iPhone SE Can’t Pair with Bluetooth Devices After iOS Update? Here’s How to Fix It

If your iPhone SE suddenly can’t connect to Bluetooth accessories after installing iOS 11.3, you’re not alone. A number of users have reported pairing issues following the update. The problem usually boils down to software glitches—and luckily, there are several ways to fix it.

Here’s a full guide to help get your iPhone SE pairing with Bluetooth devices again.

Before You Start: Check the Basics

Make sure:

Your iPhone SE and Bluetooth device are close to each other.
Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone (Settings > Bluetooth).
The Bluetooth accessory is fully charged and in pairing mode.
The accessory is compatible with iOS devices.

Once all of the above is verified and Bluetooth still won’t pair, try the following fixes.

1. Restart Both Devices

A simple reboot often clears temporary glitches.

To restart your iPhone SE:

Hold the Power button until “slide to power off” appears.
Drag the slider.
After 30 seconds, press and hold the Power button again to turn it back on.

For your Bluetooth device: Turn it off using its power switch, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.

Now try pairing again.

2. Toggle Bluetooth Off and Back On

Refreshing Bluetooth often clears minor bugs.

Go to Settings > Bluetooth.
Toggle the switch Off, wait a few seconds, then toggle it On again.
Try pairing your Bluetooth device again.

3. Forget and Re-Pair the Bluetooth Device

Sometimes the saved Bluetooth profile gets corrupted.

Go to Settings > Bluetooth.
Find your device in the list.
Tap the ⓘ icon next to it.
Tap Forget This Device and confirm.
Restart your iPhone.
Put your Bluetooth accessory in pairing mode.
Go to Settings > Bluetooth, then select the device to pair again.

If prompted, enter a PIN or accept the pairing request.

4. Reset All Settings on Your iPhone

This reset won’t erase your data, but it will reset system settings like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Do Not Disturb preferences.

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
Tap Reset All Settings.
Enter your passcode, then confirm.

Once your iPhone restarts, turn Bluetooth back on and attempt pairing again.

5. Do a Factory Reset (If Nothing Else Works)

If none of the above fixes help, a full reset might be necessary. Warning: This will erase everything on your phone. Back up first!

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
Enter your passcode, then confirm.
After the reset, set up your iPhone as new.
Try pairing Bluetooth again before restoring any backup.

Still Having Trouble?

Try another accessory: If your iPhone can pair with other Bluetooth devices, the issue is likely with the accessory.
Check with the manufacturer: Some accessories may not yet be compatible with iOS 11.3.