This wikihow article will teach you how to enable the Bluetooth feature on a computer that does not support Bluetooth using an external Bluetooth adapter. While most modern computers have Bluetooth functionality or features built into their hardware, you can use an external Bluetooth adapter (or Bluetooth dongle) to enable Bluetooth features on computers that don't have/use a built-in Bluetooth radio.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Setting up a Bluetooth Dongle
Step 1. Purchase an external Bluetooth dongle or adapter
If you haven't purchased a USB Bluetooth adapter, look for and purchase a device compatible with your computer's operating system (e.g. Windows 10 or MacOS High Sierra).
- You can usually buy an external Bluetooth adapter from stores like ACE Hardware or Electronic Solution, or shopping sites like Tokopedia. Bluetooth dongle is usually sold at a price of around 30-300 thousand rupiah. Make sure you select a device with a driver that supports Bluetooth version 4.0 (or higher).
- Bluetooth 5.0 adapters usually sell for a higher price, but offer better range and connection speeds. However, Bluetooth 4.0 adapters are available at a more affordable price and are usually good enough for most uses.
Step 2. Locate an empty USB port on the computer
You need an empty USB port that can be plugged into a Bluetooth adapter.
If your computer has an oval USB-C port instead of a rectangular USB 3.0 port (a regular port), you will also need to purchase a USB to USB-C adapter to attach to your computer
Step 3. Connect the dongle to the computer
The dongle can fit snugly into an empty USB port.
If you are using a USB to USB-C adapter, plug the USB-C end of the adapter into the computer first, then connect the dongle to the USB end of the adapter
Step 4. Install the required drivers
Windows 8 and 10 usually recognize Bluetooth dongles automatically. If the dongle doesn't recognize or work on your computer, it's possible that the latest version of your operating system doesn't yet support an external Bluetooth adapter. You can install the latest drivers using the installation disc that came with the dongle purchase package, or you can download the drivers directly from the device manufacturer's website.
To download a driver from the manufacturer's website, first use Google to search for the product name and the keyword "Drivers". Click on the search result which leads to the official website of the manufacturer. Click the option to download the driver afterwards. Once the installation file is downloaded, locate it in the “Downloads” folder. Double-click the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions
Method 2 of 3: Using the Bluetooth Feature on a Windows Computer
Step 1. Turn on the Bluetooth device and put it in pairing mode
Bluetooth devices include a mouse, keyboard, headphones, speakers, or wireless controller. Turn on the device and put it in Bluetooth pairing mode. Read the user manual to find out how to access pairing mode on the device. Usually, there is a button that needs to be pressed and held to access the mode.
Sometimes, Bluetooth devices will automatically enter pairing mode when they are turned on
Step 2. Click the Bluetooth icon
on the Windows taskbar.
This blue icon looks like the letter “B” with sharp corners. A pop-up menu will load afterwards. You can find the icon on the right side of the time and date indicator.
If you don't see the Bluetooth icon, click the up arrow to display all taskbar menu icons
Step 3. Click Add a Bluetooth Device
It's at the top of the pop-up menu. The “Bluetooth and Other Devices Settings” menu will be displayed.
Step 4. Turn on the Bluetooth of the computer
If the Bluetooth radio is not already turned on, click the switch under the "Bluetooth" text to turn on the radio.
Step 5. Click Add Bluetooth or other device
This option is near the top of the “Bluetooth and Other Devices” menu.
If the option is not available, make sure you are on the right tab by clicking on the option “ Bluetooth & other devices ” in the menu bar on the left of the screen.
Step 6. Click Bluetooth
This option is in the pop-up menu. The computer will search for Bluetooth devices that are in pairing mode afterwards.
Step 7. Select the Bluetooth device name
Click the name of the device you want to pair with the computer.
If the device name is not displayed, try putting the device back into pairing mode
Step 8. Click Pair
It's in the lower-right corner of the selection area for the device you want to pair with. After that, the device will be connected to the computer via Bluetooth connection.
- Pairing the device to the computer takes up to 30 seconds.
- On Windows 7 and earlier versions, you need to click on the device name and select “ Next " After that, wait for the device to connect to the computer.
Method 3 of 3: Using Bluetooth on a Mac Komputer
Step 1. Turn on the Bluetooth device and put it in pairing mode
Bluetooth devices include a mouse, keyboard, headphones, speakers, or wireless controller. Turn on the device and put it in Bluetooth pairing mode. Read the user manual to find out how to access pairing mode on the device. Usually, there is a button that needs to be pressed and held to access the mode.
Sometimes, Bluetooth devices will automatically enter pairing mode when they are turned on
Step 2. Click the Bluetooth icon
It's in the menu bar at the top of the screen. You can see it to the right of the time and date indicators. Once clicked, the “Bluetooth” menu will load.
Step 3. Click Turn Bluetooth On
If the Bluetooth radio is not already enabled on your computer, click the button to turn it on.
Step 4. Select Open Bluetooth Preferences
This option is at the bottom of the “Bluetooth” menu.
Step 5. Click Connect next to the device name
The device name is displayed below the "Devices" text. After that, the device will be paired to the computer. The pairing process takes a maximum of 30 seconds.
