There’s no “unforget” button on iPhone. Once you tap Forget This Device, the only way to get a Bluetooth device back is to pair it again. Put the device in pairing mode, open Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone, make sure Bluetooth is on, and tap the device when it appears under Other Devices. It then moves back to My Devices and reconnects automatically in the future.
The tricky part is pairing mode, which works differently for every device. Below are steps for headphones, AirPods, cars, Apple Watch, and more, plus fixes if the device doesn’t show up.
How to re-pair a forgotten Bluetooth device
- Put the device in pairing mode. On most headphones and speakers, hold the power or Bluetooth button until a light flashes, often blue and red or white. Check the device’s manual if you’re not sure.
- On your iPhone, open Settings > Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is on.
- Wait for the device to appear under Other Devices, then tap it.
- If asked, enter a PIN (often 0000 or 1234) or tap Pair on both devices.
Keep the device within a few feet of your iPhone while pairing.
How to re-pair specific devices
| Device | How to pair it again |
|---|---|
| AirPods and Beats | Put them in the case, open the lid near your unlocked iPhone, and tap Connect. If nothing appears, press and hold the case’s setup button (or double-tap the front of the case on AirPods 4) until the light flashes white. |
| Car stereo | Start pairing from the car’s screen (often Phone > Add device). Also delete your iPhone from the car’s device list first, or pairing may fail. |
| Apple Watch | A forgotten watch needs to be unpaired and set up again in the Watch app. Your iPhone backup usually restores its data. |
| Keyboard, mouse, or game controller | Use the device’s pairing button, then tap it in Bluetooth settings. For game controllers, hold the pairing combination listed in the manual. |
| Fitness trackers and smart devices | Pair through the maker’s app, not Bluetooth settings. The app usually has an Add device option. |
What “Forget This Device” does
Forgetting a device removes the saved pairing information from your iPhone, so it won’t reconnect automatically. On AirPods and Apple devices signed in to the same Apple Account, it may also remove the device from your other Apple devices. It doesn’t reset the device itself, and it doesn’t delete any data on it.
Many people use Forget This Device on purpose to fix connection problems, then re-pair. That’s a normal and safe troubleshooting step.
If the device doesn’t show up under Other Devices
- Make sure it’s really in pairing mode. A device that’s just turned on isn’t always discoverable. Look for a flashing light or listen for a voice prompt.
- Disconnect it from other devices. If the device is connected to another phone, tablet, or computer, turn Bluetooth off there.
- Reset the device. Many headphones and speakers have a reset button combination. It clears old pairings.
- Turn Bluetooth off and on in Settings, or restart your iPhone.
- Check the battery. Low power can stop a device from pairing.
- Reset network settings as a last resort: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This removes all Bluetooth pairings and saved Wi-Fi passwords.
Some devices, like fitness bands and smart locks, only appear in their own app, not in Bluetooth settings.
Frequently asked questions
Can I undo Forget This Device?
No. There’s no undo. You need to pair the device again.
Will I lose settings on my headphones?
Usually not. Settings saved in the device or its app, like EQ presets, usually stay. On AirPods, some settings reset and can be changed again in Settings after you reconnect.
Why does my iPhone keep forgetting a device?
The device might be paired with too many phones and dropping old pairings, or its firmware may need an update. Check the maker’s app for updates, and make sure your iPhone is on the latest iOS.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.