How to fix Google Pixel 2 that won't connect to or pair with Bluetooth accessory? [Troubleshooting Guide]

Gone are the days when people are relying much on wirings and cables to connect one device to another and share some functionalities. Today, with the advanced Bluetooth technology entrenched into high-powered gadgets like Android smartphones, people will just have to turn some settings on from their device menu and then start listening to favorite songs, receive or make phone calls, or watch movies on a bigger screen through Bluetooth connectivity. There are just a few requirements to meet like system compatibility and proximity between devices. Once you have complied with the specified requirements, you are all set to make the most out of your phone’s Bluetooth function. But this is not always the case since some smartphone users also encounter some troubles when trying to use Bluetooth on their respective devices.

Just like what a number of Google Pixel 2 users who succumbed into various types of Bluetooth problems like unable to pair or connect to a Bluetooth device, and other pertinent issues. If you happen to be among these people, then this content is likewise for you. Just keep reading and learn what possibly causes your Bluetooth problem and how to get Bluetooth up and running again on your Google Pixel 2 smartphone. Recommended solutions to specific Bluetooth problems are also offered in the later section of this page so you might as well consider reading further for more details.

Before we proceed, if you are looking for a solution to a different problem, make sure you visit our Google Pixel 2 troubleshooting page for we have already addressed some of the most common problems with this phone. But if you need for help, then fill up our Android issues questionnaire and hit submit. Rest assured we’ll look into your concern.

Possible solutions and workarounds to deal with Bluetooth problems on your Google Pixel 2

The enumerated methods are generic solutions to deal with Bluetooth issues in Android devices. You can start troubleshooting the problem with these methods then see if any of them is able to fix the problem.

Again, make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on your Google device and that your Bluetooth accessory must be turned on and within range or proximity. That being said, there are three main things that you need to consider looking into beforehand.

Verify and ensure that Bluetooth is turned on

Turn Bluetooth on or off.
Tap Settings to open the settings app.
Tap on Connected devices.
Tap to turn Bluetooth off and then back on.

If you see the Bluetooth icon at the top of the screen, then it means that Bluetooth is enabled. Now try to pair and connect your Google Pixel 2 to a Bluetooth accessory.

Confirm that both your devices are paired and connected

You need to pair both devices before you can connect them. You can do the pairing through the Settings app on your phone or using the notifications. Here’s how to pair and connect your Google Pixel 2 to a Bluetooth device through the Settings menu:

Open the Settings app by tapping on the Settings icon on your Home screen.
Tap Connected Devices.
Tap Bluetooth then confirm if Bluetooth is turned on.
Tap the option to Pair new device. Or tap More then select Refresh.

Hint: Menu options may vary between Android versions. If you don’t see this option, then you’re probably running a different Android version, which may not be compatible with or does not support the current Bluetooth accessory.

Tap the name of the Bluetooth device you want to pair with your Google Pixel 2.
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the pairing process.

If prompted, enter the passcode. Usually the default passcode is 0000 or 1234. Your devices will stay paired until you unpair them.

After successfully pairing, you can now connect both devices. Here’s how:

Tap the Settings icon to open the app.
Tap Connected devices.
Tap Bluetooth.
If necessary, turn Bluetooth on.
Look into the list of paired devices then tap a paired device that you want to connect to.

When your Google Pixel 2 and the selected Bluetooth device are connected, you will see the device labeled with Connected in the list.

Pairing and connecting to a fast pair Bluetooth accessory

For fast pair accessories you can do the Bluetooth pairing through notifications. You will know if it’s a fast pair accessory because it says so in the box. Here’s how pairing is done on these Bluetooth devices:

Make sure Bluetooth and Location services are turned on in your Google Pixel 2.
Turn on your fast pair Bluetooth accessory and place it near your Google phone.
Tap on Tap to pair.
Wait until you see a Pairing complete notification. If prompted, tap on Tap to get the app on Google Play if your accessory has an app.

After successfully pairing, you can connect your devices with these steps:

Tap to open the Settings app on your Google Pixel 2.
Tap Connected devices.
Tap Bluetooth.
Make sure Bluetooth is enabled.
From the list of paired devices, locate then tap the Bluetooth device you want to connect to.

Confirm that both your Google phone and the Bluetooth device are connected. You will know when they are if the device shows as Connected in the list.

Reboot your Google Pixel and your Bluetooth device

If a software glitch is preventing your phone from pairing or connecting to a Bluetooth device, then it should be rectified by a soft reset or reboot on the device itself. For starters, here’s how to a soft reset is done on your Google phone:

Press and hold the Power button on the right side.
Tap the option to Power off.
Wait for about 30 seconds, then press the Power button again until the animation screen appears.

In the case where your device is unresponsive or frozen, you can do the alternative restart (force restart) on your phone.

