While trying to connect my phone to my Mazda CX-5 via Bluetooth, I was greeted with a message that said, ‘Unable to Connect Device. Time Limit Exceeded.’ This message appears after the audio system attempts to connect to a Bluetooth device and fails.
After some research and extensive troubleshooting, I discovered some solutions to this problem.
Contents
2013 – 2023 Models
Note: Ensure no phones or other devices are connected via Bluetooth. Interference from other electrical devices is the most common cause of the “Unable to Connect Device” message.
Eliminate Interference
- Park the vehicle. Some models may prevent Bluetooth connections while driving. This is a safety feature.
- Turn the ignition fully off, then restart.
- Make sure your phone is not close to other electronic devices. Even the key fob to the Mazda can interfere with the connection.
- Make sure the phone is about 3 feet away from the dashboard. I’ve personally found that keeping my phone on the passenger side of the vehicle results in a more consistent Bluetooth connection.
- If you have other Bluetooth devices (like a passenger phone) in or around the vehicle, shut them off or disable Bluetooth on them.
Once you are certain interference isn’t the cause, attempt to connect your phone again.
- If the above steps didn’t help you, unpairing, then re-pairing the phone with the audio system is the next thing you’ll need to try.
Unpair & Re-pair Phone
- From the Home screen, select the ⚙️ icon.
- Select “Devices.”
- Choose “Bluetooth.”
- Select the name of the phone you are trying to get working.
- Select “Disconnect.”
Now you can re-pair the phone with the audio system.
FAQS
Other options to fix the “Unable to Connect Device” message on my Mazda CX-5?
Here are a few things you can try:
- Check that your device is compatible with the Mazda Connect system and that the latest software updates are installed on your device and the car.
- Make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on your device and that it’s within range of the car.
- Reset the Mazda Connect system by pressing the power button and the back button at the same time for 10 seconds.
- Try using a different USB cable or port if you’re having trouble connecting via USB.
Can I still use my phone or other devices in the car if I’m getting the “Unable to Connect Device” message?
You may still be able to use your device by connecting an auxiliary cable or using the car’s built-in navigation.
I hope this guide has assisted you in getting past the ‘Unable to connect device’ message and back to using your phone with your Mazda CX-5. Share your questions and comments below.
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