diff --git a/esphome/components/esp32_ble/__init__.py b/esphome/components/esp32_ble/__init__.py
index 2edd69c6c0..bc6d8e74df 100644
--- a/esphome/components/esp32_ble/__init__.py
+++ b/esphome/components/esp32_ble/__init__.py
@@ -280,6 +280,14 @@ async def to_code(config):
             add_idf_sdkconfig_option(
                 "CONFIG_BT_BLE_ESTAB_LINK_CONN_TOUT", timeout_seconds
             )
+        else:
+            # Default to 20 seconds if not specified
+            add_idf_sdkconfig_option("CONFIG_BT_BLE_ESTAB_LINK_CONN_TOUT", 20)
+
+        # Increase GATT client connection retry count for problematic devices
+        # Default in ESP-IDF is 3, we increase to 10 for better reliability with
+        # low-power/timing-sensitive devices
+        add_idf_sdkconfig_option("CONFIG_BT_GATTC_CONNECT_RETRY_COUNT", 10)
 
         # Set the maximum number of notification registrations
         # This controls how many BLE characteristics can have notifications enabled