Bluetooth tethering is a convenient way to share your internet connection between devices without using cables. However, sometimes it may fail to work on Windows 11, causing frustration. Fortunately, most issues can be fixed with a few simple steps. This guide will walk you through easy and effective troubleshooting methods.
Before diving into complex solutions, it’s best to check the basics first. Many problems arise from simple misconfigurations or connectivity glitches. By following this step-by-step guide, you can quickly identify and resolve the issue.
Whether you’re using a laptop, desktop, or tablet, these instructions apply to most Windows 11 devices. You don’t need to be a tech expert — explanations are clear and straightforward.
Let’s get started and help you get Bluetooth tethering working smoothly again.
Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks
- Ensure Bluetooth is Enabled on Both Devices: Bluetooth tethering requires Bluetooth to be turned on both on your Windows 11 PC and the device providing internet (like a smartphone).
- Check Device Compatibility: Make sure your phone supports Bluetooth tethering and your Windows device supports Bluetooth PAN (Personal Area Network).
- Verify Internet Connection: The device sharing internet must have a working mobile data or Wi-Fi connection.
- Keep Devices Close: Bluetooth works best when devices are near each other, ideally within 10 meters (about 30 feet).
- Restart Devices: Sometimes, a quick reboot of both the Windows PC and the phone resolves temporary glitches.
Step 1: Turn Bluetooth Off and On Again
Turning Bluetooth off and then on again can refresh the connection and fix minor bugs. To do this:
- Click the Start button and open Settings.
- Go to Bluetooth & devices.
- Toggle the Bluetooth switch Off, wait 5 seconds, then toggle it On again.
- Try reconnecting to your phone and see if tethering works.
This simple step often resolves connection problems because it resets the Bluetooth adapter on your PC.
Step 2: Verify Bluetooth Tethering is Enabled on Your Phone
On your smartphone, Bluetooth tethering must be enabled for your PC to connect. Here is how to check it:
- Android: Open Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering > Ensure Bluetooth tethering is turned On.
- iPhone: iPhones use Personal Hotspot, which does not officially support Bluetooth tethering on Windows. You may need to use Wi-Fi or USB tethering instead.
Without Bluetooth tethering enabled on your phone, Windows cannot use the connection.
Step 3: Pair Your Devices Properly
For Bluetooth tethering to work, your PC and phone must be paired correctly. Follow these steps on Windows 11:
- Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
- Click Add device and select Bluetooth.
- Choose your phone from the list of available devices.
- Confirm the pairing code on both devices and accept the connection.
Once paired, your PC and phone can communicate securely, enabling tethering.
Step 4: Connect to the Bluetooth Network on Windows
After pairing, you need to connect to the Bluetooth PAN network to access the internet:
- Open the Control Panel (search for it in Start).
- Navigate to Network and Internet > Network Connections.
- Find the Bluetooth Network Connection adapter.
- Right-click it and select Connect / Disconnect.
- Select your phone’s device and connect.
This connects your PC’s network to your phone’s internet via Bluetooth tethering.
Step 5: Update Bluetooth Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause Bluetooth tethering failures. To update your drivers:
- Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Bluetooth section.
- Right-click your Bluetooth adapter and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for drivers and follow prompts.
If Windows does not find any update, you can visit your PC manufacturer’s website to download the latest Bluetooth drivers manually.
Step 6: Run the Bluetooth and Network Troubleshooters
Windows 11 has built-in troubleshooters that can identify and fix common issues automatically:
- Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find Bluetooth and click Run.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
- Repeat the above steps for the Internet Connections troubleshooter.
These troubleshooters can detect misconfigurations or driver problems and suggest fixes.
Step 7: Disable Power Saving for Bluetooth Adapter
Sometimes, Windows may turn off Bluetooth devices to save power, which can interrupt tethering. To prevent this:
- Open Device Manager and expand Bluetooth.
- Right-click your Bluetooth adapter and select Properties.
- Go to the Power Management tab.
- Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
- Click OK and restart your PC.
This ensures Bluetooth stays active during tethering sessions.
Alternative Method: Use Wi-Fi or USB Tethering
If Bluetooth tethering still does not work, consider using alternative tethering options:
- Wi-Fi Hotspot: Most phones allow sharing internet via Wi-Fi. Connect your Windows 11 PC to the phone’s hotspot as you would any Wi-Fi network.
- USB Tethering: Connect your phone to your PC using a USB cable and enable USB tethering on your phone. This can provide a more stable connection.
These methods often offer faster speeds and better reliability than Bluetooth tethering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is Bluetooth tethering not showing up on my Windows 11 PC?
Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices and that they are properly paired. Also, confirm that Bluetooth tethering is turned on your phone.
Can I use Bluetooth tethering with an iPhone on Windows 11?
iPhones typically do not support Bluetooth tethering with Windows PCs. Use Wi-Fi or USB tethering instead.
My devices are paired but still no internet. What should I do?
Try reconnecting to the Bluetooth network in Network Connections, update Bluetooth drivers, and run Windows troubleshooters.
Is Bluetooth tethering slower than Wi-Fi tethering?
Yes, Bluetooth generally offers slower speeds and shorter range compared to Wi-Fi tethering.
Can power saving settings affect Bluetooth tethering?
Yes, Windows may turn off Bluetooth adapters to save power. Disable this option in Device Manager to maintain connection stability.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the above steps and Bluetooth tethering still does not work, consider the following:
- Restart both devices again and ensure they are running the latest software updates.
- Reset network settings on your phone (this will remove saved Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections).
- Check your PC manufacturer’s support site for Bluetooth adapter firmware updates.
- Visit the official Microsoft Support page for more advanced help.
- Contact your phone manufacturer’s support if the problem seems device-specific.
Conclusion
Bluetooth tethering issues on Windows 11 are usually easy to fix by following simple troubleshooting steps. Start by checking basic settings like Bluetooth status, device pairing, and tethering options on your phone. Updating drivers and running Windows troubleshooters can resolve more stubborn problems. If Bluetooth tethering is not essential, alternative methods like Wi-Fi or USB tethering offer reliable internet sharing.
By carefully following this guide, you should be able to restore your Bluetooth tethering connection quickly and enjoy internet access across your devices without hassle.