Bluetooth technology was introduced as a wireless alternative to data cables and was originally developed by Ericsson, a Swedish wireless and software company. Since its introduction, Bluetooth capabilities have been added to an increasing number of devices and components. While setting up Bluetooth is not that difficult, the process required for devices running Windows, Mac OS, and Android will be slightly different. Follow these few easy steps if you want to set up Bluetooth on your own device now.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Setting Up Bluetooth on Mac OS Devices
Step 1. Check if your device and/or components have Bluetooth capability
- Check the packaging for the new device or component first.
- If a Macbook has Bluetooth, there will be a Bluetooth icon in the menu bar (menu bar).
- Or, choose "System Preferences" from the Apple menu. Under the section named "View," there will be an option that will allow you to enable Bluetooth if your device has that capability.
Step 2. Click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar
If you've already opened the System Preferences folder (or the Bluetooth icon doesn't appear in the menu bar), click "View," then "Bluetooth."
Step 3. Make your device and/or components discoverable
In the Bluetooth menu, click the box labeled "On" to enable Bluetooth. Then click the box that says "Discoverable" to start sending a wireless signal from that device to a nearby wireless receiving device or component. This will make the device and the component detect each other.
You may need to restart the component you are trying to connect. Many components can only be found within the first few minutes of running
Step 4. Pair the device
In the Bluetooth menu, select the component/device you want to connect to the computer.
You may be asked to use a passkey to pair the two devices (such as a computer, phone, or tablet). Passkey is a temporary password created by the user. You will be prompted to set a passkey when you try to connect one device to another, and then you will have to enter the same passkey on the second device to complete the pairing
Method 2 of 3: Setting Up Bluetooth on Windows Devices
Step 1. Check if your device and/or components have Bluetooth capability
- Check the packaging for the new device or component first.
- On a computer, swipe to the Charms menu on the right of the screen. Click Search Charm and then type "Bluetooth" in the space provided. If your device has Bluetooth, the search will find a "Bluetooth settings" menu, and possibly other Bluetooth options.
Step 2. Make sure your Bluetooth is enabled
On a computer, swipe to the Charms menu on the right of the screen. Click Search Charm and then type "Bluetooth" in the space provided. Click "Bluetooth settings" and move the slider to "On" (if it's not already shifted).
- If Bluetooth is enabled, your Windows computer will automatically make itself discoverable.
- You may need to restart the component you are trying to connect. Many components can only be found within the first few minutes of running.
Step 3. Pair the device
The Bluetooth settings menu will display a list containing all detected devices and components. Select the device you want to pair to the PC.
Windows may ask you to enter a pairing code, passcode, or PIN. This can be a code you choose on another device (Windows won't ask you to generate a passcode)
Method 3 of 3: Setting up Bluetooth on Android Device
Step 1. Open the "Settings" menu on your Android device
Since the Android system is open source and heavily modified, there will be slightly different versions across many phone and tablet models. Some of these steps may differ from the steps you have to follow on your own device, but they are usually only minor differences. For example, you may have to go to the "Menu" screen before you can enter "Settings."
Step 2. Select the "Wireless and Networks" option
Step 3. Turn on Bluetooth
There will probably be a box that says "Bluetooth" next to it. If this box is checked, then your Bluetooth is turned on. If the box is empty, select the box.
If there is no separate Bluetooth option, you may need to enable it first by selecting the "Bluetooth settings" screen in the Wireless and Networks menu
Step 4. Select the "Bluetooth settings" option in the Wireless and Networks menu
Now your Android device will start scanning for discoverable Bluetooth devices or components.
You may need to restart the component you are trying to connect. Many components can only be found within the first few minutes of running
Step 5. Identify and select the device or component that you are trying to pair with the Android device
The Android device will display a list of all nearby detectable Bluetooth devices or components, and there may be several devices available. Make sure you select the correct device.
Step 6. Pair the device
Enter the installation code (if any). Pairing some devices or components requires a pairing code. For example, if you are pairing two phones, you may be asked to generate a pairing code on one of the phones and then enter the same code on the second device.
