How to Fix Bluetooth Not Working on Pixel 8/Pro

Bluetooth is essential for connecting your Pixel 8/Pro to earphones, headphones, and for file sharing via Nearby Share. If Bluetooth stops working, don’t worry. This detailed guide will walk you through various methods to fix Bluetooth Not Working on Pixel 8/Pro. Let’s dive in and get your Bluetooth back on track.

1. Restart Your Devices

A simple restart can often resolve many Bluetooth issues. Try restarting both your Pixel 8/Pro and the device you’re trying to connect with:

Press and hold the Power button on your Pixel 8/Pro.
Tap Restart.
Do the same for the device you’re trying to connect.

2. Toggle Bluetooth On and Off

Turning Bluetooth off and on can reset the connection and fix issues:

Swipe down from the top of the screen to access Quick Settings.
Tap the Bluetooth icon to turn it off.
Wait a few seconds, then tap the Bluetooth icon again to turn it back on.
Go to Settings > Connected Devices > Bluetooth and try connecting to the desired device.

3. Forget and Reconnect the Device

Clearing saved settings and starting fresh can often fix the problem:

Open Settings on your Pixel 8/Pro.
Tap Connected Devices.
Under Previously connected devices, select the troublesome device.
Tap Forget.
Confirm by tapping Forget Device.
Turn on Bluetooth and pair the device again by selecting it from the list and following the on-screen instructions.

4. Verify Phone Visibility

Ensure your phone is discoverable to other devices:

Open Settings.
Tap Bluetooth.
Tap the three-dot menu (overflow icon) in the top right corner.
Select Advanced Settings.
Make sure Visible to other devices is enabled. If it’s already enabled, try toggling it off and on again.

5. Verify Bluetooth Permissions

Ensure the necessary permissions are enabled for Bluetooth:

Open Settings.
Tap Apps.
Tap See all apps.
Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
Select Show System.
Scroll down and tap Bluetooth.
Tap Permissions and make sure all necessary permissions are enabled.
Additionally, go to Settings > Connected Devices and check the permissions for the specific device you’re trying to connect.

6. Remove Bluetooth Battery Restrictions

Ensure Bluetooth has sufficient power by removing battery restrictions:

Open Settings.
Tap Apps.
Tap See all apps.
Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
Select Show System.
Scroll down and tap Bluetooth.
Tap Battery.
Select Unrestricted.

7. Remove Other Connected Devices

Disconnect all other devices to avoid conflicts:

Open Settings.
Tap Connected Devices.
Under Previously connected devices, select each device and tap Disconnect.
Repeat this process until no devices remain connected.
Try connecting your desired device again.

8. Boot to Safe Mode

Identify if a third-party app is causing the issue by booting into Safe Mode:

Press and hold the Power button on your Pixel 8/Pro.
Tap and hold Power Off until the Reboot to Safe Mode prompt appears.
Tap OK to reboot into Safe Mode.
In Safe Mode, try pairing your Bluetooth device. If it works, a third-party app might be the issue.
Restart your device to exit Safe Mode.
Uninstall recently installed apps one by one until the Bluetooth issue is resolved.

9. Reset Bluetooth Settings

Resetting to factory defaults can help if settings are corrupted. Note this will also reset WiFi settings:

Open Settings.
Tap System.
Tap Reset Options.
Select Reset WiFi, Mobile, & Bluetooth.
Tap Reset Settings and confirm.
Wait for the process to complete, then try reconnecting your Bluetooth devices.

10. Update Firmware

Ensure your devices have the latest updates, as firmware updates can fix bugs and improve performance:

Open Settings.
Tap System.
Tap System Update.
If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.
Also, check for firmware updates for your Bluetooth device and install any available updates.

Conclusion

Bluetooth issues on the Pixel 8/Pro can be frustrating, but these detailed solutions should help you resolve them. If the problem persists, consider reaching out to Google support for further assistance. By following these steps, you can troubleshoot and resolve most Bluetooth problems, ensuring a smooth and seamless experience with your devices.

FAQ

Q1: Why is my Pixel 8/Pro not connecting to Bluetooth devices?

There could be several reasons for this, including software glitches, outdated firmware, or interference from other connected devices. Follow the troubleshooting steps outlined in the guide to identify and fix the issue.

Q2: How do I restart my Pixel 8/Pro?

To restart your Pixel 8/Pro:

Press and hold the Power button.
Tap Restart.

Q3: How do I toggle Bluetooth on and off on my Pixel 8/Pro?

Swipe down from the top of the screen to access Quick Settings.
Tap the Bluetooth icon to turn it off.
Wait a few seconds, then tap the Bluetooth icon again to turn it back on.

Q4: How can I forget a Bluetooth device on my Pixel 8/Pro?

Open Settings.
Tap Connected Devices.
Under Previously connected devices, select the device.
Tap Forget and confirm.

Q5: How do I make my Pixel 8/Pro visible to other Bluetooth devices?

Open Settings.
Tap Bluetooth.
Tap the three-dot menu (overflow icon) in the top right corner.
Select Advanced Settings.
Enable Visible to other devices.

Q6: How do I check and enable Bluetooth permissions on my Pixel 8/Pro?

Open Settings.
Tap Apps.
Tap See all apps.
Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
Select Show System.
Scroll down and tap Bluetooth.
Tap Permissions and enable all necessary permissions.

Q7: How do I remove battery restrictions for Bluetooth on my Pixel 8/Pro?

Open Settings.
Tap Apps.
Tap See all apps.
Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
Select Show System.
Scroll down and tap Bluetooth.
Tap Battery.
Select Unrestricted.

Q8: How do I disconnect other Bluetooth devices from my Pixel 8/Pro?

Open Settings.
Tap Connected Devices.
Under Previously connected devices, select each device and tap Disconnect.

Q9: How do I boot my Pixel 8/Pro into Safe Mode?

Press and hold the Power button.
Tap and hold Power Off until the Reboot to Safe Mode prompt appears.
Tap OK to reboot into Safe Mode.

Q10: How do I reset Bluetooth settings on my Pixel 8/Pro?

Open Settings.
Tap System.
Tap Reset Options.
Select Reset WiFi, Mobile, & Bluetooth.
Tap Reset Settings and confirm.

Q11: How do I check for system updates on my Pixel 8/Pro?

Open Settings.
Tap System.
Tap System Update.
Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install any available updates.

Q12: What should I do if none of these solutions work?

If you’ve tried all these solutions and your Bluetooth issue persists, consider contacting Google support for further assistance. There may be a deeper hardware or software issue that requires professional help.