Can't operate the camera using a Bluetooth remote control or grip connected via Bluetooth

IMPORTANT: This article applies only to specific products and/or operating systems. Check Applicable Products and Categories for details.

Perform the following steps to confirm.

Step 1: Confirm Bluetooth remote control support

Check if your camera supports Bluetooth remote control. 

Cameras with Bluetooth remote control support are listed below. If the camera is not listed, it cannot be used with Bluetooth remote control.

Step 2: Check if camera settings have been configured

An outline of using a remote control and a shooting grip via a Bluetooth connection is provided below.
Note: Jump to a detailed description of the Bluetooth pairing procedure.

1. From the Network menu, set the Bluetooth function to On and perform pairing (first-time connecting only).
2. From the Network menu, set the Bluetooth remote control to On and use the remote control. When finished using the remote control, set the Bluetooth remote control to OFF.

Step 3: Troubleshooting

If the remote control does not work even after pairing (e.g., the remote’s red lamp flashes rapidly):

• From the Network menu, set the Bluetooth function to On.
• From the Network menu, set the Bluetooth remote control to On.
  Note: On some cameras, the item Bluetooth Rmt Ctrl appears under Transfer/Remote on the Network menu.
• If the remote control was used with a different camera, it must be paired again in order to use it with the original camera.

1. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled:

   • From the Network menu, set the Bluetooth function to On.
   • From the Network menu, set the Bluetooth remote control to On.
     Note: On some cameras, the item Bluetooth Rmt Ctrl appears under Transfer/Remote on the Network menu.

2. Repair the remote control if it was previously used with another camera.

Detailed procedure for using a remote control or shooting grip via a Bluetooth connection

1. On the camera, select MENU →  (Network) → Bluetooth Settings or Bluetooth → Bluetooth Function → On.
2. On the camera, select MENU →  (Network) → Bluetooth Settings or Bluetooth → Pairing.
   "Perform pairing from the device to be connected" is displayed. Henceforth, the camera can be operated using the Bluetooth remote control or Shooting Grip.
3. Press and hold down the following buttons on the Shooting Grip or Bluetooth remote control for 7 seconds.
   The following description uses the GP-VPT2BT Shooting Grip and RMT-P1BT Bluetooth Remote Control as examples.
   • GP-VPT2BT Shooting Grip
     Press and firmly hold down the PHOTO button (A) and the Zoom button on the T side (B) for at least 7 seconds.
     
   • RMT-P1BT Bluetooth Remote Control
     Press and firmly hold down the Shutter-release/REC button (D) and either of the Focus/Zoom buttons (C) on the remote control for at least 7 seconds.
     
4. After holding down the buttons for 7 seconds, the red lamp on the remote control or shooting grip flashes slowly and "Allow pairing with the device?" is displayed on the camera.
   Select OK within 10 seconds after the above message appears.
   Note: After 10 seconds have elapsed, the message "Perform pairing from the device to be connected" reappears, so it is necessary to repeat the procedure from step 2.
5. "Paired" is displayed on the camera when pairing is complete.
   Note: Pairing alone does not enable the camera to be operated with the remote control. Refer to the instructions under "Using the remote control."

Using the remote control

1. On the camera, select MENU →  (Network) → Transfer/Remote or Bluetooth → Bluetooth Rmt Ctrl → On.
2. Operation using the remote control is now enabled.
3. After shooting using the remote control is finished, select MENU →  (Network) → Transfer/Remote or Bluetooth → Bluetooth Rmt Ctrl → Off on the camera.