Hands-free Bluetooth kits are a great way to keep in touch with people while on the road. Using a phone is dangerous (and illegal in many countries), so a hands-free kit provides a safer way to speak.

But while many drivers know that it can be useful, some still find that they are unable to get their hands-free kit to work.

One of the biggest problems with Bluetooth involves being unable to pair two devices. This can happen because of both software and hardware issues.

Here are some potential solutions to consider.

Different Bluetooth Generations

One of the potential problems is that newer Bluetooth devices may not be able to connect with older devices. Bluetooth 2.1 dates back to 2007, and while the latest generation of Bluetooth can still pair with this, other versions like Bluetooth Smart cannot because it uses a different protocol. Bluetooth Smart devices can therefore usually only pair with other Bluetooth Smart devices.

You may also experience problems when you use Bluetooth devices that have different profiles. They all have different profiles that allow them to connect, and if they don’t support the same profile, they will be unable to connect.

In these situations, the problem is down to the devices themselves, and you will probably need to upgrade one of your Bluetooth devices to use it.

When you are looking for the right car, you might already be thinking about a hands-free kit. Some cars come with infotainment systems that you can pair your phone to, so just make sure you choose one that can pair up with your mobile phone.

Other Problems with Pairing

Sometimes Bluetooth pairing problems are not down to the devices themselves but how you are using them, so here are some possible solutions to try.

If you cannot pair your hands-free kit with your phone, the first thing to do is make sure Bluetooth is turned on. You can do this in the settings of your phone, and you should see the Bluetooth symbol should appear on your screen.

Next, check your phone’s battery. If the battery is too low, it may cut off the Bluetooth connection, which is due to the smart energy settings on the phone. Charge it up and try again.

You might need to turn off other phones in the car. You may be having problems pairing your phone because other phones are pairing instead, so turn them off or get them out of the way so you can pair. This can happen when a phone was previously paired with a device and they end up connecting automatically.

It may be that your devices are not close enough together. Make sure you try to pair them when they are close together, which should be at least within a few feet of each other.

Find out about the pairing process as well, which can vary depending on your phone model. You might need to enter a code, or you may need to touch your phone against the hands-free device. Check the user guide to find out.

Finally, turn your phone off and on again, and do the same with your hands-free kit. Sometimes this can resolve various issues.

Sort Out Your Pairing Problems

If you’re experiencing problems pairing your Bluetooth devices, make sure that they are compatible and then check some of the common problems that may be preventing you from pairing them up.

Then once you’ve sorted the problem out, you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits of hands-free speaking on the road.