Buzz
This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to enable Bluetooth on computers that don't have built-in Bluetooth by using a Bluetooth USB dongle. Although most modern computers come with Bluetooth integrated into their hard drives, you can still use a Bluetooth USB adapter (also known as a "dongle") to enable Bluetooth functionality on computers that either lack Bluetooth or have non-functional built-in Bluetooth.
Steps
Setting up the Bluetooth USB
Purchase a Bluetooth USB. If you haven't bought a Bluetooth USB yet, make sure to choose one that is compatible with your operating system (for example, Windows 10 or macOS High Sierra).
- You can find Bluetooth USBs in computer stores and online marketplaces such as Tiki. The price of these devices ranges from $3 to $30 (about 70,000 to 700,000 VND). Ensure you purchase a Bluetooth USB with good drivers and support for Bluetooth 4.0 or higher.
- Bluetooth USB 5.0 is generally more expensive, but it offers a wider range and faster speeds. Bluetooth 4.0 devices are slightly cheaper but still work well with most applications.
Locate an empty USB port on your computer. You'll need an available USB port to plug in the Bluetooth USB adapter.
- If your computer is equipped with a USB-C oval port instead of a rectangular USB 3.0 port, you will need to purchase an additional USB to USB-C adapter for your computer.
Plug the Bluetooth USB into the computer. Insert the device into the empty USB port, making sure it fits securely.
- If you're using a USB to USB-C adapter, first insert the USB-C end of the adapter into your computer, then plug the Bluetooth USB into the available USB port on the adapter.
Install the required drivers. Windows 8 and 10 usually recognize the Bluetooth USB automatically. If the Bluetooth USB does not work when plugged into your computer, the latest version of your operating system may not support the device. You can install the latest driver by using the installation disc that came with the Bluetooth USB or downloading the installer from the manufacturer's website.
- To download the driver from the manufacturer’s website, search for the device name along with “Drivers” on Google. Click on the search result that leads to the manufacturer’s official website. Then click to download the driver. After the installer file has downloaded, open the Downloads folder, double-click the installer file, and follow the instructions.
Using Bluetooth on Windows
Turn on your Bluetooth device and enable pairing mode. The Bluetooth device could be a mouse, keyboard, headset, speaker, or wireless controller. You need to turn on the device and enable its pairing mode. Refer to the user manual for instructions on how to activate pairing mode, typically by pressing and holding a button on the device.
- In some cases, the device will automatically enter pairing mode when you turn it on.
- If the Bluetooth icon is missing, click the upward arrow to expand the full menu in the taskbar.
Click on Add a Bluetooth Device (Add a Bluetooth Device). This option is located at the top of the menu that is currently displayed. The Bluetooth and Other Devices settings menu will pop up on your screen.
Activate Bluetooth. If Bluetooth is off, simply toggle the switch beneath the 'Bluetooth' option to turn it on.
Click on Add Bluetooth or other device (Add Bluetooth or Other Device). This is the first choice within the Bluetooth and Other Devices menu.
- If you can't see this option, make sure you're on the right tab by selecting Bluetooth & other devices from the left menu.
Click on Bluetooth. This option appears in the current menu. Your computer will begin searching for Bluetooth devices that are in pairing mode.
Select the device's name. Click on the name of the device you want to connect to your computer.
- If you can't find the device name, try enabling pairing mode on the device.
Click on Pair (Connect). You will find this button at the bottom right corner of the selection related to the device you want to connect. This will establish a Bluetooth connection between your device and your computer.
- The connection process usually takes around 30 seconds.
- On Windows 7 and earlier versions, click the device name and select Next, then wait for the connection process to finish.
Using Bluetooth on a Mac
Turn on the device and enable its pairing mode. Bluetooth devices such as a mouse, keyboard, headphones, speaker, or wireless controller need to have their power and pairing mode turned on. Refer to the user manual to find out how to activate pairing mode, typically by pressing and holding a button on the device.
- In some cases, the device may automatically switch to pairing mode when powered on.
Click on Turn Bluetooth On (Enable Bluetooth). If Bluetooth is not enabled, click this option to turn it on.
Click on Open Bluetooth Preferences at the bottom of the Bluetooth menu. This option allows you to access the Bluetooth settings.
Click on Connect next to the device name. This is where you establish the connection with a Bluetooth device. It typically appears under "Devices". The connection process takes about 30 seconds.
- If you can't see the device's name listed under "Devices", try re-enabling Bluetooth on the device.
Tip
- Most modern computers (including desktops) come with built-in Bluetooth.
Warning
- Bluetooth devices are designed for short-range wireless communication, typically within a range of about 10 meters or less. If you move too far from the Bluetooth USB receiver, the connection between the device and the computer may slow down or disconnect.
