How do you refresh Bluetooth?

Answered by Stephen Mosley

To refresh Bluetooth on your Android device, you can follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device. You can usually find the Settings app in your app drawer or by swiping down from the top of your screen and tapping the gear-shaped icon.

2. In the Settings menu, scroll down and tap on “Apps” or “Applications.” The name may vary slightly depending on your device.

3. Once you’re in the Apps menu, tap on the sort icon. This icon typically looks like a down arrow with three vertical bars next to it. By tapping on this icon, you can change the sorting options for the apps.

4. After tapping the sort icon, a dropdown menu will appear. Look for the option that says “Show system apps” and tap on it. This will allow you to see all the system apps installed on your device.

5. Once you’ve enabled the option to show system apps, scroll down the list of apps until you find “Bluetooth.” Tap on it to open the Bluetooth app settings.

6. In the Bluetooth app settings, you will see options like “Force stop,” “Uninstall updates,” and “Storage.” Tap on the “Storage” option.

7. Inside the Storage menu, you will find the option to “Clear data.” Tap on this option to clear the data associated with the Bluetooth app. Clearing the data will not remove the app itself, but it will reset any saved settings or preferences for Bluetooth.

8. A confirmation dialog will appear to ensure you want to clear the data. Tap “OK” to proceed with the data clearing process.

9. After clearing the data, you can exit the Bluetooth app settings and return to the main Settings menu.

By following these steps, you have successfully refreshed Bluetooth on your Android device. This process clears any stored data or settings related to Bluetooth, allowing you to start fresh. It may be useful if you are experiencing connection issues or other Bluetooth-related problems.

It’s worth noting that clearing the data for the Bluetooth app will not remove any paired devices from your device. Paired devices will remain connected and can be used again once you’ve refreshed Bluetooth.

Personal Experience:
I have encountered situations where refreshing Bluetooth has helped resolve connectivity issues on my Android device. Sometimes, Bluetooth connections can become unstable or stop working altogether due to software glitches or conflicts. Refreshing Bluetooth by clearing the app’s data can often resolve these issues and restore normal functionality.

In one instance, I was unable to connect my Android phone to a Bluetooth speaker. Despite multiple attempts, the speaker was not showing up in my Bluetooth settings. After refreshing Bluetooth by clearing the data, the speaker appeared in the list of available devices, and I was able to establish a successful connection.

It’s important to note that refreshing Bluetooth may not always solve connectivity problems, especially if the issue lies with the hardware or compatibility between devices. In such cases, additional troubleshooting steps, like restarting your device or updating the Bluetooth firmware, may be necessary.

Refreshing Bluetooth by clearing the app’s data is a simple and effective method to troubleshoot Bluetooth-related issues on Android devices.