What should a user check if a Bluetooth accessory is not working?

To troubleshoot a non-working Bluetooth accessory, confirming that the accessory is in pairing mode is crucial. Bluetooth devices typically need to be in this specific state for the two devices to recognize and connect with each other. Pairing mode allows the accessory to be discoverable by the host device, enabling a seamless connection between them. If the accessory is not in this mode, it will not be visible to the device attempting to connect, leading to potential confusion or failure in establishing a connection.

While checking battery levels is also important, as a low battery can affect the accessory's functionality, the primary first step in establishing a connection is to ensure that it is able to pair. Restarting the accessory may help in some scenarios, but if it is not actively in pairing mode, that action alone will not resolve the issue. Verifying Wi-Fi connectivity is less relevant to Bluetooth functionality, as they operate on different protocols. Therefore, ensuring the accessory is in pairing mode is the most fundamental step in troubleshooting the connection issue.