Bluetooth Troubleshooting and Usage Guide

Before You Begin

If you have not yet explored our Bluetooth Not Working? Solve Pairing and Detection Issues, library page, start there first. This guide assumes that you have already checked your settings, updated drivers, and run the troubleshooter.

What You will Find in This Article

This guide helps you resolve your Bluetooth issues:

• Connect Dell Bluetooth Devices to Your Computer
• Advanced Bluetooth Troubleshooting Steps
• Fix Bluetooth Adapter Issues
• Resolve Missing Bluetooth Toggle

Connect Dell Bluetooth Devices to Your Computer

Your Dell computer comes with an internal Bluetooth adapter to pair with other Bluetooth-enabled accessories. Here is information about how to pair them:

For generic instructions in Windows 11 and Windows 10:

• Follow the pairing instructions in our guide: Pair Bluetooth Devices: Windows 11 and Ubuntu Guide

For Dell keyboards and mice specifically:

• Check out our Dell Knowledge Base article: Guide For Pairing and Troubleshooting Dell Bluetooth Keyboards and Mouse

Advanced Bluetooth Troubleshooting Steps

When the basic fixes have not resolved your issue, these advanced steps dig deeper into potential problems. Save your work before starting as you must restart your computer during this process.

Step 1: Restart your computer.

1. Save all open files and close your applications.
2. Restart your computer completely.

This clears temporary system glitches that might be interfering with Bluetooth.

Step 2: Access Bluetooth settings

1. Press and hold the Windows () key, and then press the q key.
2. In the search box, type bluetooth.
3. Select Bluetooth and other devices settings.

Step 3: Verify that Bluetooth is enabled.

1. Look for the Bluetooth toggle switch.
2. Confirm that the toggle is set to On.

Do not see the Bluetooth toggle? This could indicate one of several issues such as your Bluetooth adapter might be disabled in BIOS or be disabled in Device Manager. For instructions on enabling the Bluetooth adapter in the BIOS and in Device Manager, see the Resolve Missing Bluetooth Toggle section.

Step 4: Update your Bluetooth drivers.

Outdated or corrupted drivers cause most Bluetooth problems. Keep your drivers current to ensure smooth operation.

To update Bluetooth drivers:

• Follow our comprehensive guide: How to Download and Install Bluetooth Driver for Windows 11 and Windows 10

Step 5: Use SupportAssist for automated optimization.

SupportAssist checks for driver updates and identifies performance issues that might affect Bluetooth.

1. Press and hold the Windows () key, and then press the q key.
2. In the search box, type supportassist.
3. Select SupportAssist from the results.

Do not see SupportAssist? Browse to the SupportAssist for PCs and tablets page to download and install it.

4. Select Start Now to run all tests.
5. Review the results and apply any recommended fixes.

Tip: While you can run individual tests, running all tests provides the most comprehensive analysis.

Fix Bluetooth Adapter Issues

Your Bluetooth adapter might turn off unexpectedly or stop responding. Here is how to help resolve adapter-specific problems.

Check the USB port when using a USB Bluetooth adapter.

Check that your USB port is working correctly first: USB Ports Not Working on Windows: Solve Common USB Issues.

Diagnose the Bluetooth integrated adapter.

For instructions on running the diagnostics specifically on the Bluetooth adapter, see the Run diagnostics when Bluetooth is missing section, as they are essential for identifying adapter problems.

Resolve Missing Bluetooth Toggle

Ensure that the Bluetooth adapter is enabled in the BIOS.

Ensure that the Bluetooth adapter is enabled in Device Manager.

Cannot find the Bluetooth toggle in Windows Settings? Your adapter might be disabled in Device Manager or not detected by Windows.

Enable the Bluetooth adapter in Device Manager.

1. Press and hold the Windows () key, and then press the q key.
2. In the search box, type device manager.
3. Select Device Manager.
4. Look for Bluetooth in the device list.

If Bluetooth appears:

1. Select the arrow to expand the Bluetooth section.
2. Look for any device with a down arrow icon.
3. Right-click that device.
4. Select Enable device.
5. Close Device Manager.

If Bluetooth appears with a down arrow icon:

• Right-click the device.
• Select Enable device.

If Bluetooth does not appear at all: Continue to the diagnostic steps below.

Run diagnostics when Bluetooth is missing.

1. Browse to the Dell Support website.
2. Select your computer when it is shown. If your computer model is not shown, you are given several options to identify your computer.

   Either:

   • Select detect this PC automatically
     NOTE: You may be asked to Download & Install SupportAssist, which automatically identifies your computer for you. Follow the prompts to download and install SupportAssist.
   • Enter the Service Tag, Dell EMC Product ID, or Model, and then touch or click the Search button, and select your computer from the list.
   • Select Browse all products: Then select the type of device that you have, the brand name, and then the product model.
     NOTE: For more information, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article, How to Determine the Model Number of Your Dell Computer
3. Select the DIAGNOSTICS tab.
4. Select Visit Advanced Troubleshooting.
5. Select Full list of components.
6. Under System Devices, select Bluetooth Device.
7. Select Continue.
8. Select Run Hardware Scan.
   NOTE: You may be asked to turn Bluetooth on in order to run the test.
9. Select Yes or No if you can see Bluetooth devices in the list.
10. Review the test results for hardware issues.