How to Get Bluetooth Working in 4 Easy Steps

With the advent of Bluetooth, the technology has spread rapidly and is available on many consumer devices such as mobile phones to allow users to make and answer calls using a hands free headset. Although this feature was initially used with cell phones, Bluetooth has spread and you can buy headsets that can be even used on your computer. This come with the increased services you can find online that require headsets such as Skype, other Voip services and even in online games. To get started using any Bluetooth device there is a very simple generic process to get things connected. Here are 4 very quick steps to get you up and running with any Bluetooth device.


Before you start:

- Bluetooth enabled device (such as mobile phone or headset)
- Computer or other device that you want to connect with
- Bluetooth adapter if your computer or other device does not support Bluetooth

Step 1

Ensure that both devices are Bluetooth enabled. If it is your computer runs on a windows operating system you can easily check if it is Bluetooth ready by going to the "Control Panel" section of the start menu and and checking if there is any Bluetooth icon. If there is that icon, you should double check to make sure that the Bluetooth device has been installed correctly. If you find that there is no Bluetooth device, which is common for desktop devices then you will need to purchase a Bluetooth adapter. The adapter generally fits into the USB port in your computer and should come with an installation CD. Once you run the CD and follow the onscreen instructions to install the drivers the Bluetooth adapter should be ready for use.

Step 2

You will need to turn on the Bluetooth on both your devices and enable "discovery" This will allow your computer to search for nearby Bluetooth devices and be discoverable by other Bluetooth enabled devices. To go to Bluetooth mode, simply go to "Control Panel" and click on "Search devices" option. If you are using a Bluetooth adapter, look for a similar option in the utility program that came with the installation cd. The location of this feature will vary depending on the type of adapter.

Step 3

Turn on the other Bluetooth device you can normally activate Bluetooth with a switch of a button if it is a headset. Please refer to the manual of Bluetooth device such as your headset or mobile phone for more information.

Step 4

Check the network connection between your computer and Bluetooth device is working. Once the application finds the device, you will be asked if you wish to "pair" the devices together. Sometimes you maybe asked to create and input a passcode, this is to ensure only authorized devices that you are aware of will connect with your computer. Once a connection has been established, you may test the connection by transferring a file or testing out the device if it is a headset by running a sound enabled program to see what you can hear.

Always remember to switch of Bluetooth once you have finished. You will not only save battery life but you can avoid unnecessary security risks of people connecting to your Bluetooth enabled devices without your knowledge.