To do so, press and hold the Power button for about 10 to 20 seconds or until it power cycles.

No data will be affected by either of these reboot procedures thus it’s a safe process to begin with.

Specific Bluetooth Problems and Recommended solutions

Select from among the subsequent Bluetooth problems is you’re currently dealing with then refer to the recommended solutions. Don’t forget to test your devices after completing each method to determine if the problem has been resolved and that you are already able to pair and connect your Google Pixel 2 to your Bluetooth device.

Google Pixel 2 cannot pair with car Bluetooth.

Recommended solution: Forget Bluetooth devices stored on your phone’s memory and from your car’s memory.

Just like when you forget wireless networks on your phone, forgetting Bluetooth devices also erases all Bluetooth devices paired with your Google Pixel 2 along with relevant information. This gives your device a fresh start when using Bluetooth with your other devices or car Bluetooth again.

Here’s how to clear devices from your phone’s memory:

Tap to open the Settings app on your Google phone.
Tap Connected devices.
Tap Bluetooth.
Tap Settings on the Bluetooth devices that you are not currently using then select the option to Forget.
If you see your car’s name in the list, it means that you paired your phone and car before. Tap Settings next to your car’s name then tap Forget. Doing so will erase your car along with other Bluetooth devices from your phone’s memory.

Clear devices from your car’s memory. You may need to refer to your car’s manual and follow the given instructions on how to clear any devices you are not currently using.

After clearing your phone’s and Bluetooth car’s memory, refresh the device list then do the pairing again. Please refer to the above steps on how to pair and connect your Google Pixel 2 with your Bluetooth device or check your car’s manual for specific instructions when using Bluetooth.

Cannot pair Google Pixel 2 with a Bluetooth accessory like Android wear

Recommended Solutions: Check your Bluetooth connection, restart your devices, unpair devices, reset Bluetooth accessory to factory settings, the pair devices again.

Verify and ensure that your Bluetooth accessory is discoverable and read to pair. Refer to the Bluetooth pairing instructions that came with your accessory. Methods may vary between devices.

Refreshing the accessory list can also help.

To do so, open the Settings app on your phone, then tap Connected devices-> Bluetooth. If your Bluetooth accessory is not in the list, tap More then select Refresh option next to your accessory’s name.

If necessary, try the rest of the suggested solutions including device restart, unpairing and pairing devices again.

Cannot hear music from a Bluetooth headset, speaker, or car

Recommended solution: Check the volume and enable Media audio.

It’s possible that the Volume on your Bluetooth speaker, headset or car stereo is just set to to a minimal level. Be sure to check on that first and increase the volume level if necessary. If your phone is paired and connected to other Bluetooth devices, check that other devices are not playing the music. Also ensure that Media audio is enabled on your Google Pixel 2. Here’s how:

Tap Settings to open the app.
Tap Connected devices.
Tap Bluetooth.
Tap Settings next to your car or accessory’s name.
If necessary, check the box next to Media audio.

Reboot your Google phone afterwards then try to use Bluetooth again and see if it already works as intended.

Cannot make or get calls with a car Bluetooth

Recommended solution: Check and enable Phone audio.

Please note though that not all cars can make or receive calls through Bluetooth. That being said, verify and confirm that your car does. You may refer to your car’s manual if needed. Also make sure that other Bluetooth devices paired with your Google phone are not getting your calls. And finally, verify and confirm that Phone audio is enabled. Here’s how:

Tap Settings to open the app.
Tap Connected devices.
Tap Bluetooth.
Tap Settings next to your car Bluetooth or accessory’s name.
If necessary, check the box next to Phone audio.

Once you’ve done that, restart your Pixel 2 then try using Bluetooth again.

Reset Bluetooth accessory to factory settings

If nothing else works, then you may consider a factory reset as your last resort. You have to note though that this will erase your settings, apps, and data from your accessory like Bluetooth watch for example. On the positive note, it will likely fix the problem especially if the underlying cause is a complex glitch on the accessory’s software. Please refer to the recommended instructions on how to reset your Bluetooth accessory to its factory settings should you wish to take your chances in doing so. After the reset, try to pair and connect your Google Pixel 2 and your Bluetooth accessory again to see if that has fixed the problem.

Seek more help

Contact the manufacturer of your Bluetooth device or car for proper recommendations and instructions on how to make the device work with your Google Pixel 2. Also verify if your Bluetooth device is compatible or able to work with the Google Pixel 2’s operating system. Or you may also try to reach Google Support for further assistance in performing an advanced troubleshooting to your specific Bluetooth problem using the appropriate tools on their end.

Google Pixel 2 posts you may be interested in reading:

How to fix Google Pixel 2 that won’t connect to or pair with Bluetooth accessory? [Troubleshooting Guide]