iPhone (iOS) · Devices
Pair Keyboards, Controllers, and Other Accessories
Beyond audio devices, the Bluetooth settings screen manages any paired accessory — external keyboards, game controllers, car infotainment systems, fitness sensors, and more — under the 'My Devices' list.
How to open Bluetooth Accessories
- Open Settings → Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is on.
- Put the accessory into pairing mode as described in its manual.
- Tap the accessory's name once it appears under Other Devices.
- Confirm any on-screen pairing code if prompted.
What you should know
- Discoverable nearby accessories appear under 'Other Devices' ready to pair.
- Each paired accessory shows a connection status and a ⓘ button for accessory-specific options.
- Game controllers appear here and can also be checked for compatibility inside Game Center-enabled apps.
- Car Bluetooth systems pair here to enable hands-free calling and audio streaming while driving.
Some accessories, like certain keyboards or car systems, require a one-time numeric pairing code confirmation shown on both devices before they'll connect.
Why it matters
Modern life runs through a growing list of Bluetooth accessories — keyboards, controllers, hearing aids, car systems, fitness trackers — and this single screen is the control point for all of them on iPhone. A misconfigured or forgotten pairing can silently cause dropped car audio, an unresponsive controller, or a keyboard that won't reconnect.
Best practices
- Forget and re-pair an accessory that's misbehaving rather than repeatedly toggling Bluetooth, since a corrupted pairing often needs a fresh handshake.
- Keep frequently used accessories, like a car system, at the top by reconnecting to them regularly so iOS prioritizes them.
- Check accessory firmware update prompts when they appear, since outdated accessory firmware is a common cause of dropped connections.
Common problems and fixes
- A previously working accessory won't reconnect automatically
- Tap the ⓘ next to the device and choose Forget This Device, then re-pair it from scratch.
- Multiple accessories interfere with each other, causing audio glitches
- Disconnect accessories you're not actively using from the Bluetooth list to reduce interference and connection competition.
Tips and tricks
- Tap and hold an accessory in the Bluetooth list for a quick shortcut to Forget This Device without opening its full info screen.
Frequently asked questions
How many Bluetooth accessories can be paired to one iPhone?
There's no strict published limit on paired accessories, but only a limited number can be actively connected and in use simultaneously.
Why does my car's Bluetooth system show a different name than expected?
Many car systems broadcast a fixed name set by the manufacturer or dealer, which is separate from your iPhone's own device name.
Related settings
- Bluetooth DevicesBluetooth settings let you pair AirPods, headphones, speakers, keyboards, and other accessories, and manage previously connected devices.
- AirPods SettingsOnce AirPods are paired, a dedicated settings page appears for them with controls for noise control modes, spatial audio, press-and-hold gestures, and battery levels for each earbud and the case.
- Apple WatchPairing an Apple Watch is done through the dedicated Watch app on iPhone, which then manages the Watch's settings, apps, and complications, while the paired connection itself is visible under Bluetooth.
More Devices guides for iPhone (iOS)
- KeyboardKeyboard settings let you add languages and layouts, configure autocorrect and predictive text, and connect a physical Bluetooth or Magic Keyboard for a more traditional typing experience.
- HandoffHandoff lets you start something — a webpage, email, document, or FaceTime call — on your iPhone and instantly pick it up on a nearby iPad or Mac signed in with the same Apple ID, without saving or sending anything manually.
- CarPlayCarPlay settings let you pair a vehicle, arrange which apps appear on the CarPlay screen, configure Siri and notification behavior while driving, and control automatic connection when you get in the car.
- MagSafe & Charging AccessoriesMagSafe and wireless charging settings show connected chargers and battery accessories, support Optimized Battery Charging to protect long-term battery health, and can trigger automatic behaviors when a MagSafe accessory attaches.
- External Storage (Files App)iPhone can connect to USB flash drives, SD card readers, and network file shares through the Files app, letting you browse, copy, and manage content directly from connected external storage.
- AirPlay & Screen MirroringAirPlay settings control which devices can receive streamed audio, video, and mirrored screen content from iPhone, including Apple TVs, HomePods, and AirPlay 2-compatible smart TVs and speakers.