Bluetooth headphones not connecting after removed from Paired devices

Question

Hi! I have a pair of Sony WH-CH500 wireless headphones, which I had originally removed from my paired bluetooth devices on my PC (Lenovo 81WE Ideapad 3 15iil05/Windows 11) due to some issues I was having. When I've tried to pair them again, my headphones do not appear when adding a new device. I've tried everything, used the bluetooth troubleshooting, tried updating windows and resetting my headphones, but nothing has worked yet. The headphones connect with no problems to other devices. Is there a way to fix this?

Answer 1

It sounds like you're experiencing a common issue with Bluetooth devices not reconnecting after being removed from the paired devices list. Here are some steps you can try to resolve the issue:

1. Ensure Headphones are in Pairing Mode: Make sure your Sony WH-CH500 headphones are in pairing mode. Usually, this involves holding down the power button or a specific pairing button until you see a flashing light.
2. Remove Other Bluetooth Devices: If you have multiple Bluetooth devices connected to your PC, try disconnecting them. Sometimes, having too many devices can cause connectivity issues.
3. Bluetooth Troubleshooting: Since you mentioned you've already used Bluetooth troubleshooting, ensure that you followed all the recommended steps. You can also check for any specific error messages that might indicate the problem.
4. Update Bluetooth Drivers: Ensure that your Bluetooth drivers are up to date. You can do this through Device Manager in Windows 11. Right-click on the Start button, select Device Manager, find Bluetooth, and check for updates.
5. Reset Bluetooth Settings: You can try resetting your Bluetooth settings. Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices, and toggle Bluetooth off and back on again.
6. Check Windows Updates: Make sure your Windows 11 is fully updated, as updates can sometimes fix connectivity issues.
7. Use USB Dongle: If the problem persists, consider using a USB Bluetooth dongle, especially if your PC's built-in Bluetooth is not functioning well.

If none of these steps work, it might be worth checking if there are any specific compatibility issues with your Lenovo Ideapad and the headphones.

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References:

• Bluetooth version and profile support in Windows 11
• Bluetooth Developer FAQ

Answer 2

Hello,

As a first solution, try to do one clean reset of the Windows Bluetooth stack and remove any ghost entries for the headset, then pair again.

Put the WH-CH500 in pairing mode so Windows can actually see it. Turn the headset off. Hold the power button for about 7 seconds until the LED flashes red and blue and you hear Bluetooth pairing.

On the PC go to Settings > Bluetooth and devices and turn Bluetooth Off.

Now press Win + X then choose Device Manager. In the menu select View > Show hidden devices. Expand Bluetooth. If you see anything named WH-CH500 or LE-WH-CH500 right click each one and choose Uninstall device.

Still in Device Manager expand Audio inputs and outputs, and also Sound, video and game controllers. If you see WH-CH500 entries there, uninstall them too. Expand Bluetooth again. Right click your Bluetooth adapter, for example Intel Wireless Bluetooth or Realtek Bluetooth Adapter, and choose Uninstall device. Do not tick any Delete the driver software box if it appears. This only removes the device instance so Windows can rebuild it.

Restart the PC. After the restart turn Bluetooth On in Settings. Put the WH-CH500 back in pairing mode again. Make sure it is not connected to any other phone or tablet while you do this. Temporarily turn Bluetooth Off on nearby devices if needed.

Go to Settings > Bluetooth and devices > Add device > Bluetooth. When you see WH-CH500, select it to pair. If you see both LE-WH-CH500 and WH-CH500, pick WH-CH500.

Tell me what you see, and if it still does not show up I will guide you through the next check.