How to Install Bluetooth

Co-authored by Brandon Phipps

Last Updated: January 12, 2024

This wikiHow teaches you how to enable your computer, phone or tablet's Bluetooth functionality and install a new Bluetooth-compatible device. For other Bluetooth issues, you can install the latest Bluetooth drivers to your computer.

Method 1

Method 1 of 7:

Enabling Bluetooth on Windows

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Click the Windows menu icon in the lower-left corner of your desktop to open the Start menu.
You can find this option in the lower-left corner of the Start menu. It will open your computer's settings in a new window.

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This button looks like a blue speaker and a keyboard.
You can find this option on a navigation menu on the left-hand side of the Devices window. It will open your Bluetooth preferences.
This will instantly enable all Bluetooth and related features on your computer.
6
Find and click the Bluetooth device you want to pair (optional). If you're pairing a new Bluetooth device to your computer, click on its name below the "Bluetooth" switch here.
- Make sure your other device's Bluetooth feature is enabled, and in pairing mode.
- Pairing mode instructions will vary depending on your device. This will usually require pressing twice or pressing and holding the Power button on your Bluetooth device.
7
Click Pair below the selected Bluetooth device (optional). Clicking on the device name in the Bluetooth window will expand the device details. Click the Pair button here to connect your Bluetooth device to your computer.
- If you're prompted, enter the pairing code from your Bluetooth device to your computer.

Method 2

Method 2 of 7:

Enabling Bluetooth on Mac

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Click the Apple icon on the menu bar in the upper-left corner of your screen to open the Apple menu.
This will open your settings in a new window.
This button looks like a white "B" in a blue icon on the third row of the menu. It will open your Bluetooth settings.
This button is on the left-hand side of the Bluetooth menu. It will instantly enable Bluetooth on your Mac.
5
Click Pair or Connect next a Bluetooth device (optional). If you're pairing a new Bluetooth-enabled device with your Mac, you can find it on the "Devices" list in the Bluetooth window, and click this button.
- Make sure your new device's Bluetooth feature is also turned on, and set to pairing mode.
- If you're prompted, find the pairing code on your Bluetooth device, and enter it on your computer.
- You can find your new Bluetooth device's pairing instructions on its user manual or website. This will usually require you to either press twice or press and hold the Power button on your Bluetooth device.
6
Check the
Show Bluetooth in menu bar option (optional). You can find it at the bottom of the Bluetooth menu. Once it's checked, you can enable/disable Bluetooth anytime on your menu bar. To use the menu bar icon:
- Click the
  Bluetooth icon on the menu bar on the top-right.
- Click Turn Bluetooth On or Turn Bluetooth Off.

Method 3

Method 3 of 7:

Enabling Bluetooth on iPhone or iPad

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1
Open the
Settings menu on your iPhone or iPad. Find and tap the gray gear icon on your home screen or in an app folder to open the Settings menu.
- Alternatively, you can swipe up from the bottom of your screen, and tap the
  Bluetooth icon in Control Center. The icon will turn blue when Bluetooth is turned on.
This option is listed next to a white "B" icon in a blue square. You can find it between the "Wi-Fi" and "Cellular" options towards the top of the menu.
This will instantly enable all Bluetooth connections on your iPhone or iPad.
4
Scroll down and tap the Bluetooth device you want to connect (optional). If you're pairing a Bluetooth-enabled device with your iPhone or iPad, you can find it below the "MY DEVICES" or "OTHER DEVICES" heading here.
- Make sure your Bluetooth device is turned on and in pairing mode.
- Pairing mode instructions will change for every device. It will usually require pressing twice or pressing and holding the Power button on your new Bluetooth device.

Method 4

Method 4 of 7:

Enabling Bluetooth on Android

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1
Open the Settings menu on your Android. Find and tap the white gear
icon on your Apps menu, or swipe down the notification bar from the top, and tap the
gear icon on the quick menu.
- Alternatively, you can swipe down the notifications bar, and tap the Bluetooth option or
  icon here. This will quickly enable Bluetooth on your Android.
This will open your connection options on a new page.
This will open your Bluetooth settings on a new page.
This will instantly enable all Bluetooth features and connections on your Android.
5
Find and tap the Bluetooth device you want to pair (optional). If you're pairing a new Bluetooth device with your Android, the device name will show up under the "Available devices" heading. Just tap the device name to connect.
- Make sure your Bluetooth device is also turned on and in pairing mode.
- If you don't see your device here, tap Scan on the top-right to scan your surroundings again.
- You can refer to your new Bluetooth device's user manual for specific instructions. This will usually require pressing twice or pressing and holding the Power button on the Bluetooth device.
- If you're prompted, enter the verification code from your Bluetooth device to your Android.

