If your iPhone or iPad has Bluetooth enabled but the Chaos Audio app says “Bluetooth is turned off” when you scan or try to connect to Stratus or Nimbus, the Bluetooth permission for the app is likely disabled.
Below is the quick fix, plus a few extra checks if you still have trouble.
Quick fix
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Open the iPhone or iPad Settings app.
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Use the search bar at the top and type Chaos Audio.
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Tap Chaos Audio in the results.
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Turn Bluetooth On.
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Reopen the Chaos Audio app and try scanning again.
That is it for most users.
Why this happens
iOS treats Bluetooth access as a separate privacy permission. If you declined the prompt the first time, or iOS reset app permissions during an update or reinstall, the app cannot use Bluetooth even if Bluetooth is on at the system level.
Extra checks if it still does not connect
1) Confirm Bluetooth is fully on at the system level
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth and make sure the master Bluetooth switch is On.
Tip: Toggling Bluetooth in Control Center does not fully turn it off or on. Use Settings for a true reset.
2) Make sure the Chaos Audio Bluetooth permission is on in Privacy
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Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Bluetooth.
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Find Chaos Audio and make sure its switch is On.
3) Force quit and relaunch the app
- Swipe up from the bottom, find Chaos Audio, swipe it away, then reopen.
4) Power cycle your gear
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Turn Stratus or Nimbus off and back on.
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Wait 5 to 10 seconds, then scan again in the app.
5) Do not pair in iOS Settings for control
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Stratus and Nimbus use the app to connect for control.
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You do not need to pair Stratus in iOS Bluetooth settings.
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Nimbus can be paired in iOS Bluetooth if you want to stream audio, but app control still happens inside the Chaos Audio app.
6) Last resort reset of privacy settings
If you previously denied Bluetooth and the toggle never appears, you can reset iOS privacy permissions:
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Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Location & Privacy.
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You will need to regrant permissions to apps afterward.
Common questions
Do I need Location turned on for Bluetooth to work on iPhone
No. iOS does not require Location for Bluetooth control of Stratus or Nimbus.
The app still cannot find my device
Make sure only one phone or tablet is trying to connect. If another device is already connected, scanning will not show the pedal or amp.
Can I stream audio over Bluetooth to Stratus
No. Stratus uses Bluetooth for control. Guitar audio goes through your cable. Nimbus supports Bluetooth audio streaming if you pair it in iOS Bluetooth settings, but control still happens inside the Chaos Audio app.
Contact us
If you are still stuck, send a quick note to support@chaosaudio.com with:
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Your iPhone or iPad model
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iOS version
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Chaos Audio app version
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Whether you are using Stratus or Nimbus
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A short description of what you see and what you have tried
We will get you connected.