Why Can’t I Turn on Bluetooth on My Chromebook?

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Connecting your Chromebook to Bluetooth will allow you to access multiple types of devices, including Bluetooth keyboards, mice, speakers, headphones, and headsets. However, connectivity is only possible if the Bluetooth function on your Chromebook works.

If you can’t seem to find a fix for your Chromebook’s Bluetooth issue, stick around. There are several reasons why you may not be able to turn it on, which we’ll be listing below along with quick fixes that can help.  

1.      Your Chromebook Does Not Support Bluetooth

One reason why your Bluetooth may not be turning on is simply that your Chromebook does not support Bluetooth connections.

But how do you know if your Chromebook can work with a Bluetooth connection in the first place? It’s easy.

At the bottom right of your display, click on the time. You should see the Bluetooth symbol appear. If you don’t see the sign, that means your Chromebook does not support Bluetooth.

Which Chromebook Models Support Bluetooth?

If you’re still not sure if your specific Chromebook model supports Bluetooth, the following are a few examples of models that do work with the technology:

2.      A USB Device is Connected to Your Chromebook

If you can’t turn on your Bluetooth and notice that it is connected to a Bluetooth device through USB, the first thing to do is unplug the USB cord. You can also try removing all connected devices to be on the safe side.

We know what you’re thinking. Why would your Chromebook’s USB connections interfere with an entirely different type of connection?

Well, according to user surveys and reports, it seems that some USB cables are incompatible with Chromebooks; this may lead to complications like Bluetooth interference, especially if the device connected is, in fact, a Bluetooth-enabled device.

3.      Your Chromebook Needs a Reboot

If your Bluetooth still doesn’t turn on, try restarting your Chromebook. Keep in mind that this is not the same as performing a reset or factory reset.

4.      Your Operating System Isn’t Up to Date

Next, check if your Chromebook’s operating system is up to date.

There was a particular Linux OS update released a few years ago that had a lot of bugs. Users who installed the update complained a lot about issues in Bluetooth connectivity, in particular. If you check your operating system and it is outdated, update your OS, and restart your Chromebook.

Note: If you regularly update your OS, you’ll find that it often solves most of your Chromebook problems.

5.      Your Bluetooth Access is Limited

Due to its price, flexibility, and ease of use, students often use Chromebook laptops or tablets borrowed from their institutions; in fact, that’s one of the reasons they are so popular.

In this case, the school’s administrator or tech team often controls your device; this means that they may remotely limit or block Bluetooth access.

If you have tried all the previous fixes and you still can’t turn on your Bluetooth, it could just be that your school simply turned off your Bluetooth. To be sure, check with your school’s IT support team or administrators. They will be able to confirm if they’ve disabled that setting.  

Alternatively, if your Chromebook was given to you to use for work purposes, it’s Bluetooth functionality could also be limited by your company’s tech support team. In any case, you should call IT for assistance if you have trouble connecting with Bluetooth.

What if None of These Solutions Work?

If your Bluetooth refuses to turn on after following all the tips so far, the last thing you can try is a factory reset. However, keep in mind that this may not guarantee that your Bluetooth issue will be resolved, so only do this if you have exhausted all other options.

If you decide to move forward with a factory reset, make sure you back up your apps and passwords in the cloud so that you don’t face any difficulty trying to get them back after you hard reset the Chromebook.

Open a Feedback Form

In addition to the factory reset, it is recommended that you open a feedback form with Google. To do this, go to your Chrome’s menu (the three vertical dots in the upper right corner of your browser). At the menu, navigate to the Help section. From the Help section, click “Report an issue.”

While this may not immediately solve your Bluetooth problem, it will notify Google that there’s an issue with your particular Chromebook model’s Bluetooth, and future updates may help repair the problem for users who are experiencing the same thing.

My Bluetooth Turns On, But I Still Can’t Connect to Another Device

If your Bluetooth is turned on, but you still have a problem connecting your Chromebook to a device, there are a few fixes. Most of these fixes are similar to what you would do when troubleshooting a Chromebook that will not turn on Bluetooth.

First, turn off your Bluetooth, then on again. If this does not work, restart your Chromebook, as the Bluetooth is sometimes unavailable if the Chromebook is turned on and left unused for a while. If this doesn’t work, you should check your Google OS and update it to the latest version.

If any of these solutions do not work, contact your Bluetooth device’s manufacturer, as there may be an issue with the device you’re trying to connect to.  

Conclusion

As mentioned, connected USB-Bluetooth devices, idle Chromebooks, outdated OS, and remote blocking are the major reasons why you may be unable to turn on Bluetooth on your Chromebook. To get the connection up and going again, simply unplug the USB of any Bluetooth-connected devices, restart or reset your Chromebook, update your OS, or contact tech support for further assistance.

Trying to connect a webcam to your Chromebook? Check out this article for a step-by-step guide!

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