Bluetooth is a wireless technology that has been around for more than 20 years. Bluetooth allows multiple devices to connect, interact, and synchronize without the need to set up complex networks and passwords. These days, Bluetooth is everywhere, from cell phones to laptops, and even car stereo music players. Bluetooth supports many different types of devices and can be set up in just a few minutes. See Step 1 below to learn about it.
Step
Step 1. Understand how Bluetooth works
Bluetooth is a wireless technology that connects two different devices. Each Bluetooth device is paired with one or more profiles. Attached profiles define device capabilities, such as "Hands-Free" (mobile headset) or "Human Interface Device" (computer mouse). To connect two devices, both devices must have the same profile.
In general, you can guess whether a device will match connected by looking at it logically. You will not be able to pair a mouse with the camera, because the camera is not designed to be controlled by a mouse. On the other hand, it makes sense for a headset to be connected to a mobile phone, since the two are designed to work together
Step 2. Learn the most common device pairs
If you're not sure if your devices can work together, there are some very popular use cases for Bluetooth. Knowing this will help you determine how to connect Bluetooth devices.
- Connect a hands-free headset with a mobile phone.
- Connect your mouse, keyboard, and printer wirelessly with laptops and other computers.
- Connects portable media players and smartphones with car stereo speakers and music players.
- Connect a video game controller with a computer or game console wirelessly.
Step 3. Connect the device
How to connect devices varies according to each situation, but in general, the basic process is the same. You must make one of the devices discoverable, and then search for that device with the other devices.
For example, if you want to connect the headset with a smartphone, you must set the headset to discovery mode (refer to the documentation), then find the device that exists with your smartphone
Step 4. Enter the PIN (if prompted)
You may be asked to enter a PIN when connecting the device. If you don't know it, the PIN is usually 0000, 1111, or 1234. The PIN may be different for some devices, and if you can't find it, you may have to reset the device.
Step 5. Use the device
Once the devices are connected, you can use both at the same time. For example, if you have connected your smartphone to a speaker without cables, you can play songs through that speaker. And if you have connected a mouse with a laptop, you can use the mouse to move the cursor.
- When you connect a Bluetooth device with a computer, you may need to install the device driver. This is usually done automatically, although some devices come with a driver installation disc. You can also download drivers from the device manufacturer's site.
- There is no general Bluetooth driver, there are only drivers for specific devices.
- If you want to connect a Bluetooth device with a desktop computer, chances are that the desktop computer does not have the Bluetooth feature. You need to purchase and install a USB Bluetooth device (dongle) to connect the device with the computer. Most laptops and Macs have Bluetooth built in.
Step 6. Read the manual for specific installation instructions
If you're having trouble pairing your devices, there are several articles on wikiHow that can help you. Here are some popular articles:
- https://www.wikihow.com/Turn-on-Bluetooth-With-Android (in English)
- https://www.wikihow.com/Pair-a-Cell-Phone-to-a-Bluetooth-Headset (in English)
- https://www.wikihow.com/Pair-a-Bluetooth-Device-with-an-iPhone (in English)
- How to Use a Bluetooth Dongle
- https://www.wikihow.com/Connect-an-iPad-to-Bluetooth-Devices (in English)
- https://www.wikihow.com/Send-Files-to-a-Cell/Mobile-Phone-Using-Bluetooth-Technology (in English)
Tips
- The main Bluetooth device can connect with up to seven devices, although not all devices actually work this way.
- The effective distance of Bluetooth is approx. 10 to 30 meters.
