How to Use Bluetooth on Your iPhone

Your iPhone is equipped to work with Bluetooth to communicate wirelessly with a compatible Bluetooth headset or hands-free car kit. Bluetooth equipment is made by Apple and others.

To ensure that the iPhone works with one of these devices, it has to be coupled, or paired, with the chosen device. With the optional iPhone Bluetooth headset that Apple sells, you can automatically pair the devices by placing the iPhone and headset into a dual dock (supplied with the headset), which you connect to your computer.

If you’re using a third-party accessory, follow the instructions that came with that headset or car kit so that it becomes discoverable, or ready to be paired, with your iPhone. Then turn on Bluetooth under General on the Settings screen so that the iPhone can find such nearby devices, and the device can find the iPhone. Bluetooth works up to a range of about 30 feet.

You’ll know Bluetooth is turned on when you see the Bluetooth icon in the status bar. If the symbol is blue or white, the iPhone is communicating wirelessly with a connected device. If it is gray, Bluetooth is turned on in the iPhone but a paired device is not nearby or on.