To provide a method for connecting an optical fiber capable of suppressing the change of refractive index distribution, and a method for manufacturing an optical fiber connection body.SOLUTION: A method for connecting an optical fiber includes a fusion connection step S2 of fusing and connecting the end surfaces of a pair of optical fibers including a cladding having a diameter of 255 μm or more and 380 μm or less to each other. The fusion connection step comprises: a pre-discharge step S2a of heating the respective end surfaces by discharge toward the respective end surfaces in the state of approaching the respective end surfaces arranged to face each other and be separated or the state of separating the end surfaces by a predetermined distance and contacting the respective end surface; and a discharge step S2b of intermittently heating the respective end surfaces by intermittent discharge toward the contacted respective end surfaces.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3