Method 5

Method 5 of 7:

Installing a Bluetooth Dongle

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Most USB dongles will plug into your computer via USB.
If you have any Bluetooth-enabled device lying around, it may automatically detect and connect to your dongle adapter.
The dongle should fit snugly into a free, unobstructed USB port.
4
Install your dongle adapter's required software to your computer. Make sure to check your Bluetooth dongle's user manual, and install all the required software to run it on your computer.
- The required software will vary between different models and manufacturers.
- You can usually find the required software on the website of your Bluetooth adapter's manufacturer. You may be able to find it on the manufacturer's Downloads or Drivers page.
5
Enable Bluetooth on the device you want to connect to your dongle. If you want to connect a Bluetooth device to your computer via your Bluetooth adapter, make sure your device is turned on, and in pairing mode.
- Pairing mode instructions will be different for every device. You may be required to press twice or press and hold the Power button on your new Bluetooth device.
- Make sure to refer to your Bluetooth device's user manual for specific pairing mode instructions.
6
Connect to your Bluetooth device via your dongle adapter. Some Bluetooth adapters will automatically connect to the first Bluetooth device around, while others require you to use desktop software to set up a connection.
- If your dongle adapter requires a desktop software for connection, you can open the software on your computer, and select the device you want to connect in the app.

Method 6

Method 6 of 7:

Installing Drivers on Windows

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You can usually find this button on the bottom-left corner of your desktop. It will open your quick menu options in a pop-up.
This will open your computer's Device Manager panel in a new window.
3
Click and expand
Bluetooth on the list. This will expand a list of all your Bluetooth items.
- If you don't see a "Bluetooth" heading in Device Manager, you can directly skip to Step 7, and go right into downloading the Bluetooth Driver Installer.
4
Right-click your current Bluetooth adapter. Find your Bluetooth driver under the Bluetooth heading in Device Manager, and right-click on it to see your options.
- This will usually be Qualcomm, Atheros, or Broadcom. These are the three most common Bluetooth drivers for Windows.
This will open your update options in a new dialogue box.
6
Select Search automatically for updated driver software in the pop-up. Windows will automatically search online for the latest available update for your Bluetooth adapter and install it on your computer.
- If you're prompted, confirm the driver installation.
- Alternatively, you can go to your PC manufacturer's website, and download the latest Bluetooth driver for your computer here. This may download an executable EXE file or a group of individual driver files.
- If you download an EXE, you can just run it on your computer to install.
- If you download a group of drive files, you can select Browse my computer for driver software in the Update window here, and manually select the location of the downloaded driver files.
You'll see a message saying "Windows has successfully updated your driver software" when your installation is finished. Click this button to close the installer, and use Bluetooth.

Method 7

Method 7 of 7:

Installing Drivers on Mac

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1
Open https://support.apple.com/kb/dl1209 in your internet browser. Type or paste this URL into your browser's address bar, and press ⏎ Return on your keyboard.
- You can download the official Bluetooth installer/updater software from Apple here.
This is a blue button towards the top of the page. It will download the Bluetooth installer file ("BluetoothUpdate1.5.dmg") to your computer's Downloads folder.
3
Launch the "BluetoothUpdate1.5.dmg" file on your computer. Find the DMG installer file in your computer's Downloads folder, and double-click on its icon to start the installer.
- This will open the DMG installer's contents in a new window.
4
Double-click the "BluetoothUpdate1.5.pkg" file in the DMG window. This item looks like a package icon in the installer DMG. This will open the Bluetooth Update Installer in a new pop-up.
- If you're getting an error message saying the program can't be opened because it's from an unidentified developer, check out this article to see how you can open it.
5
Click Continue until the installation starts. The installer will set up your computer's Bluetooth with the latest update.
- When you're prompted, click Agree to agree to Apple's license terms and conditions.
This will close the installer window. You can now use all Bluetooth features and devices on your computer.

Expert Q&A

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Question

Is a Bluetooth connection safe and secure?

Brandon Phipps
Technology Specialist
Brandon Phipps is a Technology Specialist based in Bakersfield, CA. He is the owner of Second Star Technologies and specializes in Managed IT Services for small and mid-sized businesses in Bakersfield, CA. With over 23 years of experience, he offers expert cloud computing, cybersecurity, and network management solutions. Brandon is a committed community member and coach who leads and innovates in tech and sports coaching. His dedication to local businesses and communities is evident in his hands-on, tailored approach to IT solutions.

Brandon Phipps

Technology Specialist

Expert Answer

Bluetooth safety has been a topic of debate in the past. While it's known that two devices typically need a PIN code to connect, there have been concerns about the security of these connections. In the past, there were instances where the PIN code could be intercepted. Any Bluetooth transfer, especially if it involves sensitive data, raises concerns for me, but when it comes to connectivity for hardware purposes, such as connecting peripherals, those aspects are ideal and generally considered safer. Especially with the most latest version of Bluetooth.

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Warnings

If your Bluetooth issues persist after installing the latest drivers, you might have a hardware problem with your computer's built-in or USB Bluetooth adapter. Make sure to reach out to your computer's authorized service provider regarding hardware issues.

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