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Fix a Chromebook that has Bluetooth that will not connect

We'll rule out pairing, settings, and device—or tell you when to call a pro.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
10–25 min
Step 1 of 4

Quick triage — pick your path

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Steps

Goal: Turn Bluetooth on, put the device in pairing mode, and pair.

  • Confirm Bluetooth is on. Put the device in pairing mode.
  • Good: Device appears in the list. Pair it.
  • Bad: Ensure the device is in pairing mode (hold the button until the LED blinks).

Pair

Goal: Add the Bluetooth device.

  • Settings, Connected devices, Bluetooth, Add device. Select your device when it appears. Enter PIN if prompted.
  • Good: Device paired and connected.
  • Bad: Forget the device and re-pair.

Forget and re-pair

Goal: Clear corrupted pairing.

  • Forget the device. Put it in pairing mode again. Add it again. Restart both if needed.
  • Good: Connection works.
  • Bad: Try the device on another computer. If it works there, the Chromebook Bluetooth may have failed.

When to get help

Call a technician if:

  • The Bluetooth device pairs with other computers but not the Chromebook.
  • Powerwash does not help.

Verification

  • Bluetooth is on.
  • Device is paired and connected.
  • Device works (audio, input, etc.).

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Bluetooth and pairing Turn Bluetooth on; put device in pairing mode.
  2. Forget and re-pair Forget device; re-pair.
  3. Restart and Powerwash Restart both; Powerwash if corrupted.
  4. Call a pro Device pairs elsewhere but not Chromebook.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Chromebook model
  • Bluetooth device make and model
  • Whether device pairs with other computers
  • Steps already tried

Is Bluetooth on and the device in pairing mode?

Bluetooth off or device not pairing are common causes.

Turn Bluetooth on. Put device in pairing mode (hold button until LED blinks). Settings, Connected devices, Add device. Good: device appears—pair. Bad: ensure pairing mode.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Forget and re-pair

Forget the device. Put it in pairing mode again. Add again. Restart Chromebook and device if needed. Good: pairs. Bad: try device on another computer—if it works there, Chromebook Bluetooth may have failed.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Powerwash

Powerwash. Try pairing again. If device pairs with other computers but not Chromebook, call a technician.

Done

Connected

Bluetooth device is paired and connected.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would Chromebook Bluetooth not connect?
Bluetooth off, device not in pairing mode, or too many paired devices. Turn Bluetooth on, put device in pairing mode, forget and re-pair.
Can I fix Chromebook Bluetooth myself?
Yes. Turn Bluetooth on, put the device in pairing mode, forget and re-pair. Restart both. If the device pairs with other computers but not the Chromebook, the Bluetooth hardware may have failed.
When should I call a technician for Chromebook Bluetooth?
If the device pairs with other computers but not the Chromebook after forget and re-pair. The Chromebook Bluetooth may have failed.

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