Does your iPad have issues connecting to a certain Bluetooth device or pairing with it? Or do you continue to behave erratically even making a connection? Your iPad, the problematic Bluetooth device, or even both of them could be at fault.
The most likely cause of Bluetooth issues on iPad is minor software hiccups. Rarely, though, can other factors like out-of-date firmware, flawed network settings, wireless interference, etc. be a factor. For your iPad’s Bluetooth to once again function properly, follow the list of remedies below.
Turn the Bluetooth module on and off for the iPad
It’s easiest to start with the simplest solution: switch your iPad’s Bluetooth on and off. The Bluetooth module inside can then be restarted, which usually fixes the majority of erratic issues, hiccups, and other oddities.
Open the Settings app and select Bluetooth from the sidebar to do that. Next, flip the switch next to Bluetooth off. Prior to turning it on once more, wait up to 10 seconds.
Keep your Bluetooth device and iPad close by
Although Bluetooth claims a range of 10 meters, the easier it is to establish or sustain a connection the closer your iPad is to the Bluetooth device. Expect your iPad to not be able to connect to a device in the adjacent room because Bluetooth doesn’t function properly between walls. Keep them right near to one another for optimal effects.
Restart your Bluetooth device and iPad
Try rebooting your iPad next. To accomplish that, drag the Power icon while holding down the Top button to switch off your iPad. In order to access the Slide to Power Off screen on an iPad with Face ID, quickly push and release the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons one after the other while holding down the Top button.
After turning off your iPad, wait up to 20 seconds before turning it back on by holding down the Top button.
Restarting the Bluetooth device that is causing a problem is a good option as well. Use a visible Power switch to turn the gadget off and then back on if you can find one. For particular instructions, you might want to consult its user manual or online documentation. However, some gadgets, like the Apple Pencil—can’t be shut off.
Fill up the Bluetooth device with power
Bluetooth devices that have little or no battery life risk having a variety of connectivity problems. Before you make another attempt to connect it to your iPad, try topping it off.
Check if it works with your iPad
It’s advisable to make sure a Bluetooth device is compatible before attempting to connect it for the first time to your iPad. You can get help with that from the user guide or online documentation for it.
First-party and third-party devices are also impacted by compatibility concerns. For instance, an iPad Pro (2018) or later cannot be used with a first-generation Apple Pencil.
Update the system software on your iPad
The iPad’s system software is closely tied to problems with Bluetooth. Many Bluetooth connectivity issues can arise with some iPadOS iterations (often significant version upgrades), although Apple quickly fixes them with following point updates.
Therefore, consider looking for and installing newer updates if Bluetooth stopped functioning on your iPad after a recent update. Open the Settings app, then select General > Software Update to do that.
Device to iPad: Disconnect and reconnect
A faulty Bluetooth cache may be the cause of your inability to connect to a device you’ve previously linked with. The problem might be fixed by disconnecting and reconnecting the gadget.
- Launch the iPad’s Settings app.
- Click the Bluetooth icon in the sidebar.
- Click the Info button next to the Bluetooth device that’s giving you trouble.
4. Then select Forget This Device.
5. To confirm, tap Forget Device.
6. Continue to depress the Bluetooth device’s pairing button. Tap it to complete another pairing when it reappears in your iPad’s Bluetooth settings.
Remove from Other Devices and Retry
It’s possible that the Bluetooth device’s connectivity restrictions prevent it from connecting to your iPad. Therefore, before attempting again, unpair it from any other devices you’ve paired it with.
Avoid Wireless Interference Sources
Bluetooth issues can also be brought on by wireless interference from mobile devices, network routers, kitchen appliances, and other items. Check to see if changing your location makes a difference.
Turn on Bluetooth permissions for outside applications
If a Bluetooth device can be connected to your iPad but isn’t working with a certain app, check your privacy settings to see if the app is authorised to use Bluetooth.
1. Launch the Settings application and choose Privacy from the sidebar.
2. Choose Bluetooth.
3. Activate the toggle next to any application that requests authorization to communicate with a device over Bluetooth.
Update the firmware of the Bluetooth device
Your iPad may be unable to connect to a Bluetooth device if its firmware is out of date. For any information on how to update it, consult the user guide or online documentation. For instance, this is how to update the firmware of the AirPods.
Restore factory settings on a Bluetooth device
Consider returning your Bluetooth device to its default settings. Once more, the best place to start is with the device’s user manual or online documentation.
Reset the iPad’s network settings
Your next move should be to reset the iPad’s network settings because they may have become corrupt. Sadly, the process erases all previously saved Bluetooth and Wi-Fi pairings, so you must reconnect to everything afterward.
1. Launch the Settings application, then choose General from the sidebar.
2. Choose Reset or Transfer iPad.
2. Choose Reset.
3.Choose Reset Network Settings in step three.
4. Type the device passcode for your iPad.
5. Click Reset to verify.
How else can you proceed?
Try connecting the Bluetooth device to another iPad if none of the options above worked and Bluetooth is still not functioning on the iPad (if possible). If the problem persists, it’s probably malfunctioning, so you might wish to send it back. But if the issue affects all Bluetooth devices and updating the system update or clearing the network settings on your iPad didn’t fix it, factory reset your iPad or contact Apple for support.