- How to Use a Bluetooth Dongle on Windows or Mac
- Setting up the Dongle
- Using Bluetooth on Windows
- Using Bluetooth on Mac
- Community Q&A
- How do Bluetooth USB dongles work?
- Does a USB dongle use Bluetooth?
- Does a Bluetooth dongle need a driver?
- How do I fix my Bluetooth dongle problem?
- How do I connect my Bluetooth dongle?
- Do USB Bluetooth adapters work on TV?
- Can you connect a Bluetooth dongle to a serial adapter?
- How to pair Bluetooth spp vs Bluetooth Low Energy?
How to Use a Bluetooth Dongle on Windows or Mac
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A Bluetooth dongle is a small device that can receive and transmit Bluetooth signal. It usually connects to the USB port of your computer or laptop to support wireless (Bluetooth) devices such as keyboards, mice, and headphones. While the majority of modern computers incorporate Bluetooth functionality into their default hardware, you can use a Bluetooth adapter (or «dongle») to enable Bluetooth for computers that don’t use built-in Bluetooth. This wikiHow will show you how to use a Bluetooth adapter on your Windows or Mac computer.
- Purchase a Bluetooth dongle that supports 4.0 or higher and is compatible with your operating system. Put it in pairing mode.
- On Windows, open «Bluetooth & other devices.» Click «Connect,» then select the Bluetooth device.
- On Mac, click the «Apple» menu → «System Settings/Preferences» → «Bluetooth» → «Connect».
Setting up the Dongle
- Make sure you purchase a Bluetooth dongle that supports Bluetooth 4.0 or higher. Bluetooth 5.0 adapters are more expensive, but they offer greater range and speed. Bluetooth 4.0 adapters are more affordable and will work fine for most applications.
- You can also check if your computer has Bluetooth already.
- If your computer uses oval USB-C ports instead of rectangular USB 3.0 ports, you’ll also need to buy a USB to USB-C adapter for your computer.
- If you’re using a USB to USB-C adapter, first plug the USB-C end of the adapter into your computer, then plug the Bluetooth dongle into the free end of the USB adapter.
- To download the drivers from the manufacturer’s website, do the following:
- Use Google to search for the product name + «Drivers».
- Click a search result that leads to the manufacturer’s official website.
- Click the option to download the drivers.
- Once the installation file is downloaded, locate it in the Downloads folder.
- Double-click the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions.
Using Bluetooth on Windows
- On Windows 10, click the Start menu and click the cog icon to open Settings. From there, click Devices. You should automatically be on the Bluetooth & other devices page. [1] X Trustworthy Source Microsoft Support Technical support and product information from Microsoft. Go to source
- On Windows 11, click the Start menu, select Settings, and then select Bluetooth & devices.
Turn Bluetooth on. If Bluetooth is not already turned on, click the toggle switch below «Bluetooth» to turn Bluetooth on.
Click Add Bluetooth or other device (Windows 10). If you’re using Windows 11, click + Add device instead.
Click Bluetooth . It’s in the pop-up menu. Your computer will begin searching for Bluetooth devices that are in pairing mode.
- If you don’t see your device’s name, try placing it in pairing mode again.
- On Windows 7 and below, you’ll need to click the device name and click Next. Then wait for it to pair.
Using Bluetooth on Mac
Community Q&A
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Generally yes, you should be able to but this will depend on the dongle’s (or adapter’s) make and specifications and the television’s make and specifications. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that this is appropriate for your TV––most recent years sets should be fine. If it is okay according to those instructions, then the dongle would be inserted into the television’s USB port, usually located at the back or on the side of the TV set.
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Bluetooth Dongles They work by plugging them directly in one of the available USB ports on your computer. Once the dongle is recognized by your computer, turn on the Bluetooth device you want to connect. Your computer will recognize the device and allow you to establish a connection.
How do I use my Bluetooth dongle as a receiver?
Here’s how to connect Bluetooth dongle to PC Windows 10:
- Insert the Bluetooth dongle in your computer’s USB port.
