How to set up Bluetooth on a computer and laptop

For about thirty years Bluetooth has been improved from the first to the fifth version, which are burdened with backward compatibility, have different technical features, parameters and capabilities. In some devices, the Bluetooth module is integrated into the System on a Chip (SoC). Each manufacturer of a particular device implements a wireless connection in its own way, so in some cases it is not always easy to set up Bluetooth and get it to work correctly. Here we will not touch on cases when Bluetooth does not work (see separate material).

Where to look for Bluetooth settings on the device

Bluetooth settings are either among the main settings, or near WiFi and cellular networks, or somewhere else at the request of the manufacturer of a particular equipment. In most modern devices, the Bluetooth settings are located in approximately the same place. If you couldn’t get to the wireless settings in a couple of taps or clicks, you should use the search inside the system settings. Even a not very advanced user can easily turn on and configure Bluetooth on any device on their own.

How to determine the Bluetooth version on a device

Sometimes it is important to know what version of Bluetooth the device is equipped with. For example, in version 4.0, it became possible to simultaneously transmit sound to two devices, which must also support Dual Audio Bluetooth 4.0. If any of the three devices are equipped with Bluetooth 3.0 or earlier, the Dual Audio configuration will not work.

To determine the version of Bluetooth on a Windows computer, workstation, laptop, netbook, and tablet PC, go to the Advanced section of the Bluetooth menu in Device Manager. In the LMP line with a number, the Bluetooth version will be encrypted:

• Bluetooth 1.0 b is referred to as LMP 0.x,
• 1.1 - like LMP 1.x,
• 1.2 - like LMP 2.x,
• 2.0 + EDR - like LMP 3.x,
• 2.1 + EDR - like LMP 4.x,
• 3.0 + HS - like LMP 5.x,
• 4.0 - like LMP 6.x,
• 4.1 - like LMP 7.x,
• 4.2 - like LMP 8.x,
• and the fifth Bluetooth is designated as LMP 9.x.

To determine the Bluetooth version on Mac computers and laptops, look for the Bluetooth Core Spec in the System Report from Finder. To determine the Bluetooth version on a smartphone or tablet, the easiest way is to install a third-party diagnostic application, such as Aida64, CPU-Z or the like. The page https://www.bluetooth.today/en/android details Bluetooth on Android and iOS, as well as applications from the Apple App Store and Google Play for wireless operation from a smartphone and tablet. A special certificate, all data and the Bluetooth version number can be found in the technical documentation of the device.

What to do in the settings if Bluetooth is not connected

To understand more about the possibilities of Bluetooth technology, consider another interesting situation when it seems that the wireless function is broken: Bluetooth simply does not connect. What to do if the Bluetooth on the phone or computer is turned on, but it does not see all or some devices nearby. Bluetooth technology has several features that you should be aware of in order to deal with these kinds of problems.

• Firstly, some wireless gadgets ask the user for permission to be discovered. Naturally, these are not headsets, headphones, speakers, mice, keyboards, and other peripherals. Devices that are eligible to request permission to be discovered primarily include mobile phones, tablets, PDAs, desktops, netbooks, laptops, and other portable equipment. It is possible that this problematic device also has such a function.
• Secondly, the visibility restriction can set a timer in the wireless settings section that is responsible for the visibility time of the device.
• Thirdly, it is possible that Bluetooth is not connecting due to new signal obstructions, or the increased distance of devices from each other.
• In extreme cases, you can try to reboot, reconnect yourself, reinstall Bluetooth drivers and even flash the device. Some gadgets support the function of flashing or updating via Bluetooth, which is so simple that even an ordinary user can handle it. This will definitely help if the master sees the slave, but does not transmit data or control functions. As a rule, in such a situation, the problem lies in the software.

About ten problems when connecting devices via Bluetooth and solving basic problems if Bluetooth is not working - read separately. Mechanical damage and other malfunctions will be eliminated in a specialized service center.

What to do if the built-in Bluetooth adapter is not recognized by the system

Usually, the built-in Bluetooth adapter, like Wi-Fi, works normally, and there is no problem for many years. Many hassle-free built-in Bluetooth adapters use ExpressCard, PCMCIA, or PCI interfaces. Bluetooth adapters with a USB interface from well-known brands can also be included in this category. Windows 11, 10, 8.1 and even 7 finds drivers for such equipment on its own, it is also possible download Bluetooth on USB adapter for Windows 10 / 11, 8 / 8.1, 7, XP (64-bit and 32-bit).

There are Bluetooth adapters for which Windows is unable to find drivers or does not detect them correctly. For correct installation, you must first remove the device programmatically using the standard Device Manager. After rebooting the computer, laptop or netbook, the Bluetooth drivers should be reinstalled. Who does not have the required installation file, in the archive, on the page https://www.bluetooth.today/downloads You should download Bluetooth on PC in advance. This re-installation of Bluetooth drivers usually solves all problems. It is also worth doing if Bluetooth is not functioning correctly.