Can't pair Bluetooth speakers

General Help
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1

Hello!

I've recently set up a Windows-Zorin dual-boot and I am having some trouble with my Bluetooth devices.

After first installing Linux, I successfully paired and used my Bluetooth speakers. When I eventually switched back to Windows, I was unable to use them.

This eventually led me to try the key sync fix, but I was unable to complete it as now, suddenly, I am unable to pair and use the speakers both in Linux and Windows.

They are visible; they also immediately connect to my phone if I try.

Thank you for your help!!!

2

Welcome to the forum!

If you haven't checked already, I would make sure Fast Boot / Startup is disabled in Windows and in your BIOS. While you may have already done so already, Windows can (and most certainly will) reenable when it decides to. So even if you've done it once, double check to make sure it has remained off.

Are you able to try any other devices and see if they will connect as well, just to ensure something funky isn't going on with the speakers too?

3

Hi, thank you for your response :slightly_smiling_face:

I can confirm that fast boot was, and still is turned off. Likewise, I can confirm that it's not the speakers themselves acting up, as I've successfully paired and used them with my phone and with another laptop.

What more information would be of help for you?

Thanks again!

4

Hi and Welcome,

Using Brave A.I. search engine via Mojeek search engine gives (note Zorin 18 is a fork of Ubuntu 24.04):

" To make Bluetooth speakers stay paired across dual-booting Windows 11 and Ubuntu 24.04, you need to synchronize the Bluetooth link keys between both operating systems, as they store different pairing secrets.

Key Solution: Sync the Link Key

The core issue is that each OS generates its own unique Bluetooth link key. When you pair on one OS, the other loses the connection because it no longer matches the key stored on the device.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Pair the speakers in Ubuntu first :
  • Use bluetoothctl to pair and connect the device.
  • Confirm the link key is stored in:
    /var/lib/bluetooth/<controller-id>/<device-id>/info
  1. Boot into Windows 11 and pair the same speakers.
  • This overwrites the key on the device with Windows’ key.
  1. Reboot into Ubuntu and extract the Windows key :
  • Mount your Windows partition (e.g., /mnt/windows ).
  • Copy the Windows registry file:
    sudo cp /mnt/windows/Windows/System32/config/SYSTEM /tmp/SYSTEM
  • Install chntpw :
    sudo apt install chntpw
  • Use chntpw to access the registry:
    sudo chntpw /tmp/SYSTEM
  • Navigate to:
    ControlSet001\Services\BTHPORT\Parameters\Keys\<controller-id-lowercase-no-colons>
  • List the keys with ls . Find the entry for your speaker’s MAC (e.g., 40ef4cc87693 ) and note the 16-byte binary value (the link key).
  1. Replace the Ubuntu link key :
  • Edit the file:
    /var/lib/bluetooth/<controller-id>/<device-id>/info
  • Replace the Key= value with the Windows-generated key (in uppercase hex).
  • Save and exit.
  1. Reboot into both OSes :
  • The speakers should now stay connected without re-pairing.

:warning: Important Notes :

  • This method relies on the Bluetooth controller MAC being consistent across both OSes.
  • Some devices (e.g., Sony WH-1000XM2/XM3) may only allow one active pairing at a time, so you may need to unpair from one OS before pairing on the other.
  • Use tools like mgedmin/btdualboot (GitHub) for automation and safer key syncing.

Alternative (Simpler) Approach: Use bluetoothctl with Trust

If syncing keys fails, ensure the device is trusted:

bluetoothctl
[bluetooth]# trust <device-mac>
[bluetooth]# connect <device-mac>

This helps maintain connection persistence after reboot.

:white_check_mark: Pro Tip : Use sudo systemctl enable bluetooth to ensure the service starts on boot in Ubuntu.

AI-generated answer. Please verify critical facts."

5

Hi, I want doing exactly that when stuff started to malfunction. I am now unable to attempt this as I am unable to even pair the speakers to Ubuntu or Windows to begin with.

6

Was this the guide you followed?

From the Windows point of view, based on my experience in earlier versions of Windows, when a piece of hardware was being problematical, you would open device manager, remove it and then select 'Check for new hardware'. I would also disable bluetooth before adding the speakers again unless you are using other bluetooth devices.

On the Zorin side I would reinstall bluetooth packages using Synaptic Package Manager and start again with that.

7

Seems like that also didn't do the trick.

I was following this video: https://youtu.be/OduvBIulpA4?si=_D4purqQ6S83kV1E

I followed each of those steps until 4:21, as I did not have that second folder. The terminal only showed cache settings.

8

The reference to Synaptic was in respect of just reinstalling necessary bluetooth packages and then start again. I would advise you follow the updated GitHub tutorial.

9

I re-installed bluez, bluez-tools and blueman

10

OK, so now I would follow the GitHub tutorial.

11

I don't think I can, since the underlying issue of not being able to pair them to either Ubuntu or Windows persists. Maybe I'm just being stupid sorry if that's the case haha

12

TPeixoto

1h

Seems like that also didn't do the trick.

I was following this video: https://youtu.be/OduvBIulpA4?si=_D4purqQ6S83kV1E https://golden-star-casino.net/

I followed each of those steps until 4:21, as I did not have that second folder. The terminal only showed cache settings.

It's likely either a perms problem or your cache is borked. I'd suggest nuking the old cache with sudo apt clean and then doing a fresh sudo apt update. Also, make sure you're running Synaptic as an admin; if you aren't prompted for a password when you open it, that's probably why you're stuck.