Author:
Florence Bailey
Date Of Creation:
22 March 2021
Update Date:
27 June 2024
Content
Bluetooth is a wireless technology that has been in use for over 20 years. It allows multiple devices to connect, interact and sync without the need to create complex networks and passwords. Bluetooth is everywhere these days - from mobile phones to laptops, and even car stereos. Bluetooth supports a wide variety of different devices, and can be installed within minutes. See Step 1 for how to do this.
Steps
1 Understand how Bluetooth works. Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows two different devices to be connected. Every Bluetooth device has one or more profiles installed. These profiles define what a device is capable of, for example, Hands-Free (mobile headsets) or Human Interface Device (computer mouse). In order to connect two devices, they must both have the same profile. - In general, you can tell which devices will work with each other by looking at them logically. You would not be able to pair the mouse with the camera, since the camera is not designed to be operated with a mouse. On the other hand, it would make sense to connect the headset to a mobile phone, since they are designed to work together.
2 Find out the most common pairings. If you're not sure if your device will work together, there are a few cases where using Bluetooth is very popular.Knowing this, you will be able to determine how to connect your devices. - Connecting a wireless headset to a mobile phone.
- Connect wireless mouse, keyboard and printers to laptops and other computers.
- Connect portable media players and smartphones to speakers and car stereos.
- Wirelessly connect game controllers to computers and game consoles.
3 Connect devices. The method for connecting to devices will vary in each situation, but generally follows the same basic process. You will need to create one discovery device and then search for devices with another device. - For example, if you want to connect a headset to a smartphone, you need to set the headset to discoverable mode (refer to the documentation) and then search for discoverable devices on your smartphone.
4 Enter your PIN (if required). You may be asked to enter a PIN when connecting devices. If you do not know the PIN, then it is usually: 0000, 1111, or 1234... It may vary for some devices, and if you cannot find it, you may need to restart your device. 
5 Use the device. Once your devices are connected, you can start using them together. For example, you may have paired your smartphone with some wireless speakers, allowing you to play music through them. You may have connected a mouse to your laptop and you can now use the mouse to move the cursor. - When connecting a Bluetooth device to your computer, you may need to install drivers for the device. This is usually done automatically if the device comes with a driver installation disc. You can also download drivers from the manufacturer's website.
- There is no generic "Bluetooth driver", only device-specific drivers.
- If you want to connect a Bluetooth device to your desktop PC, then most likely the desktop PC does not have Bluetooth functionality. You will need to purchase and install a Bluetooth USB Dongle to connect your devices to your PC. Most laptops and nearly all Macs have built-in Bluetooth support.
6 Read guides for specific pairing instructions. If you are having difficulty pairing devices, there are many articles on WikiHow that can help you figure it out. Below are some of the more popular ones: - How to turn on Bluetooth with Android
- Rules for pairing a cell phone with a Bluetooth headset
- How to pair mobile phone devices with a Bluetooth headset
- How to use Bluetooth Dongle
- How to connect iPad to Bluetooth device
- How to Send Files to Cell / Mobile Phone Using Bluetooth Technology
Tips
- Bluetooth has an effective range of about 10-30 meters.
- A main Bluetooth device can connect up to seven other devices, although not all devices function this way.
