Windows 10: Why isn't my Bluetooth device connecting, allowing me to remove a device or even add a new...

Hi, I'm having trouble with my Bluetooth device. My earphones are paired however when I try to connect through the computer it says “connection failed” or that the device isn't discoverable. I know it isn't a problem with my earphones as I've connected it to a different PC and different devices I have used this laptop to connect my earphones before too. I tried removing the device from Bluetooth but it said “Remove failed”. I also tried to connect by clicking the plus and adding a new device but an error came up saying "couldn't connect" and gave some suggestions that didn't work like troubles

:)

 

'Allow a device to connect' is greyed out

Hi,

I understand your concern and will assist you to resolve the issue.

I suggest you to follow the steps below and check if it helps.

Step 1: Run Hardware and Device troubleshooter.

Windows 10 has a built-in troubleshooter to check and fix issues with hardware and devices. I would suggest you to run this troubleshooter to check if the issue is with your USB Port. Refer these steps:

• 
  Press Windows key +X, select
  Control panel.
  
• 
  Change the view by option on the top
  right to Large icons.
  
• 
  Click on troubleshooting and click on the
  view all option on the left panel.
  
• 
  Run the Hardware and devices troubleshooter.
  

Step 2: I suggest you to check the Bluetooth Settings and check if it helps.

• 
  Open Control Panel by clicking the
  Windows + X,
  
• 
  In the Control Panel search box, type
  Bluetooth, and then click Change Bluetooth settings.
  
• 
  In the Bluetooth Settings dialog box, click the
  Options tab and do any of the following:
  
• 
  To make your computer discoverable to Bluetooth enabled devices, select the check box for
  Allow Bluetooth devices to find this computer.
  
• 
  To allow you to add Bluetooth enabled devices to your computer, select the check box for
  Allow Bluetooth devices to connect to this computer.
  
• 
  To be notified when a Bluetooth enabled device is trying to connect to your computer, select the check box for
  Alert me when a new Bluetooth device wants to connect.
  

Keep us posted on this issue so that we can assist you better.

 

tp-link bluetooth allow a device to connect greyed out

Have you tried to connect to a Bluetooth device? Here is an example connecting to Arctis 3 Bluetooth headset
Start pairing mode on headset by holding down power button until green light flashes rapidly. Note every device is different.

In Bluetooth settings click on Add Bluetooth or other device





Click on Bluetooth





Wait for headset to appear in list
When it does click on Bluetooth headset





Arctis 3 Bluetooth headset is connected and ready to use





It is now in list of Audio devices with status Connected voice. music





When Arctis 3 Bluetooth is turned off status is Paired.
Next time headset is turned on it will automatically connect

 

Cannot use bluetooth device

1 Pairing is done in Settings, Devices
1.1 You click on Add Bluetooth or other device
1.2 You choose Bluetooth
1.3 If there is a pairing button on the bluetooth device itself then you press that now. You need to check the instructions for your bluetooth device to see how to do this - several automatically go into pairing mode when they switch on, others have a button that needs to be pressed for, say, 5 seconds.
1.4 The computer detects all available bluetooth devices and you select yours from the list. If yours is not on the list then Windows could not detect it.
1.5 It connects - pairing includes connecting
1.6 The computer sounds a buzz in the earpiece then displays Your device is ready to go and you click on Done
1.7 The device is shown in the devices list below the subheading Audio and it shows it as connected
1.8 The device should also appear in Control panel, Sounds, Playback tab
1.9 The device should also appear in Control panel, Devices & printers
1.10 {I just paired some bluetooth earphones as I typed so I could make sure these notes were correct} You use a music player and the sound comes out of the bluetooth earphones

2 If this is not happening for you then go to Contol panel, Devices & printers
2.1 Right-click on the device & select Remove device
2.2 You can now try pairing from scratch again
2.3 Several other users have reported that only removing the device with Bluetooth command line tools - BluetoothInstaller allowed them to re-pair again [see xzion's guidance below]
2.4 Yet others reported that only the KeithM code or Bungee's guidance worked for them [see below]

3 Where is this all going wrong for you?
[I assume we are definitely talking about bluetooth headphones/earphones. I understand that WiFi ones do also exist.]


4 Additional guidance -

Unpair a Bluetooth Device - TenForumsTutorials
Connect a Bluetooth device in Windows - Windows Help

Steps to completely remove a belutooth device so pairing can be done again [post #9, xzion] - TenForums
Steps to completely remove a belutooth device so pairing can be done again [post #22, KeithM] - TenForums
Steps to completely remove a belutooth device so pairing can be done again [post #39, Bungee] - TenForums
Several people registered in TenForums just to be able to thanks xzion, KeithM & Bungee. Apparently, what worked for some people did not work for others so each solution seems worth trying.


Denis