To pair a selfie stick, you must first put the stick into discovery mode, usually by pressing and holding its Bluetooth button until a light flashes, then connect it through your phone’s Bluetooth settings. The exact steps differ slightly between iPhone and Android, but the universal first step is always activating the stick’s pairing mode before your phone can find it.
Pairing with an iPhone
Apple documents the exact pairing path for any Bluetooth accessory, including a selfie stick. Put the selfie stick in discovery mode, then go to Settings > Bluetooth, turn on Bluetooth, and tap the accessory name when it appears under “Other Devices.” Your iPhone should be within about 33 feet (10 meters) of the selfie stick during pairing for a reliable connection.
Pairing with an Android phone
Android does not have a single official menu path for pairing a selfie stick, but the general Bluetooth pairing process applies. Open your phone’s Bluetooth settings (typically under Settings > Connected devices > Bluetooth or Settings > Connections > Bluetooth), ensure Bluetooth is on, and tap “Pair new device” or “Scan.” Select the selfie stick from the list when it appears. One manufacturer’s official support page documents that a Bluetooth 4.2 selfie stick supports Android 8.0 or later, so if your phone runs Android 8.0 or newer, compatibility is likely.
What if the selfie stick won’t connect?
If pairing fails, start by confirming the stick is in discovery mode, if the light isn’t flashing, press and hold its Bluetooth button again. Bring the phone within 33 feet (10 meters) of the stick. Ensure both devices have sufficient battery charge. If you have paired your selfie stick with another device, make sure to disconnect it before trying to pair with your phone. Restart both your phone and selfie stick, as sometimes a simple reboot can resolve the pairing issue. On an iPhone, you can unpair the stick by going to Settings > Bluetooth, tapping the info button (i) next to the accessory name, and selecting Forget This Device. Then put the stick back into discovery mode and repeat the pairing steps from scratch.
Mounting your phone and taking a photo
- Extend the selfie stick to your desired length and lock it securely. If the selfie stick has a twist-lock mechanism, rotate sections counter-clockwise to loosen; for telescopic designs, pull sections apart gently to extend.
- Open the phone holder, place your smartphone horizontally or vertically, and tighten the grip so the phone does not wobble. Some selfie sticks offer additional mounts for action cameras or GoPros.
- Once the stick is paired, use the shutter button on the handle to capture photos or videos, the stick can perform basic operations such as taking photos or videos if the model supports that function. Some selfie sticks offer built-in LED lights, 360-degree rotation capability, or a tripod stand.
After capturing, you can transfer your photos to photo editing and collage apps to enhance and combine your selfies into creative layouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a selfie stick without Bluetooth pairing?
Yes, many selfie sticks include a standard 3.5mm audio cable that plugs into your phone’s headphone jack. Pressing the button on the stick triggers the shutter through the cable, no Bluetooth required.
Why does my selfie stick show up as a keyboard or audio device?
Some Bluetooth selfie sticks identify themselves as a Bluetooth keyboard or remote control to trigger the shutter. This is normal, select it and pair as usual.
Do I need a special app to use a Bluetooth selfie stick?
No. Some sticks may offer a companion app for extra features, but it is not required for basic photo capture.
How do I know if my selfie stick is in discovery mode?
Most sticks have a small LED indicator that blinks rapidly or changes color when in discovery mode. If the light is steady or off, the stick is not ready to pair, press and hold the Bluetooth button again until it blinks.
Can I pair a selfie stick with more than one phone at a time?
No. Bluetooth selfie sticks typically connect to one phone at a time. To switch phones, unpair from the first device and repeat the pairing process with the second.
