What should I do if my iPhone apps can't connect via Bluetooth?

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What should I do if my iPhone apps can't connect via Bluetooth?

I'm desperate with this one, please help.

I've been experiencing an issue with some apps that require BT connection for using some third-party devices, e.g. changing car LEDs colour or modifying EQ on headphones. The apps are BanlanX and Soundcore. It seems that none of those apps have the ability/permission to use BT on the iPhone, and they never even request for it.

When I open the settings of the BanlanX for example, it shows:

Allow BanlanX to access:

Siri

Search

Mobile Data

It doesn't show Bluetooth at all, which makes it impossible to connect to any device that is supposed to be operated with the app.

When I go to: Privacy & Security > Bluetooth, not a single app appears over there, it's like the iOS doesn't even see that the app might use Bluetooth.

Can anybody help with this one?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 12 mini, iOS 18

Posted on Jan 11, 2025 4:57 PM

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Answer 1

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kornel288 Author

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7 points

Jan 17, 2025 7:37 AM in response to kornel288

I've found the solution for my case:

Settings / Screen time / Content & privacy restrictions / Bluetooth / Allow changes

Basically the phone wasn't letting the apps request the change of any BT settings.

Then just open the app that needs BT and the request for BT should pop right up.

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Answer 2

kornel288 Author

Level 1

7 points

Jan 12, 2025 1:53 AM in response to Lawrence Finch

Thanks Lawrence. It’s not that, though. Of course I can turn on Bluetooth, that’s not the problem. I don’t have any issue with connecting to devices such as AirPods, speakers, whatever it is. I don’t need help with pairing, because that works fine.

I need help with the apps which (in everybody else’s phones) request access to use the phone’s Bluetooth, meanwhile in mine they don’t even ask for it for some reason.

I’ve reinstalled the apps various times.

I’ve rebooted the phone.

I’ve reset network settings.

I’ve updated to the newest iOS, although the issue was present already in the previous ones.

Anybody?

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Answer 3

Jan 11, 2025 6:20 PM in response to kornel288

Go to Settings/Bluetooth. Can you turn it on? If not your phone has a hardware problem.

If it does leave it open, then put the devices you want to connect to into Pairing mode. If they have been previously paired you may have to factory reset them first.

Some apps (such as hearing aids) actually require you to pair them in the app itself. Check the app’s documentation.

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Answer 4

kornel288 Author

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7 points

Jan 13, 2025 6:38 AM in response to Lawrence Finch

It’s my private account, I don’t have any work email accounts on the phone. Regarding MDM, it’s the first time I’ve heard of it, I don’t think the phone has any profiles like that. Would there be any way to check that?

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Answer 5

Jan 12, 2025 7:45 AM in response to kornel288

Do you have a work email account on your iPhone, or does it have an MDM profile?

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Answer 6

Jan 13, 2025 8:09 AM in response to kornel288

If you don’t know what Mobile Device Management is you probably don’t have it. To check go to Settings/General/Device Management & VPN. If there is no profile there you don’t have it.

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Answer 7

kornel288 Author

Level 1

7 points

Jan 16, 2025 11:32 AM in response to Lawrence Finch

I've checked - I don't have any MDM or VPN profile. Anybody?

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What should I do if my iPhone apps can't connect via Bluetooth?

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