Resolve Bluetooth Issues On a Chromebook

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction: Chromebook: Resolve Bluetooth Issues

Bluetooth connectivity is essential for various devices like headphones, speakers, and peripherals on your Chromebook. However, Bluetooth issues can occur. This comprehensive guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve common Bluetooth problems on your Chromebook.

Understanding Common Bluetooth Issues:

Enabling Bluetooth on Your Chromebook:

Click the clock in the bottom-right corner.

Click the Bluetooth icon to enable it. The icon should turn blue.

Pairing Devices Properly:

Put the device you want to connect into pairing mode.

In your Chromebook's Bluetooth settings, click "Add a device" and select the device to pair it.

Clearing Bluetooth Cache:

Sometimes, clearing the Bluetooth cache can resolve issues:

In settings, go to "Privacy and security."

Click "Clear browsing data."

Check "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files," then click "Clear data."

Adjusting Bluetooth Settings:

Click the clock, go to settings, and select "Bluetooth."

Click the gear icon next to the connected device and adjust settings like audio output or input.

Troubleshooting Connected Devices:

If a specific device is causing problems:

Disconnect the device.

Turn off Bluetooth.

Restart your Chromebook.

Turn Bluetooth back on and re-pair the device.

Powerwash (Factory Reset):

As a last resort, you can perform a Powerwash to reset your Chromebook to factory settings. This may resolve persistent Bluetooth issues, but be sure to back up your data first.

Contact Support.Com

If you are still having trouble, refer to the Step-By-Step Guide below, or Contact Support.Com for Personalized Assistance.

This guide will walk you through solving problems you may have with Bluetooth devices on your Chromebook.

Picture of a chromebook

2. Bluetooth: Range Check

The device needs to be within a reasonable range in order to connect.

  • In general, to pair and use a Bluetooth device (like a speaker, headset or smartwatch), the device needs to be within 10 feet of your computer or other device.
  • Some medium and higher-power devices can be farther, up to about 30 feet, but this tends to be for larger devices that plug in or have very large batteries, such as another computer, media streaming device, or a plug-in speaker system.

Try moving the Bluetooth device closer if you have trouble.

3. Bluetooth Device: Battery Power

It is important to ensure that your Bluetooth device is powered on with an adequate amount of battery life in order to complete the pairing process without interruption.

  • Ensure your Bluetooth device is powered on.
  • Check your Bluetooth device's battery power.
  • Charge the battery if necessary, or replace old or depleted batteries if need be.

4. Chromebook: Pair Bluetooth

  1. Select the user menu in the bottom-right corner.
Chrome user menu
  1. Select Bluetooth.
Chrome user menu with the bluetooth area highlighted
  1. Turn on Bluetooth.
Chrome Bluetooth settings with the on off switch highlighted
  1. Your Chromebook will start scanning for your Bluetooth device.
Chrome Bluetooth settings stating it is scanning for devices
  1. Place your Bluetooth device in pairing mode. This varies from device to device, but in many cases, you can push and hold the power button to turn on your Bluetooth device for a couple extra seconds.
  2. Your Chromebook will locate your Bluetooth device, and list it for you to connect to. Select your Bluetooth device.
Chrome Bluetooth settings with an unpaired device highlighted
  1. Your Chromebook will attempt to pair to your Bluetooth device. If your device requires a password, you'll be prompted for it at this time.
Chrome Bluetooth settings as it is connecting to a bluetooth device with the connecting message highlighted
  1. Once connected, a small message will display in the corner, letting you know your Bluetooth device is connected and ready to use.
Chrome pop-up message indicating a bluetooth device is now connected

5. Chromebook: Delete Bluetooth Device

  1. Select the user menu in the bottom-right corner.
screenshot of the chromebook user menu
  1. Select Bluetooth.
screenshot of the user menu with bluetooth highlighted
  1. Select Settings.
screenshot of bluetooth settings with settings gear highlighted
  1. Select Menu for your Bluetooth device.
screenshot of bluetooth settings with the menufor a paired bluetooth device highlighted
  1. Select Disconnect.

6. Bluetooth Device: Restart

  1. Turn off your Bluetooth device.
  2. Wait 10 to 15 seconds.
  3. Turn your Bluetooth device back on.

In most cases, pushing and holding the power button for 3 to 5 seconds will turn most Bluetooth devices on or off.

7. Chromebook: Restart

There are 2 main ways to restart your Chromebook. The first method is preferred.

Shut Down From Menus

  1. Select the User menu by clicking your profile picture in the bottom-right corner.
User Menu.
  1. Select the Power symbol. Your Chromebook will turn off.
User menu with Power highlighted.
  1. Wait 10 seconds.
  2. Push the Power Button on your Chromebook to turn it back on.

Shut Down With Hardware

  1. Push and hold the Power Button on your keyboard for 10 seconds.
  2. Wait 10 seconds.
  3. Push the Power Button on your Chromebook to turn it back on.

8. Chromebook: Pair Bluetooth

  1. Select the user menu in the bottom-right corner.
Chrome user menu
  1. Select Bluetooth.
Chrome user menu with the bluetooth area highlighted
  1. Turn on Bluetooth.
Chrome Bluetooth settings with the on off switch highlighted
  1. Your Chromebook will start scanning for your Bluetooth device.
Chrome Bluetooth settings stating it is scanning for devices
  1. Place your Bluetooth device in pairing mode. This varies from device to device, but in many cases, you can push and hold the power button to turn on your Bluetooth device for a couple extra seconds.
  2. Your Chromebook will locate your Bluetooth device, and list it for you to connect to. Select your Bluetooth device.
Chrome Bluetooth settings with an unpaired device highlighted
  1. Your Chromebook will attempt to pair to your Bluetooth device. If your device requires a password, you'll be prompted for it at this time.
Chrome Bluetooth settings as it is connecting to a bluetooth device with the connecting message highlighted
  1. Once connected, a small message will display in the corner, letting you know your Bluetooth device is connected and ready to use.
Chrome pop-up message indicating a bluetooth device is now connected