- Open the Device Manager and Bluetooth will appear.
- Go to “Settings”, click on “Bluetooth and other devices” and choose the “Add Bluetooth or other device” option.
- Select the device of your choice and pair up!
Does a USB dongle use Bluetooth?
A dongle will add the ability to connect any type of Bluetooth device to your laptop without having to install any additional hardware. A Bluetooth dongle is typically smaller than a quarter and plugs directly into a USB port on your computer.
Do Bluetooth dongles transmit and receive?
A USB-based device that transmits and receives Bluetooth wireless signals. It plugs into the USB port to support Bluetooth mice, keyboards and other Bluetooth devices. Also called a “Bluetooth dongle.” See dongle.
Does a Bluetooth dongle need a driver?
Specs and Usage. The Goldtouch Dongle is a Broadcom 2.0 adapter and uses the native Windows drivers – there is no need for any 3rd party drivers.
How do I use my Bluetooth dongle instead of built in Bluetooth?
Insert the Bluetooth dongle to the computer USB port….The Generic Bluetooth Radio corresponds with the Bluetooth dongle.
- Right click Generic Bluetooth Radio > Properties.
- The device status ‘This device cannot start’ could appear.
- Click OK.
How do I fix my Bluetooth dongle problem?
If you encounter issues pairing with a Bluetooth device, another device should be tested (if possible). If the adapter is not functional in the first USB port on the first computer system that is used, additional ports and an additional computer system should be tried.
How do I install a USB Bluetooth dongle?
To begin installation, insert the Bluetooth Dongle to a free USB port on your computer….It is very important that you do not plug the Dongle into your computer until prompted to do so.
- Insert the CD into your CD drive.
- Disc should run automatically.
- Follow the on screen prompts.
- Insert the Dongle when prompted.
How do I connect my Bluetooth dongle?
Turn on your Bluetooth item and place it in pairing mode. A Bluetooth device can be a mouse, keyboard, headphones, speakers, or a wireless controller. Power the device on and put it in Bluetooth Pairing mode. Consult the user’s manual to learn how to put your particular device in pairing mode.
How can I use my phone as a Bluetooth dongle?
How to Use a Phone As a Bluetooth Dongle
- Press the “MENU” button on your phone.
- Attach the USB cable to your phone.
- Look for the message on your computer that says, “Add a New Device” or “Add New Connection.” Follow the setup wizard to install your Bluetooth phone.
Do USB Bluetooth adapters work on TV?
Once a Bluetooth adapter is connected to your television, it should work just like built-in Bluetooth and can be paired with one or more Bluetooth devices. Most Bluetooth adapters are recharged by plugging into a USB port.
How to put a device in Bluetooth spp mode?
Take the appropriate actions to put your device in Bluetooth SPP mode. For example, scan the “Bluetooth-SPP” control code or adjust the DIP switches to support SPP mode. 2. Make your device discoverable and connectable.
Can you connect a Bluetooth dongle to a serial adapter?
I have connected Bluetooth dongle to my Win-10-PC. I can successfully pair with my serial adapter using the settings>>BluetoothDevice>>AddBluetoothDevices tab. This only does till the pairing part. I can see two virtual com ports are getting created in device manager.
Can a Bluetooth device emulate a serial port?
The goal is to have the i.MX RT1050 act as a device with the Serial Port Profile (SPP) in the Bluetooth network. The i.MX RT1050 will emulate the serial port over the Bluetooth transport and therefore the host will see the i.MX RT1050 as an ordinary serial RS-232 port. The Bluetooth Serial Port Profile interface is implemented with…
How to pair Bluetooth spp vs Bluetooth Low Energy?
Pair your scanner with the Bluetooth-SPP supporting application. 1. Take the appropriate actions to put your device in Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mode. For many devices, BLE is the only Bluetooth mode available (e.g. Scanfob NFC-BB2 -LE, Scanfob Ultra-BB2 e).