How to Fix Samsung Galaxy S21 Bluetooth Issues
Bluetooth connectivity problems on the Galaxy S21 can cause pairing failures, audio stuttering, or random disconnections. Follow these steps to fix them.
Method 1: Toggle Bluetooth
- Swipe down to open Quick Settings.
- Tap Bluetooth to turn it off.
- Wait 10 seconds.
- Turn Bluetooth back on.
- Try reconnecting your device.
Method 2: Unpair and Re-pair
- Go to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth.
- Tap the gear icon next to the paired device.
- Tap Unpair.
- Put the Bluetooth accessory into pairing mode.
- Re-pair it from the Bluetooth settings.
Method 3: Clear Bluetooth Cache
- Go to Settings > Apps.
- Tap the three-dot menu and select Show system apps.
- Find Bluetooth and tap it.
- Tap Storage > Clear cache.
- Restart your phone and test Bluetooth.
Method 4: Reset Network Settings
- Go to Settings > General management > Reset.
- Tap Reset network settings.
- Confirm and restart your phone.
- Re-pair all Bluetooth devices.
- This clears all Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular settings.
Method 5: Update Software
- Go to Settings > Software update.
- Tap Download and install.
- Install any pending updates.
- Samsung frequently patches Bluetooth bugs in software updates.
- Restart and test your Bluetooth connection.
On my S21+, Clear Cache is grayed out on the Bluetooth > Storage page. Software is up to date, I have unpaired and re-paired numerous times. It connects and plays audio for calls and media in my car, but with a headset or headphones it only works for calls. I have it set to connect for both calls and audio in the Bluetooth settings. Podcasts and audiobooks play silently when my headphones are connected; YouTube videos won’t play, they immediately pause. It has been this way for about a year with my Poly Voyager headset, through many software updates and restart cycles. I just got a new pair of JBL Endurance headphones, and it’s the same with those.
The only weird exception is about once a month, when I hang up a call on my work iPhone, my S21+ spontaneously starts playing the last audio file I listened to, and I will hear it through the headphones for about 10 seconds. Then it cuts off.
I’d love to hear any suggestions you have. Thank you.
On my Samsung S21FE 5G, Bluetooth does not appear in the Apps list. I’ve tried toggling it off and on. The last phoneupdate was 05/06/26.
Is there another way to clear the cache?