How to Connect a Bluetooth Device to Your iPhone & iPad

Leanne Hays profile image
By
June 16, 2026

One of the best parts of modern technology is the ability to wirelessly connect your iPhone to Bluetooth devices. However, getting a Bluetooth device set up and paired with your iPhone can be a little tricky. Here's how to add a Bluetooth device to your iPhone.

Why You'll Love This Tip

  • Learn how to set up new Bluetooth devices on your iPhone.
  • Here's how to pair Bluetooth to your iPhone: open the Settings app, tap Bluetooth, tap the new device, then tap Connect.

How to Pair Bluetooth Devices to Your iPhone & iPad

System Requirements

This tip was performed on an iPhone 17 Pro running iOS 26.5. Learn how to update to the latest iOS.

To get started using a Bluetooth device, whether it's JBL, Bose, Sony, or some other brand, you'll need to pair it with your iPhone. To pair your iPhone with a Bluetooth device, the Bluetooth device needs to be discoverable. You also need to ensure you have Bluetooth enabled on your iPhone.

  1. First, to ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone, open Settings. open the settings app
  2. Tap Bluetooth. tap bluetooth in settings
  3. Make sure Bluetooth is toggled on. Now, your iPhone is discoverable. This is where all your paired devices will be listed and where you will be able to find new devices to connect to. make sure bluetooth is toggled on in settings
  4. Now, turn on your device or press the Bluetooth button (if there is one). Usually, a light will begin to blink to alert you that the device is in pairing mode. This means it's discoverable. bluetooth symbol Image from Wikipedia
  5. On the Bluetooth Settings page, you should see the new device pop up under Other Devices; tap the device. tap bluetooth device
  6. Alternatively, you may see a pop-up of the new device and directions on how to connect it. touch and hold the button
  7. Tap Connect. tap connect to connect bluetooth device
  8. Once connected, you will be able to see the battery life of the device. Tap Continue to use the new device! tap continue to use bluetooth device

That's how you pair a Bluetooth device to an iPhone or iPad. Now, you can play your iPhone audio through any Bluetooth device and get grooving! If you like learning about using your iPhone, be sure to sign up for our free Tip of the Day.

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written by

Leanne Hays

Leanne Hays has over a dozen years of experience writing for online publications. As a Feature Writer for iPhone Life, she has authored hundreds of how-to, Apple news, and gear review articles, as well as a comprehensive Photos App guide. Leanne holds degrees in education and science and loves troubleshooting and repair. This combination makes her a perfect fit as manager of our Ask an Expert service, which helps iPhone Life Insiders with Apple hardware and software issues.
In off-work hours, Leanne is a mother of two, homesteader, audiobook fanatic, musician, and learning enthusiast.

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