This article explains how to equip any computer that does not have a USB connection using a USB Bluetooth adapter. Most modern computers, by default, are already able to use Bluetooth technology to connect to other devices, but if you have older systems or if you can't use your computer's default Bluetooth device, this can be solved. by purchasing a USB Bluetooth adapter.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Configure the USB Adapter
Step 1. Purchase a USB Bluetooth adapter
If you haven't already, you'll need to get an adapter that's compatible with your computer's hardware and software specifications (for example, that's compatible with Windows 10 or macOS High Sierra).
- You can usually buy these devices at any electronics store, like MediaWorld, or online on sites like Amazon. The price of a USB Bluetooth adapter varies between € 5 and € 30. Make sure you purchase an adapter with updated drivers that support Bluetooth 4.0 or later.
- Adapters that support the Bluetooth 5.0 communication protocol are very expensive, but offer a wide range and very high data transfer rates. Bluetooth 4.0 adapters are cheaper and provide excellent performance with most applications.
Step 2. Locate a free USB port on your computer
In order to connect the Bluetooth adapter to your computer you need to use a USB port.
If your computer has oval-shaped USB-C ports instead of the classic rectangular-shaped USB 3.0 ports, you'll also need to purchase a second USB to USB-C adapter in order to connect the Bluetooth adapter to your computer
Step 3. Connect the Bluetooth adapter to your computer
It should seamlessly fit into one of the free USB ports on your computer.
If you are also using a USB to USB-C adapter, you will first need to connect it to a free USB-C port on your computer and then connect the Bluetooth dongle to the USB port on the adapter
Step 4. Install the necessary drivers
Windows 8 and Windows 10 will most likely automatically detect the new Bluetooth device and will independently install all the necessary drivers. If your computer does not detect the Bluetooth adapter, it most likely means that the version of the operating system you are using does not support it. In this case you will need to install the latest version of the USB device drivers using the appropriate installation disc which should be included in the package of the Bluetooth adapter. Alternatively, you can download the drivers directly from the device manufacturer's website.
To download drivers from the Bluetooth adapter manufacturer's website, search Google using the brand and model of the adapter as well as the word "driver" as your search criteria. Click on the link that appears in the list of results that refers to the official website of the device manufacturer. Click on the item that allows you to download the driver installation file. When the download is complete, go to the folder where you saved the file and double-click the corresponding icon, then follow the instructions that will appear on the screen
Part 2 of 3: Using the Bluetooth Adapter on Windows Systems
Step 1. Activate the Bluetooth device you want to connect to your computer and place it in "Pairing" mode
You can connect any type of Bluetooth device such as a mouse, keyboard, headset, speaker, or controller to a computer. Turn on the device under test and activate the pairing mode. Consult the user manual to find out how to activate the "Pairing" mode of the device. There is usually a small button to press or hold down.
In some cases, turning on the Bluetooth device will automatically activate the "Pairing" mode as well
Step 2. Click the Bluetooth icon
displayed on the Windows taskbar.
It is a blue icon characterized by a symbol that brings to mind the stylized letter "B". A menu will appear. The Bluetooth connection icon is displayed on the right side of the taskbar next to the system clock.
If the Bluetooth connection icon is not visible, click the up arrow to show all icons in the notification area of the taskbar
Step 3. Click on the Add a Bluetooth Device option
It should be the first option in the context menu that appears. The "Bluetooth and other devices" page of the Windows Settings app will be displayed.
Step 4. Turn on your computer's Bluetooth connectivity
If you have not already done so, click on the "Bluetooth" slider displayed at the top of the page to activate the Bluetooth connection.
Step 5. Click on the Add Bluetooth or other device option
It is located at the top of the "Bluetooth and other devices" page.
If the indicated item is not visible, make sure you are in the correct menu tab by clicking on the option Bluetooth and other devices listed in the left pane of the page.
Step 6. Click on the Bluetooth item
It is one of the options listed in the pop-up window that appeared. The computer will scan the area for all Bluetooth devices in "Pairing" mode.
Step 7. Select the name of the device you want to connect to your computer
Click on the name of the Bluetooth device that was detected by the computer.
If your Bluetooth device is not in the list, try to re-enable "Pairing" mode again
Step 8. Click the Connect button
It is located in the lower right corner of the device panel you have selected. At this point the computer will connect to the indicated device via the Bluetooth connection.
- It may take up to 30 seconds for the process of pairing the Bluetooth devices to the computer to complete.
- If you are using Windows 7 or earlier, you will need to click on the device name and then on the button Come on. At that point you will have to wait for the pairing procedure to finish.
Part 3 of 3: Using the Bluetooth Adapter on Mac
Step 1. Activate the Bluetooth device you want to connect to your computer and place it in "Pairing" mode
You can connect any type of Bluetooth device such as a mouse, keyboard, headset, speaker, or controller to a computer. Turn on the device under test and activate the pairing mode. Consult the user manual to find out how to activate the "Pairing" mode of the device. There is usually a small button to press or hold down.
In some cases, turning on the Bluetooth device will automatically activate the "Pairing" mode as well
Step 2. Click the Bluetooth icon
It is located at the top right of the screen on the menu bar. It is displayed next to the system clock. The Bluetooth settings menu will be displayed.
Step 3. Click on the Enable Bluetooth entry
If the Bluetooth connection is not yet active, click on the option indicated to activate it.
Step 4. Click on the Open Bluetooth Preferences option
It is displayed at the bottom of the appeared "Bluetooth" menu.
Step 5. Click the Connect button that appeared next to the device name
The latter should be listed within the "Devices" pane. Your device will be paired with your Mac. This may take up to 30 seconds to complete.
