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.
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.
Unpair & Re-pair Phone
- 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.
- From the Home screen, select ⚙️.
- 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.
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. I’m open for questions and comments below.
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