Connect and Manage Bluetooth Devices on Your iPad

Questions

  • How do I connect Bluetooth headphones to my iPad?
  • How do I pair a new Bluetooth device with my iPad?
  • My Bluetooth device isn't connecting to my iPad — how do I fix it?
  • How do I disconnect a Bluetooth device from my iPad?
  • How do I remove a Bluetooth device I no longer use?
  • How do I reconnect a Bluetooth device that was previously paired?
  • My Bluetooth headphones aren't showing up on my iPad — what should I do?

Environment

This article applies to all Bowdoin College students, faculty, and staff using a college-issued or personal iPad with any Bluetooth audio device or accessory, such as headphones, speakers, or keyboards.

Resolution

Pair a Bluetooth device for the first time

  1. Put your Bluetooth device into pairing or discovery mode. For headphones, this is usually done by pressing and holding the power button until a light flashes or you hear an audio tone. Refer to the instructions that came with your device if you are not sure how to activate pairing mode.
  2. On your iPad, open the Settings app.
  3. Tap Bluetooth and make sure the Bluetooth toggle is turned on (green).
  4. Your device should appear under Other Devices. Tap its name to pair.
  5. If prompted, enter a PIN to complete pairing. Once paired, the device will move to the My Devices list and show Connected.
Tip: If your device does not appear in the list, make sure it is in pairing mode, within range, and not already connected to another device. Try turning Bluetooth off and back on, or power cycling the accessory.

Reconnect a previously paired device

Once a device has been paired, your iPad remembers it. To reconnect:

  1. Turn on your Bluetooth device and make sure it is within range of the iPad.
  2. On your iPad, open Settings > Bluetooth.
  3. Tap the device name under My Devices. It will connect and show Connected.

Many Bluetooth devices reconnect automatically when powered on if the iPad's Bluetooth is already enabled and the Bluetooth device was most recently connected to this iPad.

Forget a device

If a device is not connecting reliably, forgetting it and re-pairing from scratch often resolves the issue.

  1. Open Settings > Bluetooth.
  2. Find the device under My Devices and tap the ⓘ info button next to its name.
  3. Tap Forget This Device and confirm.
  4. Re-pair the device by following the pairing steps above.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.

Additional Resources

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