Changing the Bluetooth settings on your iPhone 13 lets you pair new accessories, reconnect to devices you have used before, rename supported devices, disconnect accessories, and remove pairings you no longer need. Most of these controls are available by going to Settings > Bluetooth.
If you are trying to connect headphones, a speaker, a car stereo, a keyboard, or another Bluetooth accessory, the steps below show you where to find the relevant settings and what to do if the device does not connect.
How to Change Bluetooth Settings on iPhone 13
The Bluetooth menu shows whether Bluetooth is enabled and lists accessories that your iPhone has paired with or can currently detect. The exact options available for an accessory can vary depending on the type of device.
Step 1: Open the Settings App
Tap the Settings icon on your iPhone 13.
If you do not see Settings on your Home Screen, swipe down on the Home Screen and search for it, or find it in the App Library.
Step 2: Tap Bluetooth
Select Bluetooth near the top of the Settings menu.
This screen contains the main Bluetooth switch as well as the devices that are paired with or available to your iPhone.
Step 3: Turn on Bluetooth
Tap the switch next to Bluetooth if it is not already enabled.
When Bluetooth is on, your iPhone can look for nearby Bluetooth accessories that are in pairing or discovery mode.
Step 4: Pair or Manage a Bluetooth Device
To connect a new Bluetooth device, put the accessory into pairing or discovery mode. Wait for its name to appear on the Bluetooth screen, then tap the device name. Some accessories may ask you to confirm a pairing code or enter a PIN.
If the device has already been paired with your iPhone, look for it in the device list and tap its name to reconnect. You can also tap the information button next to a paired accessory to see the settings available for that device.
If the Bluetooth device you’re trying to pair is your vehicle, you can follow these steps for how to connect your phone to your car’s Bluetooth, including the basic pairing process for both iPhone and Android devices.
Step 5: Change the Available Device Options
Tap the information button next to a paired device to view its available controls. Depending on the accessory, you may be able to disconnect it, forget it, rename it, select a device type, or change other device-specific settings.
Not every Bluetooth accessory offers the same options, so it is normal for this screen to look different for different devices.
Once you have made the changes you need, you can leave the Settings app. Your iPhone will remember paired accessories unless you choose to forget them.
How to Connect a New Bluetooth Device to an iPhone 13
If an accessory has never been paired with your iPhone, simply turning on Bluetooth may not be enough. The accessory also needs to be discoverable.
- Turn on the Bluetooth accessory.
- Put the accessory into pairing or discovery mode.
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Select Bluetooth and make sure it is turned on.
- Wait for the accessory’s name to appear, then tap it.
- Confirm a pairing request or enter a PIN if prompted.
The method for putting an accessory into pairing mode varies. Headphones and speakers often use a dedicated Bluetooth or power button, while a vehicle may have a pairing option in its infotainment system. Check the accessory’s instructions if it does not appear on your iPhone.
How to Disconnect or Forget a Bluetooth Device
Disconnecting and forgetting a device are different actions.
Disconnect ends the current connection but keeps the pairing information on your iPhone. This makes it easy to reconnect later.
Forget This Device removes the pairing. If you want to use the accessory again, you will need to put it back into pairing mode and pair it with the iPhone again.
To forget an accessory, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the information button beside the device, choose Forget This Device, and confirm your choice.
Control Center Bluetooth Is Different From Turning Bluetooth Off in Settings
There is an important difference between tapping the Bluetooth control in Control Center and switching Bluetooth off from the Settings app.
Using the Bluetooth control in Control Center disconnects many Bluetooth accessories without completely disabling Bluetooth. Bluetooth remains available for certain Apple features and services.
If you want to turn Bluetooth off completely, go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn off the Bluetooth switch there.
What to Do If Your iPhone 13 Can’t Find or Connect to a Bluetooth Device
If a Bluetooth accessory does not appear or will not connect, start with the simplest fixes before changing network settings.
- Move the devices closer together. Keep the iPhone and accessory near each other while pairing.
- Check pairing mode. A new accessory usually will not appear until it has been placed into pairing or discovery mode.
- Check the accessory’s power. Make sure it is turned on and sufficiently charged.
- Restart the accessory. Turn it off, wait a moment, and turn it back on.
- Check other phones and computers. Some accessories automatically reconnect to a previously used device and may need to be disconnected from it before they can pair with your iPhone.
- Forget and pair the device again. If it was previously paired, tap its information button, choose Forget This Device, put the accessory back into pairing mode, and reconnect it.
- Restart your iPhone. A restart can resolve temporary connection problems.
- Install available iOS updates. Keeping iOS current can resolve compatibility and connectivity issues.
If Bluetooth is grayed out, no Bluetooth accessories will connect, or a device still will not work after you have confirmed that the accessory itself is functioning correctly, additional troubleshooting may be necessary.
Tips for Managing Bluetooth on an iPhone 13
- Leave Bluetooth enabled if you regularly use devices such as an Apple Watch, AirPods, a car stereo, or other wireless accessories.
- When pairing something new, verify that the accessory is actually in pairing mode rather than simply powered on.
- If you have several similar devices saved, rename supported accessories so they are easier to identify.
- Use Forget This Device when you want to remove an old pairing or when reconnecting is not solving a connection problem.
- If an audio accessory is connected but sound is coming from the wrong place, check the audio output selection on your iPhone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I rename a Bluetooth device on my iPhone 13?
Go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap the information button next to the accessory. If the device supports renaming, tap Name, enter the new name, and save the change. Not every Bluetooth accessory can be renamed from an iPhone.
Why does a Bluetooth device say Not Connected on my iPhone?
A device can remain in your list after it has been paired even when it is not currently connected. Make sure the accessory is turned on and nearby, then tap its name to reconnect. If that does not work, try forgetting the device and pairing it again.
Why isn’t my Bluetooth device showing up?
Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on the iPhone and that the accessory is in pairing or discovery mode. Also check that the accessory is charged, nearby, and not actively connected to another device.
How do I stop my iPhone 13 from automatically connecting to a Bluetooth device?
If you no longer want the iPhone to use a particular pairing, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the information button beside the accessory, and select Forget This Device. You will need to pair the accessory again if you want to use it later.
Does tapping Bluetooth in Control Center turn Bluetooth off completely?
No. Tapping the Bluetooth control in Control Center generally disconnects Bluetooth accessories while leaving Bluetooth available for certain system features. To completely turn Bluetooth off, use the switch under Settings > Bluetooth.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Tap Bluetooth.
- Turn Bluetooth on if necessary.
- Put a new accessory into pairing mode and tap its name to connect.
- Tap the information button beside a paired device to manage its available options.
- Use Forget This Device when you need to remove a pairing and start over.
Conclusion
The main Bluetooth controls on an iPhone 13 are all available from Settings > Bluetooth. From there, you can pair new accessories, reconnect to devices you have used before, remove old pairings, and change the options supported by individual accessories.
If a device will not connect, first check its power, pairing mode, distance from the iPhone, and whether it is connected to another device. Forgetting the accessory and pairing it again is also a useful fix for many connection problems.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.