How to Fix Pixel 8 and 8 Pro Bluetooth Problem, Not Pairing or Disconnecting

When you purchased your Google Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro, you likely had high expectations of a buttery smooth performance, excellent software, and hardware. While they excel in many aspects of a premium smartphone, software still remains an area where Google needs to enhance its focus.

Issues such as overheating, poor battery life, and Wi-Fi not working are troubling Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro users. As if these were not enough, the devices now receive complaints about Bluetooth problems. Many Pixel 8 users can’t connect their devices to their car’s Bluetooth. Some affected say their Google Pixel isn’t pairing or keeps disconnecting.

We are surrounded by gadgets, and most of them use Bluetooth to connect with a smartphone or a different device. So, if your Google Pixel doesn’t connect to a Bluetooth device, it can be a difficult time, which you’d want to get rid of as quickly as possible. Fortunately, there are several effective approaches to fix the Bluetooth issues on the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. I have jotted them down below.

Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro Bluetooth Not Connecting or Keeps Disconnecting? Here Are the Fixes

Before moving on to the solutions, I assume you have tried turning the Bluetooth off and on as a potential fix. If you haven’t already, swipe down from the top of your screen to open the quick settings panel and tap on the Bluetooth icon. Tap the icon again to turn it on, and then try connecting your Pixel to your car or a different device.

If turning off and on Bluetooth doesn’t work, I’ve more solutions for you mentioned below.

Solution 1: Restart Your Google Pixel

Software glitches could cause a Bluetooth connection to fail. Often, restarting the device is what it needs to settle down. Restarting your device also refreshes the Bluetooth connection and forces it to reconnect to paired devices.

Press the power button and volume up button on your Pixel 8 or Pro and select the Restart option. Wait for it to boot up, and then make a Bluetooth connection to your other device. Keep in mind that Bluetooth is a short-range technology. Therefore, your phone must be near the other device for a successful connection.

[Note: When you enable Bluetooth on your Google Pixel, it tries to connect to the recently connected device. It may not automatically try to connect to all paired devices. So, enabling Bluetooth alone might not be enough. You should go to Bluetooth settings and tap on the paired device you want to connect.]

Solution 2: Check the Bluetooth Status on the Other Device

For a successful connection, Bluetooth must be enabled on both devices. Sometimes, we try hard to connect our phone to a different device (a speaker, a car, etc) but later realize that we haven’t enabled Bluetooth on the other device. Ensure you are not making this silly mistake by checking the Bluetooth status on your other device.

If Bluetooth is already enabled on the other device, try turning it off and on. Then, bring your phone closer and try to establish a connection.

Solution 3: Remove Paired Bluetooth Devices

Removing paired Bluetooth devices and adding them again can fix various Bluetooth issues, such as connectivity problems, pairing failures, or frequent disconnections. The process helps reestablish a stable Bluetooth connection.

Here are all the steps:

1. Go to the Settings app on your Google Pixel.
2. Tap on Connected devices.
3. Click See all to see all your paired Bluetooth devices.
4. Tap on the settings icon next to a device name and select Forget.
5. Click Forget device on the pop-up to remove the paired device.
6. Repeat the above steps to remove all your paired Bluetooth devices.
7. Now, go back to the Connected Devices screen.
8. Tap on Pair new device. [Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on the other device and is in pairing mode.]
9. Tap on your device name. It can take a few minutes to scan for nearby Bluetooth devices.
10. Click Pair.

You should have successfully paired your other devices, which should have resolved the Bluetooth issues. If the problem persists, try clearing the Bluetooth cache, as mentioned in the next solution.

Solution 4: Clear Bluetooth Cache

Clearing the Bluetooth cache is another effective solution to fix most Bluetooth issues, including those you’re currently facing on your Google Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro. Don’t worry! You won’t have to pair your devices again, as this solution does not remove your paired Bluetooth devices.

How to clear Bluetooth cache on Google Pixel:

1. Launch the Settings app on your phone.
2. Please scroll down to Apps and tap on it. You’ll see a list of apps installed on your phone.
3. Please scroll through the app list to find Bluetooth and tap on it.
4. Tap on Storage and click Clear cache.

Once done, try connecting a device via Bluetooth to check if the problem is solved.

Solution 5: Reset Your Network Settings

Incorrect network settings on your Google Pixel can cause Bluetooth problems, such as connection failure or frequent disconnection. Resetting the network settings removes your paired Bluetooth devices, saved Wi-Fi networks, and restores all the network-related settings you’ve changed.

Steps to reset network settings on Pixel:

1. Open the Settings app and tap on System.
2. Click Reset options.
3. Tap on Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
4. Click RESET SETTINGS to confirm.

After performing a network reset, go to Bluetooth settings on your phone and pair your Bluetooth device.

Solution 6: Boot Your Google Pixel Into Safe Mode

Third-party apps on your smartphone could be triggering Bluetooth problems. To check for any problematic apps, boot your device into safe mode.

When your device enters the safe mode, all third-party apps are temporarily disabled. So, if Bluetooth works fine and connects to other devices in safe mode, it means your Google Pixel has a problematic app.

How to boot a Google Pixel in safe mode:

1. Press and hold the power and volume up buttons until you see the power menu options.
2. Tap and hold the Restart option until the Reboot to safe mode prompt appears and then release.
3. Tap OK to confirm. The device should restart and enter safe mode.

In safe mode, you’ll see Safe mode text in the lower-left corner of your screen. Try connecting your Google Pixel to another Bluetooth device to check if the problem is fixed.

If Bluetooth issues have gone in safe mode, exit safe mode and uninstall recently installed apps one by one to find the culprit. You can exit the safe mode by restarting your device.

Solution 7: Update Your Device

Since many Google Pixel users are complaining about the Bluetooth issues, it’s likely to have been caused by software bugs. You should update the device to check if the latest version includes a fix for it.

Connect your device to the internet and go to Settings > System > System update to check for new updates. If an update is available, download and install it right away.

Solution 8: Factory Reset Your Google Pixel

If you’re still struggling to connect your Google Pixel to another Bluetooth device, try performing a factory reset. Doing this will make your device fresh from the inside (on the software level). In the process, your photos, videos, documents, installed apps, and all other files are removed. Hence, I strictly recommend backing up your device to avoid data loss.

How to factory reset your Google Pixel:

1. Open the Settings app on your phone.
2. Scroll down to System and tap on it.
3. Tap on Reset options and select Erase all data (factory reset).
4. Click Erase all data.
5. Confirm your lock screen (if prompted) and click Erase all data.

The factory reset process can take a few minutes. Do not process any buttons during the process. After its completion, set up your device and pair your Bluetooth devices.

Wrapping It Up

In the ever-evolving smartphone world, technical hiccups are not uncommon. But, with patience and proper troubleshooting approaches, you should be able to fix them easily. In this detailed guide, we’ve uncovered 8 ways of fixing Bluetooth problems on the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. If you’ve tested them, let us know which worked out in your favor. Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Don’t forget to check out our Android section to learn useful tips and tricks for your smartphone.