If your iPhone 15 won't connect to your AirPods, car, or other Bluetooth accessories, a few simple checks can help. Make sure your accessory is powered on and close to your iPhone. If you haven't paired them before, check the accessory's instructions for putting it into discovery mode.
Start by unpairing the accessory if it was previously connected to your iPhone. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, find the device that's giving you trouble, and tap the More Info button next to it. Then, tap Forget This Device and confirm. This removes the accessory from your list of available Bluetooth devices. Put your accessory back into pairing mode and try to connect fresh from the Bluetooth menu.
Restart Your iPhone and the Bluetooth Device
It sounds basic, but a restart clears out temporary software glitches that can block connections. For your iPhone 15, press and quickly release the Volume Up button, press and quickly release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo appear.
Don't forget to restart the Bluetooth device you're trying to connect to as well. Power it off completely, wait a moment, and turn it back on. Once both devices are back up, attempt the pairing process again.
Check Your iPhone's Bluetooth Settings
Sometimes the issue is simpler than you think. Swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center and check the Bluetooth button. Tapping it can reconnect accessories, but this button only disconnects accessories rather than turning Bluetooth fully off.
Also, head to Settings > Bluetooth and ensure the switch at the top is green. Use this switch to turn Bluetooth fully on or off.
Update Your iPhone's Software
Keep your iPhone's software up to date before continuing troubleshooting. Back up your iPhone before installing an update. To check for the latest version of iOS, go to Settings > General > Software Update.
If an update is available, tap Download and Install. It's best to do this while connected to Wi-Fi and with your phone plugged into power using a proper USB-C cable. Keeping your phone connected to power helps it stay charged during the update.
Reset All Network Settings
Use this step only if other fixes fail. It resets Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN and APN settings, including home, work, and school network configurations. It does not delete your personal data.
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone. Tap Reset and then choose Reset Network Settings. You'll need to enter your passcode and confirm. After your phone restarts, you'll have to reconnect to Wi-Fi and restore any network settings you need.
Check for Interference and Distance
Bluetooth uses the same 2.4GHz radio frequency as many Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, and even some USB 3.0 devices. If your connection is choppy or keeps dropping, try moving away from other electronics.
Keep your iPhone 15 and the Bluetooth device close to each other, ideally with a clear line of sight. Walls and other obstacles can significantly weaken the signal. If you're trying to connect in a crowded area like an office or apartment building, interference may be the cause.
Forget and Re-pair the Problematic Device
If the accessory was previously connected to your iPhone 15, open Settings > Bluetooth, tap the More Info button next to it, and choose Forget This Device. Put the accessory back into discovery mode, then tap its name when it appears to pair again.
If the accessory pairs with other devices but not your iPhone, unpair it from those other devices and try again. Check the accessory's instructions if you need help entering discovery mode or supplying a PIN.
Check the Bluetooth Accessory Itself
Make sure the problem isn't with the other device. Verify that it's fully charged or connected to power and in discovery mode. If it uses replaceable batteries, check whether they need replacing. Consult the accessory's manual for specific pairing instructions.
If possible, try connecting the problematic accessory to another phone or tablet. If it fails there too, the issue is likely with the accessory itself, not your iPhone. Also, check if the accessory has a companion app that might need a firmware update.
Contact Support
If you've tried everything else, contact the accessory manufacturer to check compatibility with your iPhone 15 and confirm that the accessory is working correctly. If you use a companion app, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth access is turned on for that app.
Contact Apple Support if you can't turn on Bluetooth, the setting is grayed out, or you can't connect any Bluetooth accessories. Also contact Apple Support if the accessory manufacturer confirms that the accessory works correctly but it still won't connect.