Bluetooth is essential on the iPad for connecting AirPods, keyboards, mice, game controllers, Apple Pencils, speakers, and other wireless accessories. After updating to iPadOS 27, however, some users may run into problems such as accessories refusing to pair, Bluetooth connections dropping unexpectedly, or connected devices working inconsistently.
Most Bluetooth problems on iPadOS 27 can be fixed without resetting the entire iPad. The key is to work out whether the problem is with the iPad, the accessory, or the connection between them. Start with the simpler fixes below before moving on to more advanced troubleshooting.
1. Your iPad Won’t Connect to a Bluetooth Accessory
If an accessory doesn’t appear under Settings > Bluetooth, make sure it is turned on and actually in pairing mode. Bluetooth accessories don’t always enter pairing mode automatically, particularly if they were previously connected to another device.
Try the following:
- Open Settings > Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
- Put your accessory into pairing mode using its manufacturer’s instructions.
- Keep the accessory close to your iPad while pairing.
- Wait for its name to appear under Other Devices.
- Tap the accessory to begin pairing.
- Follow any instructions that appear on the iPad.
If the accessory was previously paired with another phone, tablet, computer, or TV, disconnect it from that device first. Some Bluetooth accessories can maintain only one active connection at a time.
If the accessory still doesn’t appear, turn it off, wait a few seconds, turn it back on, and try pairing again.
2. Bluetooth Keeps Disconnecting on iPadOS 27
A Bluetooth accessory that connects successfully but repeatedly drops the connection can be caused by interference, low battery, distance, or temporary software problems.
Start by moving the accessory closer to the iPad and checking its battery level. Bluetooth generally works best when there are fewer physical obstacles between the two devices.
Then refresh the connection:
- Open Settings > Bluetooth.
- Turn Bluetooth off.
- Wait about 10 seconds.
- Turn Bluetooth back on.
- Reconnect your accessory.
If the problem continues, restart both devices.
- Press and hold the Top button and either Volume button.
- Drag the power slider.
- Wait about 30 seconds.
- Turn the iPad back on.
- Restart the Bluetooth accessory.
- Try connecting again.
If the accessory disconnects only when you move several feet away, the problem may be related to Bluetooth range or interference rather than iPadOS 27.
3. Your Bluetooth Accessory Is Connected but Doesn’t Work
Sometimes iPadOS shows a Bluetooth device as connected even though the accessory isn’t actually responding.
First, check whether the accessory works independently. For example, try another set of headphones, keyboard, mouse, or controller with your iPad. If the second accessory works normally, the original device is likely the problem.
You can also remove and reconnect the accessory:
- Open Settings > Bluetooth.
- Tap the ⓘ button next to the accessory.
- Tap Forget This Device.
- Confirm the action.
- Put the accessory back into pairing mode.
- Select it under Other Devices.
- Complete the pairing process again.
This creates a fresh Bluetooth connection and can clear corrupted pairing information.
4. Bluetooth Audio Is Cutting Out or Sounds Distorted
If AirPods, headphones, or a Bluetooth speaker keeps cutting out, first make sure the accessory has enough battery and is within range.
Then check whether another nearby Bluetooth device is causing interference. Disconnect accessories you aren’t using and test the audio again.
If you’re using AirPods or another audio accessory:
- Open Settings > Bluetooth.
- Tap the ⓘ button next to the connected device.
- Check its connection settings.
- Disconnect and reconnect the accessory.
- Play audio again.
You should also test the same headphones or speaker with another device. If the audio cuts out everywhere, the accessory is more likely to be responsible.
For AirPods specifically, placing both earbuds back in the charging case for a few seconds before reconnecting can refresh the connection.
5. Your Keyboard, Mouse, or Controller Won’t Work Properly
Bluetooth input devices can behave differently from headphones and speakers because they need a continuous connection while you’re using them.
If a keyboard, mouse, or game controller suddenly stops responding, check its battery first. Then reconnect it.
- Open Settings > Bluetooth.
- Tap the ⓘ button next to the accessory.
- Select Forget This Device.
- Turn the accessory off.
- Wait a few seconds.
- Turn it back on and enter pairing mode.
- Pair it with your iPad again.
If you’re using a Bluetooth keyboard and can’t type your passcode, connect another input method or use the iPad’s on-screen keyboard until the accessory is paired again.
For game controllers, check whether the manufacturer has released a firmware update. Controller firmware can affect compatibility with newer versions of iPadOS.
6. Bluetooth Works, but an App Can’t Find the Accessory
If an accessory works in some situations but isn’t visible inside a particular app, check the app’s Bluetooth permission.
- Open Settings > Privacy & Security.
- Tap Bluetooth.
- Find the affected app.
- Make sure Bluetooth access is enabled.
- Reopen the app and try connecting again.
If the app doesn’t appear in the Bluetooth permissions list, update it from the App Store and restart your iPad.
This is particularly relevant for accessories that rely on their own companion apps for setup, firmware updates, health data, or advanced controls.
7. Bluetooth Stopped Working After Updating to iPadOS 27
If Bluetooth worked normally before installing iPadOS 27 but started behaving strangely afterward, begin with the basic software fixes rather than immediately resetting your iPad.
First, restart the iPad and check for another iPadOS update.
- Open Settings > General > Software Update.
- Install any available update.
- Restart your iPad after the installation finishes.
- Test the Bluetooth accessory again.
You should also update the accessory’s firmware if its manufacturer provides a companion app or firmware updater.
If only one accessory is affected, forget and re-pair that device. If multiple Bluetooth accessories started failing after the iPadOS update, continue to the final fix.
8. Reset Your iPad’s Network Settings
If Bluetooth problems persist across several different accessories, resetting the iPad’s network settings can help clear persistent connection problems.
This does not erase your photos, apps, messages, or other personal data. However, it will remove saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords along with other network-related settings, so make sure you know your important Wi-Fi passwords before proceeding.
To reset the settings:
- Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad.
- Tap Reset.
- Select Reset Network Settings.
- Enter your iPad passcode.
- Confirm the reset.
- Wait for the iPad to restart.
- Reconnect your Bluetooth accessories.
After the reset, test Bluetooth before reinstalling or changing other network-related settings.
When Bluetooth Still Doesn’t Work
If your iPad can’t connect to any Bluetooth accessory after you’ve restarted it, updated iPadOS, forgotten and re-paired devices, and reset network settings, the problem may require further diagnosis.
Try the affected accessory with another phone, tablet, or computer. If it works elsewhere, the iPad may be the source of the problem. If it fails everywhere, the accessory itself may need an update, repair, or replacement.
You can also test a different Bluetooth accessory with your iPad. If multiple accessories fail in the same way, that provides a stronger indication that the problem isn’t limited to one device.
Keeping both iPadOS and your accessories’ firmware updated is one of the easiest ways to avoid compatibility problems as Apple continues to update Bluetooth and accessory support in iPadOS 27.
