For short range wireless connections between devices, Bluetooth was developed.
The name comes from Harald 'Bluetooth' Gormsson, a king of Denmark and Norway around 980.
The logo for Bluetooth uses the Danish runes for his initials H (ᚼ) and B (ᛒ).
Bluetooth typically can link devices up to 100m outdoors and perhaps 30m indoors under good conditions.
Common devices to link to a computer, tablet or mobile phone are:
- Headphones or earbuds
- Earpiece and microphone for phone calls
- External speakers
- Selfie Stick
- Fitness devices
- Internet watches
- Motor Vehicle
- Printer
- Mouse
- Keyboard
Connecting with Bluetooth
A Bluetooth connection can be made between a controlling device (such as a mobile phone) and a 'slave' device, such as headphones.
The images below show how to set up Bluetooth to connect to other devices on an iPhone.
Using the Settings app on a mobile device, find the Bluetooth option (often it is with the WiFi option)
Bluetooth in Settings, select Bluetooth and switch on
- With the Bluetooth switched on, it should scan for a device to make a connection.
- Switch on your other device as a connection will NOT happen otherwise! (there may be an indication that the device is 'ready to pair'
- It may be that you also have an option to make your mobile device 'visible' to connecting devices. This option should also be on.
- Usually the name of the connecting device is listed on the screen of your mobile device and should be selected.
- The connection may be immediate or may require typing in of a device code to confirm the connection.
Showing previously connected devices and scanning for others
Showing a Bluetooth device connected
Once a connection is made it will continue until the device is turned off or the Bluetooth is disconnected.
Your mobile device should recognise a device if it was previously connected and switched on.
Bluetooth in a Motor Vehicle
Warning: For reasons of safety' set up Bluetooth connections while the car is stationary.
Learn the 'hands free' buttons before you drive with this feature.
Check the manual for the car for information about the Bluetooth functions.
In a motor vehicle with Bluetooth, there should be a specific menu item in the car system for connecting a mobile phone.
The mobile phone and Bluetooth should be turned on as described above and the car controls set up to 'find' the phone.
The engine will usually need to be running to make connections.
Once connected, the motor vehicle can access the phone remotely so can make and take calls 'hands free'.
You will need to find the controls on the car to make and accept calls.
It is also possible to source streaming music on the phone to play in the car.
A 'hands free' set up is a legal means to access a phone while driving.
It does not provide the ability to text but may read a text that comes in.
The car should 'remember' the phone but the phone must have the Bluetooth turned on every time to connect with the car.