While some computers come with built-in Bluetooth connectivity, others require the use of a Bluetooth "dongle." Dongles are USB network adapters that allow a computer to communicate with Bluetooth devices such as mobile phones, mice, keyboards, remotes, and headsets. You can learn to connect a Bluetooth dongle to your computer, install and configure it using the steps below.
1Plug the dongle into a free USB port on your computer. Insert it just like you would a USB flash drive. Your computer should automatically detect the device and install any drivers that are needed. If not, look for drivers for your specific dongle online.
- Bluetooth signals are able to pass through obstacles much easier than IR signals. You don’t necessarily need to worry about having line-of-sight between the dongle and the device.
- You should see multiple messages in your System Tray informing you that the drivers are being installed and that the Bluetooth dongle has been successfully connected. A Bluetooth icon will appear in the taskbar.
2To connect a new bluetooth device open the Control Panel on your computer. You can find this in the Start menu on your computer, or by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting Control Panel in Windows 8
- Open "Bluetooth Devices" (Windows XP) or under "Hardware and Sound", click the Add a device (Windows 7).
3Add Bluetooth Device Wizard window will appear (Make sure that Bluetooth on your device is turned on). Check the box next to " My device is set up and ready to be found" and click "Next".
4Select the device and click Next. Windows will begin configuring your device and automatically downloading the correct drivers.
- You may need to enter a PIN or code to connect the device. If you don’t know the code, try entering 0000.
- You will only need to pair your device with the computer once. After that, the device will be automatically connected as long as it is within range and the dongle is plugged in.
Can I use a Bluetooth dongle to my television for use with a Flip speaker?wikiHow ContributorIt isn't likely that both of these devices are receivers. You would need a transmitter as well.
How do I hook up my iPad to my Bluetooth device?wikiHow ContributorTurn on Bluetooth for both devices. On the iPad, click Settings, then Bluetooth. Enable it and connect the devices.
Does a dongle work with a Playstation 4?wikiHow ContributorPlayStation 4 currently doesn't support many kinds of USB Dongles. It supports storage hard drives or disk on keys, USB-based sound systems like headphones, and the controller interface (for pairing new controllers and charging). If your Bluetooth Dongle is specifically meant for a mouse or keyboard setup, it should work because PS4 supports keyboards and mouses the same way Windows does.
- It is possible to view the files on Bluetooth devices remotely from your computer.
- You can send and receive files, such as images, audio, and video, between Bluetooth-enabled devices and your computer, just right-click the bluetooth icon in the taskbar and select "Send File" or "Receive File".
- Bluetooth devices are meant for short-range wireless networking, typically within 10 m (33 feet) or less. If you move too far from the dongle, the connection to the computer will either be slow or unavailable.
In other languages:
Português: Usar um Dispositivo Bluetooth, Español: utilizar un adaptador de Bluetooth, 中文: 使用蓝牙加密狗, Русский: использовать устройство Bluetooth, Deutsch: Einen Bluetooth Dongle verwenden, Italiano: Usare una Chiavetta Bluetooth, Français: utiliser une clé Bluetooth, Bahasa Indonesia: Menggunakan Dongle Bluetooth, Nederlands: Een Bluetooth adapter gebruiken, Čeština: Jak používat Bluetooth Dongle
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