Reviving the Slow Bluetooth Scan on Motorola Moto G Power 2025

When a Motorola Moto G Power 2025 is paired with a headset or a smart sensor, the first thing you notice is the quiet wait before the device shows up in the list of available Bluetooth options. For most users this delay is only a fraction of a second, but for others it can feel like a tedious pause that drags down the user experience. If you’ve ever been frustrated by a sluggish Bluetooth scan, you are not alone.

This article is designed to give you a thorough understanding of why a Moto G Power 2025 might take longer than expected to discover nearby Bluetooth devices and how to restore a swift, responsive scan. We’ll walk through simple troubleshooting steps, explore more advanced tweaks, and cover everything from firmware updates to hardware checks. By the end of this guide you should be able to pinpoint the root cause and apply the right solution, whether it is a quick toggle in settings or a deeper dive into the phone’s system logs.

Understanding Bluetooth Scanning on Android

Bluetooth scanning is the process the phone uses to look for other devices that are broadcasting their presence. The phone’s radio transmits a series of inquiries and listens for replies. When the device receives an address that matches a device it is looking for, it displays the name and prompts the user to connect.

On a typical Android system the scan speed is influenced by several factors:

• The firmware that controls the Bluetooth chipset.
• The Android kernel’s handling of the radio.
• Background services that may be running or waiting for network access.
• Power‑saving modes that throttle the radio.
• Software bugs that stall the inquiry routine.

The Moto G Power 2025 ships with a Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset paired with a Bluetooth 5.0 radio. In theory, a full scan should finish in under 3 seconds. When that time stretches to 10 seconds or more, something in the software stack is likely at fault.

Recognizing a Slow Scan

It is easy to dismiss a slow scan as a random hiccup, but there are clear signs that it is a systemic problem:

1. Extended Waiting Period
   When you open Settings > Connected devices > Bluetooth, the “Searching…” text remains visible for a prolonged period.

2. Inconsistent Results
   Some devices appear on the first scan, while others only show up after a second or third attempt.

3. App‑specific Slowness
   Certain Bluetooth‑dependent apps (e.g., a fitness tracker or a wireless game controller) require a manual refresh that takes noticeably longer than usual.

4. Battery Drain Correlation
   If the phone’s battery level drops sharply during or after a scan, it may be because the radio is cycling between active and sleep states too often.

5. Repeated Pairing Failures
   Pairing attempts fail or stall midway even when the device is within close proximity.

If you spot more than one of these indicators, the phone likely needs a reset or an update.

Quick Fixes to Try First

Before diving into deeper diagnostics, start with the simplest solutions. These often resolve the problem in a matter of minutes.

Toggle Bluetooth On and Off

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Quick Settings panel.
2. Tap the Bluetooth icon to disable it.
3. Wait 5 seconds.
4. Turn Bluetooth back on.

Sometimes the radio needs a brief reset to clear internal buffers.

Reboot the Device

A full restart clears temporary memory, stops rogue services, and forces the Bluetooth stack to reload from scratch. To reboot, press and hold the power button, then tap “Restart.”

Disable Battery‑Saving Mode for Bluetooth

Some phones enable a “Bluetooth low‑power mode” that reduces scan speed. To ensure maximum speed:

• Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Saver.
• Disable or adjust the settings that limit background activity for Bluetooth.

Forget Unused Devices

Every paired device remains in a database that the scanner references. A bloated list can slow down the inquiry process. To clean it up:

1. Open Settings > Connected devices > Bluetooth.
2. Tap the gear icon next to each paired device.
3. Choose “Remove” or “Forget.”

Update the Phone’s Software

A slow scan can be caused by a known bug that has been fixed in a later update. Check for updates:

1. Open Settings > System > Advanced > System update.
2. If an update is available, download and install it.

Always back up your data before a major firmware upgrade.

Diagnosing the Problem with Logs

If the quick fixes do not help, you’ll need to dig deeper into the phone’s diagnostics. Android provides a logging tool called “adb logcat” that captures system events. With a computer and the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) installed, you can view the Bluetooth logs while the scan is running.

Step 1: Enable Developer Options

1. Open Settings > About phone.
2. Tap “Build number” seven times to enable Developer Options.
3. Return to Settings and open “Developer options.”
4. Turn on “USB debugging.”

Step 2: Capture Logs

1. Connect your Moto G Power 2025 to the computer via USB.
2. Open a terminal and type:

adb logcat | grep bluetooth

3. Perform a Bluetooth scan on the phone.
4. Stop the capture by pressing Ctrl + C.

Step 3: Analyze the Output

Look for messages that indicate timeouts, errors, or repeated “inquiry” requests. Common patterns include:

• InqTimeout – The radio did not receive a response within the expected window.
• BREDR – Classic Bluetooth error messages that suggest the radio is not operating in the correct mode.
• PowerState – Messages that show the radio frequently switching between high‑power and low‑power states.

