Windows issue by unchecking the Alert me when a new Bluetooth device wants to connect from the Bluetooth settings. Follow the steps below to perform this process.
- Right-click the start button and choose the Settings option. Now from the left side panel, select Bluetooth & devices and click on the Devices option.
- Under the Related settings, select More Bluetooth settings; a new window will pop up in the name of Bluetooth Settings.
- There uncheck the Alert me when a new Bluetooth device wants to connect option and click on the OK button and Apply.
- Now check whether your issue is resolved or not.
Read: Bluetooth devices not showing, pairing or connecting in Windows
3] Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter
Running the Bluetooth troubleshooter can fix this issue. To do so, follow the given steps below.
- Right-click the Windows button and select the Settings option from the list.
- From the left-side window panel, select the System and from the right-side panel, click on Troubleshoot.
- Now select other trouble-shooters. Here, you must scroll down to Bluetooth and click the Run button.
If there is any issue, the troubleshooter will detect and fix it for you and resolve your issue.
4] Restart Bluetooth Support Service
Restarting the Bluetooth Support Service can resolve the issue of the Bluetooth device paired but not connected in Windows. To perform this process, follow the given steps below.
- Right-click on the Windows button and select Run from the list.
- Now on the Run dialog box, type services.msc and press the OK button.
- Find the Bluetooth Support Service, right-click on it and select Restart. Right-click again and select the Properties
- Click on the Startup Type section, select Automatic from the drop-down menu and click on Apply and press the OK button.
This solution will assist you in countering any problems affecting the functionality of the Bluetooth Support services.
Read: Bluetooth speaker paired, but no Sound or Music
5] Switch the USB port
If you are using an external adapter, try on a different USB port. Some older devices might not be compatible with specific USB ports, for example, USB 3.0 or USB Type-C, so switching to a different port can resolve this issue. Apart from this, there can be power issues, interference, or even a damaged USB port. This can help you determine whether the problem is with the device or the port and can sometimes provide a quick and easy solution.
6] Reinstall Bluetooth Driver
Reinstalling Bluetooth Driver has a chance to fix the Bluetooth device paired but not connected with the Windows issue. For this, you must first uninstall all the previously installed Bluetooth drivers. Follow the steps below to uninstall all the previous versions’ Bluetooth drivers.
- Right-click on the Windows button and choose device manager from the list.
- Now find the Bluetooth option in the Device Manager and click it to expand it.
- Right-click the Bluetooth drivers and select uninstall the device. On the pop-up interface, check to Delete the driver software for this device.
- Now click the Uninstall button to confirm the uninstallation process.
Now reboot your laptop, visit the official site of the Bluetooth software, download it and install the latest compatible version and install it manually, and check whether your issue is resolved.
Hopefully, you will resolve the issue successfully. If you have any queries feel free to ask us in the comment section.
More suggestions here: Fix Bluetooth connection problems in Windows
How do I connect an already paired device to Windows?
If a device is already paired with your Windows PC, then connecting it should be relatively straightforward. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices, and it will automatically connect. Since some Bluetooth devices, such as headphones, are used on multiple devices, keep the device close to the PC so it connects immediately. If you cannot do that, remove it from the paired device list and reconnect by putting the device into pair mode and then finding it again from the PC.
What if Windows doesn’t find my Bluetooth device?
If Windows is not finding your Bluetooth device, there are a few things you can try to troubleshoot the issue:
- Make sure it’s turned on and not connected to any other device.
- Try restarting both your device and your PC.
- Check if the device is in pairing mode.
If nothing else works, reset Bluetooth on both devices and reconnect.
