How to Fix & Connect Bluetooth in Kali Linux (2025) – Ultimate Troubleshooting Guide (Updated)

How to connect Bluetooth in Kali Linux 2025 or how to enable bluetooth on any latest or old version of Kali Linux? that's what we gonna see in this post. 

When you opened the Bluetooth using the normal GUI, it will display "Bluetooth Turned Off, Turn on to Connect devices and receive file transfers", even when you slide the option to right side on the top right corner (which normally indicates the option is turned on), but the switch refuses to cooperate? 

Been there, buddy. Frustrating, right? You expect a simple toggle, but Linux loves making things... complicated. And of course, when we're talking Kali Linux, there’s no exception! 😅

But hey, credit where it's due—Kali has come a long way, with tons of refinements and additions in the latest versions!

Alright, back to the actual reason you’re here...

🚀 The good news? It’s fixable—and no, you don’t need to be some Kali Linux guru to get it working. Because let's be real—even if you are one, sometimes you completely forget exact commands! True or true? 😆

🔥 Whether you're trying to connect headphones, speakers, keyboards, or even AirPods to Kali Linux, this guide is here to make it simple. Let’s get that Bluetooth working—without headaches! 💯

So, what you need to do ?
You don't need to perform any big operations, all you need to do is to just start bluetooth service in your Kali Linux OS.


1. First Things First: Is Bluetooth Even Enabled?

 1️⃣ Open Terminal (Press Ctrl + Alt + T). 

 2️⃣ Run this command:

sudo systemctl start bluetooth.service

3️⃣ Alternatively, this simpler command works too: service bluetooth restart

That's it.

Now, open the same bluetooth GUI screen, you can see your Bluetooth device and linux scanning and displaying nearest devices. Is your adapter showing up? If yes, awesome! 🎉 If not, keep reading...

Sometimes, if there will be issues due to GUI versions, So try the fool proof way for that which as usual is using terminal..

Do, this you won't be disappointed.

1) Fire up your terminal

Write Sudo service bluetooth restart and hit enter (if you had logged in as root, simply type Service bluetooth restart)

2) Once service is restarted, type bluetoothctl and Hit Enter.

3) Now, we have to perform scanning of devices, so run "Scan on" Command on the same terminal and hit enter.

Makesure, your bluetooth devices are in paring mode.

4) Once your device is discovered, type Pair "Mac address of the device ID" for example Pair 00:18:00:00 

5) It will pair, or will show pair already exists if its done before or u might need to run additional command trust "device mac address id". example: trust XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX

6) Now, just type connect "device id" for example : Connect 00:19:00:00 and hit enter.

🔥 Boom! Your device is now connected via Bluetooth. Time to enjoy back your wireless freedom on Kali Linux! 

💡 Pro Tip: If Bluetooth disappears after every restart, enable it permanently using:

2. Fix "No Bluetooth Adapter Found" Error

This one hits hard, especially for users trying Bluetooth on Raspberry Pi or Virtual Machines.

🚨 If Kali says "No Bluetooth Adapter Found," your system isn’t detecting the device properly. Here’s how to fix that instantly:

✅ Check If Your Bluetooth Adapter Exists 

 1️⃣ Open Terminal, and run:

lsusb | grep Bluetooth

2️⃣ If nothing shows up, it means your system doesn’t detect a Bluetooth adapter—either because your device lacks one or drivers are missing.

🔥 Solution: ✅ If you're using USB Bluetooth, unplug/replug it, then run:

sudo dmesg | grep bluetooth

✅ If Bluetooth is blocked, unblock it with:

sudo rfkill unblock bluetooth

✅ Restart the service again:

sudo systemctl restart bluetooth.service

3. Fix Bluetooth Not Working After Kali Linux Update

🚨 After updating Kali Linux, some users report Bluetooth breaking randomly—devices refuse to connect, or the whole Bluetooth option disappears.

✅ Here's how to fix Bluetooth after an update: 

 1️⃣  Reinstall missing packages (sometimes updates remove drivers):

sudo apt install bluez blueman

2️⃣ Restart the service:

sudo systemctl restart bluetooth.service

3️⃣ Check logs for errors:

dmesg | grep bluetooth

💡 Pro Tip: If updates mess up Bluetooth, rolling back to a previous kernel sometimes fixes it. Try:

sudo apt list --installed | grep linux-image

Look for older kernel versions, then boot into an earlier one via GRUB. 🚀

4. Bluetooth Security Considerations in Kali Linux

Since Kali Linux is focused on cybersecurity, here are some quick safety tips when using Bluetooth:

✅ Disable Discovery Mode When Not Pairing

  • Keeping Bluetooth always discoverable makes your device vulnerable to attacks.

  • After pairing a device, run:

discoverable off

✅ Prevent Unwanted Pairing Attempts

  • If you’re in public or shared networks, attackers might try to force-pair with your device.

  • To limit this, set pairing mode to only trusted devices using:

trust XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX --Enter your device id here

💡 Final Tip: If you don’t use Bluetooth often, disable it to reduce risk:

sudo systemctl stop bluetooth.service

Alright, We are at end of the post. So, let me finish with common questions..

These are common Bluetooth questions users ask

Q: How do I check if Bluetooth is enabled in Kali Linux? 

A: Run bluetoothctl show in Terminal—if Bluetooth is enabled, it will list adapter details.

Q: Why does my Bluetooth disconnect randomly? 

  A: This usually happens due to power-saving settings—disable power management with:

sudo systemctl mask sleep.target suspend.target

Q: Can I connect AirPods to Kali Linux? 

 A: Yes! Follow the pairing steps above, but AirPods may require additional audio configurations using Pulseaudio if i'm not wrong..

You now know exactly how to enable, fix, and connect Bluetooth devices in Kali Linux on all versions which even works on Raspberry Pi, Virtual Machines, and USB adapters!


Hope it helps:)

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