If you spot repeated “InqTimeout” entries, the problem may be a hardware radio issue or a firmware bug. If the logs are largely silent, the scan is likely being interrupted by another process.

Advanced Solutions

When basic troubleshooting fails, consider more technical approaches that give you greater control over the Bluetooth stack.

Reset the Bluetooth Stack via ADB

You can force the Bluetooth service to restart without rebooting the entire device:

1. In a terminal, type:

adb shell
service call bluetooth_manager 1

2. Exit the shell and try scanning again.

Clear the Bluetooth Cache

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Show system apps.
2. Find “Bluetooth” or “Bluetooth Service.”
3. Tap “Storage” and then “Clear cache.”

Disable Power‑Saving Features for the Radio

Some Moto G Power 2025 firmware variants have a “radio‑power‑saving” toggle that can be turned off in hidden menus. This requires the Substratum or Magisk framework and is only recommended for advanced users.

Install a Custom ROM

If the stock firmware is known to have Bluetooth issues, you can flash a custom ROM such as LineageOS. Custom ROMs often contain newer kernels and drivers that improve radio performance.

Warning: Flashing a custom ROM can void your warranty and may brick your device if done incorrectly. Proceed only if you are comfortable with Android flashing procedures.

Use a Third‑Party Bluetooth Manager

Apps like “Bluetooth Explorer” or “BLE Scanner” can bypass the stock scanner and provide more responsive results. These apps communicate directly with the Bluetooth adapter, often using lower‑level APIs.

Firmware and Driver Updates

A major cause of a slow Bluetooth scan is outdated firmware for the Bluetooth module. Motorola releases firmware updates that include bug fixes for the radio. If a new update has been released, install it immediately.

Checking for Firmware Updates

• Open Settings > System > Advanced > System update.
• If “Download automatically” is enabled, the phone will fetch any pending firmware patches in the background.
• You can also visit Motorola’s support website and manually download the latest firmware package.

After installing, reboot the device and test the scan again.

Hardware Considerations

In some cases, the root cause is not software but hardware. The Bluetooth radio can be damaged by exposure to extreme temperatures, moisture, or physical impact. Here are signs that a hardware issue might be at play:

• The phone’s battery is draining faster than normal during a scan.
• The screen displays error codes related to “Radio.”
• Other wireless features (Wi‑Fi, NFC) are also lagging or malfunctioning.

If you suspect a hardware fault, contact Motorola support or visit an authorized repair center. They can run diagnostic tests and replace the radio module if needed.

Keeping Bluetooth Fast and Reliable

Once the slow scan issue is resolved, there are several habits you can adopt to keep Bluetooth operating at peak speed.

• Limit Background Apps: Some apps (e.g., file transfer tools, music players) keep the radio active. Close them when not needed.
• Use 5 GHz Wi‑Fi: Switching your home network to 5 GHz reduces interference with the 2.4 GHz Bluetooth band.
• Avoid Physical Barriers: Metal objects or thick walls can attenuate the signal, forcing the phone to retry scans.
• Update Regularly: Install Android and system updates promptly to benefit from performance patches.
• Reset Bluetooth Occasionally: A quick toggle of Bluetooth can clear stale connections.

Troubleshooting Checklist

Below is a concise checklist to follow when encountering a slow Bluetooth scan:

1. Toggle Bluetooth on/off.
2. Reboot the device.
3. Disable battery‑saving for Bluetooth.
4. Forget unused paired devices.
5. Update the system firmware.
6. Capture and analyze logs.
7. Reset the Bluetooth stack via ADB.
8. Clear Bluetooth cache.
9. Consider disabling radio power‑saving.
10. Evaluate custom ROM options.
11. Check for hardware faults.
12. Implement maintenance habits.

If the problem persists after completing the checklist, consult Motorola support for a deeper hardware diagnosis.

Final Thoughts

A sluggish Bluetooth scan on a Moto G Power 2025 can be frustrating, especially when you rely on wireless accessories for everyday tasks. By understanding the underlying mechanics of Bluetooth scanning and methodically applying the steps outlined above, you can often restore swift performance without the need for expensive repairs.

Whether you’re a casual user who simply wants a headset to connect quickly or a power user who depends on low‑latency devices for work, the knowledge of how to troubleshoot and optimize your phone’s Bluetooth can make a significant difference in your daily experience.

Remember that patience and persistence are key. Start with the simplest fixes, then move to more advanced solutions. Keep your system updated, clean your paired‑device list, and keep an eye on battery health. With these practices, your Moto G Power 2025 will stay connected, responsive, and ready for whatever Bluetooth task you throw at it.