How to Connect a Bluetooth Speaker to Your Phone

Whether iPhone or Android, we've got you covered

What to Know

  • Put your Bluetooth device in pairing mode by pressing and holding the Power button or Pairing button.
  • iPhone: Go to Settings > Bluetooth > Other devices. Tap the device to connect.
  • Android: Go to Settings > Connected devices > Bluetooth. Select Pair new device and then tap the speaker's name.

This article explains how to pair a Bluetooth speaker to your iPhone or Android smartphone. Some Android buttons and menu options may vary slightly.

How to Connect a Bluetooth Speaker to an iPhone

The process of pairing a Bluetooth speaker with an iPhone only needs to happen once. Once a Bluetooth speaker is successfully paired to an iPhone, it should automatically connect each time it's powered on.

  1. Place the Bluetooth device in pairing mode.

  2. On the iPhone, open the Settings app.

  3. Select Bluetooth.

  4. Ensure Bluetooth functionality is switched on. If the Bluetooth toggle switch is green, Bluetooth is enabled, and nothing needs to be changed. If not, select the toggle to turn on Bluetooth.

    Turning on Bluetooth in the Settings on an iPhone
  5. Scroll down to Other Devices and look for the Bluetooth speaker on the list. Be patient, as it may take a moment to show up.

    Make sure the Bluetooth speaker is in pairing mode during this time.

    The Bluetooth settings screen on an iPhone
  6. When the speaker appears, select the device name to connect. It takes a few seconds for the two devices to pair. When done, the status updates to Connected on the screen.

How to Connect a Bluetooth Speaker to an Android Phone

Same as with an iPhone, the process of connecting a Bluetooth speaker to an Android device only needs to happen one time. Once a Bluetooth speaker is successfully paired to your device, it should automatically connect each time it is powered on.

  1. Open the Settings app.

  2. Navigate to Connected devices, and turn on the Bluetooth toggle switch, if it's not enabled.

    Screenshots from an Android device showing the Bluetooth toggle switch
  3. Select Bluetooth to view the options.

  4. Select Pair new device to place the Bluetooth device in pairing mode.

  5. Look for the Bluetooth speaker's name on the list. Be patient as it may take a moment to show up.

    Make sure the Bluetooth speaker is in pairing mode during this time.

  6. Select the speaker's name to connect to it. It takes a few seconds for the devices to pair. When done, the screen shows that the speaker is connected.

    Screenshots of an Android device showing how to pair a device via Bluetooth

How to Pair Multiple Speakers at Once

Some popular Bluetooth speakers can be connected in tandem to a single phone to achieve stereo sound or to enhance volume. If you have a pair of speakers that can connect at once, download the manufacturer’s mobile application from either the Google Play or Apple App Store to get started.

For example, Logitech's popular brand of Ultimate Ears speakers can be paired by downloading one of the company's available apps. Check with the manufacturer to see if the feature is possible with your speakers.

How to Enable Pairing Mode on a Speaker

Before you pair anything, place the Bluetooth speaker into pairing mode, allowing it to be discovered by your phone for the initial setup. While each speaker enters pairing mode in a different method, these two suggestions should enable you to figure out how to get your speaker to comply quickly. If the tips below don't apply to your device, check the speaker manufacturer's user guide for further instruction.

  • Press and hold the Power button: Many Bluetooth speakers switch into pairing mode by turning the speaker off, then turning the device on while pressing and holding the Power button. When the speaker is in pairing mode, it typically emits a sound, or its light indicator flashes rapidly.
  • Press and hold the Pairing button: Some Bluetooth speakers have a dedicated button that places the device into pairing mode. Find a button on your device with the Bluetooth symbol next to it, then press and hold it until the speaker emits a sound, or its light indicator flashes rapidly.

With your Bluetooth speaker now discoverable, pair it to your iPhone or Android phone.

FAQ
  • How do I pair a Bluetooth device to Windows 10?

    To pair to a Windows laptop or desktop, make sure Bluetooth is enabled by either right-clicking the Bluetooth icon in the Notifications area or going to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Devices and Printers. Select the device in the list and enter a PIN if prompted and select Connect.

  • Why is my Bluetooth speaker not connecting?

    There can be a number of reasons why Bluetooth won't connect. You could have incompatible Bluetooth versions. Or it could be a physical issue such as the devices are too far apart, one of the devices has a low battery, or not in pairing mode.

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