How to Use USB Bluetooth

This article shows you how to turn on the Bluetooth function on a computer that does not support Bluetooth by using USB Bluetooth. Although most new computers have built-in Bluetooth functionality on the hard drive, you can use USB Bluetooth (also known as 'dongle') to turn on Bluetooth for computers that do not have or cannot use Bluetooth. is built in.

Install USB Bluetooth

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Buy USB Bluetooth. If you haven't purchased a Bluetooth USB yet, look for a device that matches the operating system you're using (such as Windows 10 or macOS High Sierra).

You can find USB Bluetooth at computer stores and online sales sites like Tiki. Bluetooth USBs range in price from $3 - $30. Remember to buy a Bluetooth USB that has good drivers and supports Bluetooth 4.0 or higher.

USB Bluetooth 5.0 is usually more expensive, but has wider range and higher speed. USB 4.0 costs a little less and still connects well with most applications.

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Find an empty USB port on the computer. You will need an empty USB port to attach the USB Bluetooth.

If your computer is equipped with an oval USB-C port instead of a rectangular USB 3.0 port, you will need to purchase an additional USB to USB-C adapter on your computer.

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Attach USB Bluetooth to the computer. You will have to mount it so that it fits snugly into an empty USB port.

If you use a USB to USB-C adapter, first attach the USB-C end of the adapter to your computer, and then insert the Bluetooth USB into an empty port of the USB adapter.

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Install necessary drivers. Windows 8 and 10 operating systems usually automatically recognize USB Bluetooth. If USB Bluetooth does not work when attached to your computer, perhaps the latest version of the operating system does not support this device. You can install the latest driver using the installation disc included with the Bluetooth USB or downloading the installation program from the manufacturer's website.

To download drivers from the manufacturer's website, you'll search for the device name and "Drivers" through Google. Clicking on the search results leads to the manufacturer's official website. Click on the driver download option. After the installation file is downloaded, you will access the Downloads folder, then double-click the installation file and follow the instructions.

Use Bluetooth on Windows

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Turn on the power and connection mode of the Bluetooth device. The Bluetooth device can be a mouse, keyboard, headset, speaker, or wireless controller. You need to turn on the device's power and connection mode. Refer to the user manual to learn how to enable the device's connection mode. Usually you will press and hold a button on the device.

In some cases, the device will automatically enter connection mode when you power it on.

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Click the Bluetooth icon on the Windows taskbar. It's a blue icon that looks like the letter "B" with many pointed edges. You'll see a menu appear on the right side of the screen, right next to the date and time information.

If you don't see the Bluetooth icon, click the up arrow to see the full menu on the taskbar.

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Click Add a Bluetooth Device . This is the option at the top of the menu that appears. You will see the Bluetooth and Other Devices menu appear on the screen.

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Turn on Bluetooth. If Bluetooth isn't turned on, just click the slider under "Bluetooth" to turn it on.

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Click Add Bluetooth or other device . It's the first option in the Bluetooth and Other Devices menu.

If you don't see this option, make sure you're viewing the right tab by clicking Bluetooth & other devices in the left menu section.

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Click Bluetooth . This option is available in the menu that appears. Your computer will start searching for Bluetooth devices that are in connection mode.

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Select the name of the device. Click the name of the device you want to connect to your computer.

If you don't see the device's name, try re-enabling connection mode on the device.

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Click Pair . You will see this button in the lower right corner of the options related to the device you want to connect to. Thus, the device will be connected to the computer via Bluetooth.

The connection between the device and the computer usually takes about 30 seconds.

On Windows 7 and earlier, you'll click the device name and select Next , then wait for the connection to complete.

Use Bluetooth on Mac

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In some cases, the device will automatically enter connection mode when you power it on.

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Click the Bluetooth icon. This is an option in the menu bar at the top of the screen. You'll see it on the right side, right next to the date and time information. This shows you the Bluetooth menu.

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Click Turn Bluetooth On . If Bluetooth isn't turned on, you'll click this option to turn it on.

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Click Open Bluetooth Preferences . This is an option at the bottom of the Bluetooth menu.

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Click Connect next to the device name. This option is usually displayed under "Devices". This is the operation to connect to the Bluetooth device. The connection process takes about 30 seconds.

If you don't see the Bluetooth device name under "Devices", try re-enabling connection mode on the device.

How to Use USB Bluetooth