Set up Bluetooth
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 ever wider number of devices and components. While setting up Bluetooth is not particularly difficult, the process for devices that use Windows, Mac OS, and Android all differ slightly. Just follow a few simple steps if you want to set up Bluetooth on your own device right now.
Contents
Steps
Setting Up Bluetooth on a Mac OS Device
- Check to see that the devices(s) and/or component are Bluetooth capable.
- Check the packaging of new devices or components first.
- If a Macbook has Bluetooth, there should be a Bluetooth icon on the menu bar.
- Alternatively, select "System Preferences" from the Apple menu. Under the section titled "View," there should be an option that will enable you to enable Bluetooth if the device has that capability.
- Click on the Bluetooth icon on the menu bar.
- If you are already in the System Preferences folder (or the Bluetooth icon is not present on the menu bar), click on "View," and then "Bluetooth."
- Make the devices and/or component discoverable. In the Bluetooth menu, click on the box titled "On" to turn on Bluetooth. Then click on the box marked "Discoverable" to begin sending wireless signals from that device to any nearby wireless receiving devices or components. This will allow the devices and components to detect each other.
- You may need to restart the component you are trying to connect. Many components are only discoverable within the first few minutes after starting up.
- Pair the devices. In the Bluetooth menu, select the component/device that you want to link to your computer.
- You may be required to utilize a passkey in order to pair two devices (such as a computer, phone, or tablet). A passkey is a temporary password created by a user. You will be asked to set a passkey when you attempt to link one device with another, and then you must enter the identical passkey on the second device to complete the pairing.
Setting Up Bluetooth on a Windows Device
- Check to see that the devices(s) and/or component are Bluetooth capable.
- Check the packaging of new devices or components first.
- On your computer, swipe into the Charms menu on the right hand side of the screen. Click on the search charm and then type "Bluetooth" in the space provided. If your device has Bluetooth, the search should find the "Bluetooth settings" menu,and possibly other Bluetooth options.
- Make sure your Bluetooth is turned on. On your computer, swipe into the Charms menu on the right hand side of the screen. Click on the search charm and then type "Bluetooth" in the space provided. Click on "Bluetooth settings" and move the slider to "On" (if it is not already).
- If Bluetooth is turned on, your Windows computer will automatically make itself discoverable.
- You may need to restart the component you are trying to connect. Many components are only discoverable within the first few minutes after starting up.
- Pair the devices. The Bluetooth settings menu will list all devices and components that are detected. Select the item you would like to pair to your PC.
- Windows may ask you to enter a pairing code, passcode, or PIN. This would be the code you selected on the other device (Windows will not ask you to create a passcode).
Setting Up Bluetooth on an Android Device
- Enter the "Settings" menu on your Android device.
- Because the Android system is open source and highly modifiable, slightly different versions appear on the many existing cell phone and tablet models. A few of these steps may differ from the steps you must follow on your own device, but usually any difference will only be superficial. For example, you may have to first go to the "Menu" screen before you can enter "Settings."
- Select the "Wireless and Networks" option.
- Turn Bluetooth on. There may be a box with the word "Bluetooth" next to it. If this box has a check mark in it, then your Bluetooth is already on. If it is empty, select the box.
- If there is no separate Bluetooth option, you may have to turn it on by first selecting the "Bluetooth settings" screen inside the Wireless and Networks menu.
- Select "Bluetooth settings" option in the Wireless and Networks menu. Your Android device will now begin scanning for discoverable Bluetooth devices or components.
- You may need to restart the component you are trying to connect. Many components are only discoverable within the first few minutes after starting up.
- Identify and select the device or component that you are attempting to pair with the Android device. The Android device will list all of the nearby Bluetooth devices or components that it can detect, and so there may be quite a few available. Make sure you select the correct device.
- Pair the devices. Enter a pairing code (if applicable). Pairing some devices or components requires the use of a pairing code. If you are pairing two phones, for instance, you may be asked to create a pairing code on one of them and then enter the same code on the second device.
- Not all devices or components require that you create or enter pairing codes. Many headsets or hands-free components, for example, do not require pairing codes.
Tips
- Always ensure the devices are close to each other when you are trying to pair them.
Related Articles
- Set Up Computer Speakers
Sources and Citations
- http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT3887#doihavebluetooth
- ↑ http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT3887#howtopair
- http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201172#passkey
- ↑ http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/why-isnt-windows-finding-device
- http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/add-a-bluetooth-enabled-device-to-your-computer
- http://www.cnet.com/videos/pair-a-bluetooth-device-with-your-android-phone/
- http://www.androidcentral.com/android-101-how-pair-bluetooth-headset-0
