Having trouble connecting your iPhone 7 Plus to your car, headphones, or other Bluetooth devices? Whether it’s not pairing at all or randomly disconnecting, you’re not the only one. Bluetooth issues are common and usually tied to minor software glitches, settings misconfigurations, or at times, hardware damage. Here’s how to get your iPhone 7 Plus Bluetooth working again.
1. Make Sure Bluetooth Is Enabled and the Device Is in Range
Start with the basics:
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth
- Make sure Bluetooth is on
- Ensure the device you’re connecting to is in pairing mode and within 50 feet
You can also toggle Bluetooth off and on again to refresh the connection.
2. Reboot Your iPhone and the Bluetooth Device
Sometimes all it takes is a quick restart:
- Restart your iPhone 7 Plus:
- Press and hold the Power button
- Slide to power off
- Wait 30 seconds and turn it back on
- Restart your Bluetooth device, especially if it has a toggle or pairing mode switch
3. Forget the Device and Reconnect
Clearing a past connection can help with pairing issues:
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth
- Tap the ⓘ next to the device name
- Tap Forget This Device
- Reboot both devices and try pairing again
4. Reset Network Settings
This will clear all saved Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and VPN settings, giving your iPhone a fresh start:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap Reset > Reset Network Settings
- Enter your passcode if prompted
Your phone will restart — now try connecting via Bluetooth again.
5. Check If the Issue Is With the Bluetooth Device
Try connecting your iPhone to a different Bluetooth device:
- If one device works but another doesn’t, the issue may be with that particular device
- Some Bluetooth accessories simply aren’t compatible or have their own bugs
6. Update iOS (If Available)
Software updates often include fixes for connectivity issues:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update
- If an update is available, download and install it
7. Use DFU Mode Restore (Last Resort)
If none of the above works, a Device Firmware Update (DFU) restore will wipe and reinstall your iPhone’s operating system:
⚠️ Use with caution: A failed DFU restore can brick your device. Only try this if you’ve backed up your data and are comfortable following technical steps.
Still Not Working? Contact Apple Support
If you’ve exhausted all the above steps and Bluetooth is still broken, the issue might be hardware-related, such as:
- A damaged Bluetooth antenna
- Internal damage from a drop or moisture
At this point, visit an Apple Store or authorized repair center to have your iPhone diagnosed.