Bluetooth auto pairing

Hello churchlady47,

Thanks for choosing the Apple Support Communities. To clarify, are you connecting to other Apple Devices such as AirPods or Beats? Or are you seeing this with third party Bluetooth devices? here is a resource that may help resolve the issue.

Set up and use Bluetooth accessories on iPhone - Apple Support

"Set up and use Bluetooth accessories on iPhone

Using a Bluetooth connection, you can use third-party devices such as wireless keyboards, headphones, speakers, car kits, game controllers, and more with iPhone.

Note: iPhone must be within about 33 feet (10 meters) of the Bluetooth device.

Pair a Bluetooth headphone, car kit, game controller, or other device

1. Follow the instructions that came with the device to put it in discovery mode.
2. Note: To pair AirPods, see the instructions for your model in the “Pair and connect” section in the AirPods User Guide.
3. On iPhone, go to Settings  > Bluetooth, turn on Bluetooth, then tap the name of the device.

Note: With Siri Eyes Free (available in select cars), you can use your voice to control features of your iPhone without looking at or touching iPhone. Use Bluetooth to pair iPhone to your car (refer to the user guide that came with your car if you need to). To activate Siri, press and hold the voice command button on your steering wheel until you hear the Siri tone, then make a request.

Customize a wireless game controller

After you pair a compatible game controller, you can customize it for supported games from Apple Arcade and the App Store.

1. Go to Settings  > General > Game Controller.
2. Tap the buttons you want to change.
3. To customize for a specific app, tap Add App.

Note: Apple Arcade availability varies by country or region.

Play audio from iPhone on a Bluetooth audio device

1. On your iPhone, open an audio app, such as Music, then choose an item to play.
2. Tap , then choose your Bluetooth device.
3. While audio is playing, you can change the playback destination on the Lock Screen or in Control Center.

The playback destination returns to iPhone if you move the device out of Bluetooth range.

For information about protecting your hearing from loud volume while listening to headphones with iPhone, see Use headphone audio level features on iPhone.

WARNING: For important information about avoiding hearing loss and avoiding distractions that could lead to dangerous situations, see Important safety information for iPhone.

Bypass your Bluetooth device for calls

To use the iPhone receiver or speaker for calls, do any of the following:

• Answer a call by tapping the iPhone screen.
• During a call, tap Audio, then choose iPhone or Speaker Phone.
• Turn off the Bluetooth device, unpair it, or move out of range.
• Go to Settings , tap Bluetooth, then turn off Bluetooth.

Unpair a Bluetooth device

Go to Settings  > Bluetooth, tap the information button  next to the name of the device, then tap Forget This Device.

If you don’t see the Devices list, make sure Bluetooth is turned on.

If you have AirPods and you tap Forget This Device, they’re automatically removed from other devices where you’re signed in with the same Apple ID.

Disconnect from Bluetooth devices

To quickly disconnect from all Bluetooth devices without turning Bluetooth off, open Control Center, then tap .

To learn about Bluetooth privacy settings on iPhone, see the Apple Support article If an app would like to use Bluetooth on your device. If you have trouble connecting a Bluetooth device, see the Apple Support article If you can’t connect a Bluetooth accessory to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

Note: The use of certain accessories with iPhone may affect wireless performance. Not all iOS or iPadOS accessories are fully compatible with iPhone. Turning on airplane mode may eliminate audio interference between iPhone and an accessory. Reorienting or relocating iPhone and the connected accessory may improve wireless performance.

See also

Improve the accuracy of audio measurements for third-party Bluetooth headphones"

Also, give these steps a try as well.

If you can't connect a Bluetooth accessory to your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

"If you can't connect a Bluetooth accessory to your iPhone or iPad

If your Bluetooth accessory won't pair or connect to your iOS or iPadOS device, learn what to do.

Try these steps first

To get help pairing a Bluetooth accessory, like a wireless keyboard, to your iOS or iPadOS device:

1. Make sure that your Bluetooth accessory and iOS or iPadOS device are close to each other.
2. Turn your Bluetooth accessory off and back on again.
3. Make sure that your Bluetooth accessory is on and fully charged or connected to power. If your accessory uses batteries, see if they need to be replaced.
4. If there's an app that you use with the Bluetooth accessory, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Bluetooth on your iOS or iPadOS device, and make sure that you've turned on Bluetooth for the app.

If you still can't pair or connect your Bluetooth accessory

• If you previously connected your Bluetooth accessory to your iOS or iPadOS device, unpair the accessory, put it back in discovery mode, then try to pair and connect it again.
• If you can pair your accessory with some devices but not your iOS or iPadOS device, unpair the accessory from your other devices. Then try to pair with your iOS or iPadOS device again.
• To find out whether your accessory is compatible with your iOS or iPad OS device, contact the manufacturer of the accessory.
• If you still have any of these issues, contact Apple Support:
  • You can’t turn on Bluetooth or the setting is grayed out.
  • You can’t connect any Bluetooth accessories with your device.
  • The accessory manufacturer confirmed that your accessory is working correctly.

Learn more 

• If you need help pairing a Bluetooth accessory to your Apple TV, learn what to do.
• Get help connecting your iOS device and your car stereo.
• Learn how to set up your AirPods."

We hope this helps.

Cheers!