- To connect a Bluetooth device on Windows 11, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices, click on “Add device,” choose “Bluetooth,” select the device, and continue with the on-screen directions to complete the pairing.
On Windows 11, you can connect to virtually any Bluetooth device, and in this guide, you will learn how. Bluetooth is a standard radio wireless technology for transferring data over a short distance. On Windows 11, this technology lets you connect and use a long list of devices (such as a mouse, keyboard, headphones, speakers, controllers, pens, and more) through a process known as “pairing,” which you have to do once and doesn’t require extra software or drivers.
In this guide, I teach you the easy steps to pair Bluetooth devices to Windows 11. (In these instructions, I’ll be pairing my Android phone, but the process will apply to most devices.)
Connect Bluetooth device to Windows 11
To connect a Bluetooth mouse, keyboard, headphones, or speakers to Windows 11, use these steps:
Turn on the Bluetooth pair option on the device you wish to connect to make it discoverable on Windows 11.
Quick note: The process of making a wireless device discoverable differs per manufacturer and peripheral. Usually, you will find a button to press and hold until the connect light starts flashing. You must open Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Bluetooth to control the feature on your Android phone. Or, you can open Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone. However, you may need to check the manufacturer’s support website for more details.
Open Settings on Windows 11.
Click on Bluetooth & devices.
Turn on the Bluetooth toggle switch to enable the wireless radio (if applicable).
Click the Add device button.
Select the Bluetooth option.
Select the Bluetooth device (mouse, keyboard, headphones, or speakers) from the list.
Quick tip: If you cannot find the device, click the “Show all devices” option to expand the list. You will usually see the device’s name and brand. Also, make sure that the device you’re trying to connect is in pairing mode.
Confirm the Bluetooth pairing code on the device and Windows 11 (if applicable).
Quick note: Some devices like mice, keyboards, speakers, and headphones may not include a screen to review the pairing code, so in some cases, this step may not be required.
Click the Connect button on the Windows 11 Bluetooth settings.
Click the Done button.
Once you complete the steps, you can start using the peripheral wirelessly. If you have another device, repeat the steps to pair it with Windows 11. This should be a one-time process. After connecting the Bluetooth device, it should reconnect automatically when in range.
Update August 1, 2024: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.
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