Bluetooth has been around for a while and is amazing when it works; our devices automatically connect without us asking them to and work together. And then they just stop, for no apparent reason.
Bluetooth has been around for a long time - the first devices were available in the last millenium - and the recent uptick in working from home and our use of platforms like Teams and Zoom mean that we're now relying on it more than ever.
But from our experience, reliability still seems to be a bit of a problem. Devices work together and then stop working for no apparent reason which is really frustrating.
Here are six tips you can try to help fix these frustrations. I'm going to use the example of a headset connected to a computer as it makes them easier to understand, but the principles behind them should work for any pairing that has gone awry.
1. If you have a separate RF dongle for your headset use it!
Because of the inherent reliability problems with Bluetooth, many manufacturers ship their devices with a dedicated USB RF (radio frequency) dongle to use as an alternative to Bluetooth. If you've got one, use it.
2. Disconnect your headset from other devices
The original Bluetooth standard didn't support more than one active pairing at a time. New devices now support more than one connection - but often the limit is now two devices instead of one. So you may find the reason your computer can't connect to the headset is because it's already paired already with your phone and tablet (for example). Go to the bluetooth settings on your other devices and disconnect your headset. Then try to reconnect on your computer.
How to find Bluetooth Settings on...
Windows
Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices
macOS
On your Mac, choose System Preferences from the Apple menu (), then click Bluetooth 
.
iOS
On your device, go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn on Bluetooth.
Android
Search for the Settings app on your device, then select the app. Scroll down to and select Bluetooth or the Bluetooth symbol
3. Re-Pair your headset with your computer
If that doesn't work, try deleting the pairing from your computer and re-pair.
4. Running Teams and Zoom?
Quit both apps and start up the one you're trying to use. The general principal here is that if you have more than one app that can use the Bluetooth device quit any others that may also be using it.
5. Turn your Bluetooth device off for 10 seconds and then on again
Wait for the device to pair.
6. Restart your computer
You knew that one was coming, right?