Samsung Galaxy S3: How to Solve Bluetooth Connection Problems

Everybody should be agree that Samsung Galaxy SIII is a great Android-based smartphone that has lot of useful features and abilities. One of which is Bluetooth capability owned by this phone. You can use Bluetooth to pair with another Bluetooth-capable device to transfer files, share internet connection, etc.

See also: How to Share Internet Connection Using Bluetooth Tethering on Samsung Galaxy S3

Aside from the advantages of the Bluetooth, some of users also have been reported that they were encountered some Bluetooth connection problems, such unable to pair/connect/recognize with another Bluetooth-capable device.


How to fix Bluetooth connections problem?
If you encountering one of these common problem as mentioned above, then kindly check these steps below to help you knowing the causes and how to fix it:
1. Make sure another device you're pairing has the same Bluetooth protocols as your Samsung Galaxy SIII
For the record, as written in the manual guide of this phone that it's compatible with Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, AVRCP, GOEP, HFP, HID, HSP, MAP, OPP, and PBAP. So, if the device you're pairing not compatible with any of these protocols, then it will make your phone unable to recognize them.

2. Make sure Bluetooth on both the devices is enabled
Check on both devices to make sure that the Bluetooth is enabled. If Bluetooth on one of the device is disabled, then it will caused your phone unable to pair.

3. Make sure both the devices is in range
For most devices, including with Samsung Galaxy, Bluetooth communication range is about 30 feet. So, make sure both of the devices is in range to be able to pair with each other. If one of the device is out of range, then it will caused your phone unable to connect.

4. Restart the phone
If you already have checked the step #1 up to the step #3 and they are all just fine but you still encountering Bluetooth connection problem, then try to restart your phone. Once your phone is on, try to pair to see whether the problem is still there or not.

5. Turn off the phone and removing the battery
If restarting the phone still unable to resolve the problem, then try to turn the phone off, remove the battery for about 30 seconds, reinsert the battery then turn on the phone and try to re-pair again with another Bluetooth-capable device to see if the problem is resolved.

6. Remove pairing and re-pair
If restarting the phone with or without pull down the battery still unable to fix the problem, then try to remove the pairing and restart your phone again. Once the phone is on, try to re-pair the device then see whether it solved the problem.


Well, these are 6 steps that you can do when you have a problem with the Bluetooth connections. However, if you have your own issue related with the Bluetooth connections, already fix it and it's not listed here, then I'll really appreciate if you willing to share them through the comment below :)

19 comments:

  1. My phone was connecting to Bluetooth fine with my speaker and with other phones. Suddenly, one day when I would connect it, it would connect to Bluetooth but then would have phone volume control. It would never actually connect to Bluetooth. When I would try to control volume, it only would control phone volume and not the Bluetooth device. Please help!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi bFLOw,
      Thanks for coming.
      Have you ever tried to connect the speaker with another phone? Did it works? Just to make sure that the problem is not the speaker.

      Delete
  2. Hi. I have successfully connected my S3 and Tab 3 10.1 via bluetooth and transfered a file. I want to use the 'use for internet access' on my Tab 3. It semed to work yesterday, but now nothing seems to happen, I have no internet access (still working on S3). I have tried the suggestions, turn off, battery out, unpair. Any more suggestions?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Gazza_sm,
      Thanks for coming.
      Given that you already managed to pair those two devices. In your Tab 3, go to Settings> tap Bluetooth> tap the cogwheel icon next to your S3 Bluetooth name under Available devices section to enter the settings menu> tick the box next to Internet access.
      However, why do you not use Wi-Fi tethering instead of Bluetooth tethering. The Wi-Fi tethering will be able to provide you more faster internet connection. However, if you don't know how to do so, you can visit our post about Wi-Fi tethering here:http://inside-galaxy.blogspot.com/2013/04/samsung-galaxy-s3-how-to-use-it-as.html
      Hope this helps :)

      Delete
  3. My galaxy 3 would automatically connect to the SYNC in my truck until the last update. Now I have to go to Bluetooth settings on my phone and make it connect. How do I turn on auto connect again?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Rich Miller,
      Thanks for coming.
      With or without restarting the phone, try to unpair and then pair them back then see whether it will bring back the auto connect again.
      Hope this helps :)

      Delete
    2. Same issue immediately after forced update. Tried un pairing and re-pairing a couple times without success.. next / true fix ?

      Delete
  4. I already connected in my bluetooth speaker but when im playing music still in s3 speaker playing

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Mark Francis Mangila,
      Thanks for coming.
      I've just done some further research and then I found a thread in androidcentral forum about Bluetooth issue. Some users have confirmed that they encountered the problem after they had installed TextPlus app. The problem finally can be resolved by using one of these steps:
      1. Uninstalling the app.
      2. Keeping the app and disable "Enable incoming call" option in its settings and then reboot the phone.
      So, if you've installed that app, then you can try to do one of these steps to fix your problem.

      Delete
  5. My bluetooth will connect and work but when my screen shuts off the bluetooth disconnects and I have to turn it back on and start again and I have it set so it doesnt disconnect on the settings but it still does it..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Katelyn O'leary,
      Thanks for coming.
      Theoretically, the Bluetooth connection shouldn't be disconnected when the screen is off/locked(I've just tried it in my phone and my Bluetooth connection was not disconnected).
      However, did you install any battery saver or power management app before this problem occurred? If yes, try to uninstall that app and then see whether it solves the problem.

      Delete
    2. Yea I did download power saving apps I will try that thanks :)

      Delete
    3. Then let me know what happen afterwards :)

      Delete
  6. My bluetooth wont even turn on on my s3. I tried turning it off. i even factory reset it... twice. Any alternatives?

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have had problems with my Bluetooth. It won't turn on. It just turns back off by itself. I have it paired with my Bose headphones. And every time I watch videos, the sound goes off and when I check back at settings it says it's turned off though I haven't touched the setting. Please help!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I did factory reset on my Galaxy S3 and after that the set is unable to detect my Plantronics Blue Tooth Ear Plug; it's listing all devices when blue tooth is enabled except my PLT device; though it was connecting nicely prior to the factory reset. Can any body guide here? I did restart, and removed battery for 30 secs, nothing worked.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Trying to connect Bluetooth on my SGS3 to a Mitsubishi challenger MY14 link system. Will not recognise phone. Link system compatable with Bluetooth 2.0 interface and A2DP(v1.0), AVRCP(v1.3), HFP(v1.5), OPP(v1.5), PBAP(v1.0) HTC and apple joined easily but my SGS3 won't. Can you help?
    Steve

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Forgot to mention that SGS3 is on Android version 4.3

      Delete
  10. I have the vr box headset and it came with a Bluetooth controller but when I tried to pair it to my s3 it didn't even show up on the Bluetooth menu but it shows up on my tablet

    ReplyDelete

Hi the insiders,
Thanks for coming and I hope you can get something useful here.
Before submitting your comment to ask about an issue, please make sure to provide information as much as possible (at least write your model number and Android version) and describe the problem clearly.
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