Let’s go straight to the point: Bluetooth dongles are small USB devices that allow a computer or other device without built-in Bluetooth but a USB port to communicate with Bluetooth-enabled devices, like mice, keyboards, headphones, speakers, printers, etc.
In this blog post, we don’t beat around the bush 🌳, and we explain USB Bluetooth Dongles by answering the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding these devices.
Let’s GO! ☄️
Shortcuts ☄️
What are 10 examples of Bluetooth Dongles? 📶
The following devices often come with a USB Bluetooth Dongle to connect to a PC or another device wtih a USB port, even if that device has Bluetooth capabilities, thus guaranteeing it can work!
- Wireless Keyboard/Mouse Connection 🖱️- Enables connection to wireless keyboards and mice.
- Bluetooth Headphones/Speakers 🎧: Allows wireless audio streaming to headphones or speakers.
- File Transfers 📲: Facilitates wireless file sharing between computers and devices like smartphones, GoPros, etc.
- Game Controllers 🎮: Connects wireless game controllers to PCs.
- Health Device Syncing ⌚: Syncs data from Bluetooth-enabled health devices to a computer.
- Smart Home Control 🏠: Communicates with and controls smart home devices.
- Wireless Printing 🖨️: Connects to Bluetooth printers for wireless printing.
- Car Audio Systems 🚗: Enables non-Bluetooth car audio systems to receive audio from devices.
- Meeting Collaboration 🎙️: Connects to conference room equipment for seamless collaboration.
- Accessibility ♿: Enables connections to specialised accessibility devices for disabled individuals.
What can a Bluetooth dongle do? 💪
A Bluetooth dongle enables wireless communication between a computer and Bluetooth-enabled devices, eliminating the need for any cable or tether and enabling older non-Bluetooth computers to function with Bluetooth Devices.
This small USB device enhances versatility and convenience in personal and professional settings, promoting a clutter-free and flexible technological experience.
See our exhaustive list of devices that use these Bluetooth Dongles to connect to any computer.
How do I use a Bluetooth dongle? 🧐
To use a Bluetooth dongle, you have to do the following:
- Plug it into a USB port on your computer or device, like a USB car radio. Most operating systems will automatically detect and install necessary drivers.
- Once installed, enable Bluetooth on your computer or device, usually found in settings. Then, put the device you want to connect (e.g., headphones, mouse, smartphone) into pairing mode.
- On your computer, search for available devices and select the one you want to connect. Confirm the pairing if prompted.
The devices should now communicate wirelessly. If issues arise, consult the dongle’s manual or your device’s support page, as procedures might vary slightly depending on the specific make and model.
If this is unavailable, Google the device model followed by “is not working” or “how to use” or whatever the specific problem is!
What is the meaning of a Bluetooth dongle? 📶
A Bluetooth dongle is a small USB device that allows wireless devices like headphones, speakers or keyboards to connect to a computer or device like a car radio, thus eliminating the need for cables.
It permits old computers or devices lacking built-in Bluetooth support to connect to Bluetooth (wireless) devices, bringing a new era of wireless convenience to everyone.
Even if your computer has built-in Bluetooth, it often has a limited number of channels to connect to different devices, so having a Bluetooth Dongle is even useful in newer devices, enhancing convenience and reducing clutter.
Bluetooth dongles are widely used in personal and professional settings to create seamless, wireless interactions between different devices and are now an essential tool for modern connectivity, bridging the gap between various technologies and promoting a more flexible and efficient user experience.
What is the difference between a Bluetooth dongle and a Bluetooth adapter? 😕
A Bluetooth Dongle and a Bluetooth Adapter essentially refer to the same device. Dongle = Adapter!
Both are small hardware components that plug into a USB port on a computer or other device to enable Bluetooth connectivity or add an independent Bluetooth channel.
They allow wireless communication with Bluetooth-enabled devices such as headphones, speakers, keyboards, and more.
The terms “dongle” and “adapter” are often used interchangeably, with “dongle” typically referring to a compact, thumb-sized device, and “adapter” being a more general term for a device that enables one technology to connect with or adapt to another.
Both serve the same purpose of adding Bluetooth functionality.
Does Bluetooth need a dongle? 🤯
Bluetooth doesn’t inherently need a dongle, as many modern devices come with built-in Bluetooth capabilities.
However, if a computer or other device lacks this built-in functionality, a Bluetooth dongle becomes necessary to enable wireless communication with Bluetooth-enabled devices.
By plugging a Bluetooth dongle into a USB port, you can add Bluetooth connectivity to a device that doesn’t natively support it, like an older PC or laptop.
This allows for the wireless connection of peripherals like headphones, speakers, keyboards, and more. In essence, while Bluetooth itself doesn’t require a dongle, it serves as a valuable tool to extend Bluetooth functionality to devices without it.
What are the benefits of Bluetooth dongle for PC? 👍
A Bluetooth dongle for a PC offers several benefits.
It enables wireless connectivity with a wide range of devices, such as headphones, speakers, keyboards, and mice, reducing cable clutter and enhancing workspace aesthetics.
The dongle allows for quick and easy pairing with Bluetooth-enabled devices, promoting flexibility and convenience in both personal and professional settings.
It can also facilitate file transfers between devices and enable new functionalities like connecting to smart home gadgets or health monitors (see our exhaustive list of Bluetooth Dongle use cases).
By adding Bluetooth capability to PCs without built-in support, a Bluetooth dongle makes technology interactions more seamless, efficient, and user-friendly, contributing to a more modern computing experience.
How to Use a Bluetooth Dongle on Windows 🏠 or Mac 🍎
To use a Bluetooth dongle on Windows or Mac:
- Insert the Dongle: Plug the Bluetooth dongle into a USB port.
- Install Drivers: Windows usually auto-installs drivers. On Mac, it’s typically plug-and-play.
- Enable Bluetooth: On Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Bluetooth.
- Pair Devices: Put the Bluetooth device in pairing mode. Click “Add Bluetooth Device” on Windows or “Set Up New Device” on Mac. Select the device and follow the prompts.
- Confirm Connection: Once paired, the device should connect automatically.
Always refer to specific dongle instructions, as procedures may vary slightly!
What to look for when buying a Bluetooth adapter?
When buying a Bluetooth adapter, consider the following:
- Bluetooth Version 📶: Opt for the latest version (e.g. Bluetooth 5.0) for better performance and compatibility.
- Range 📏: Choose the range based on your needs; Class 1 offers longer than Class 2.
- Compatibility 🔗: Ensure it works with your operating system and devices.
- Data Transfer Rate ⚡: Higher speeds provide smoother connections.
- Size and Design 🎨: Compact designs are more portable.
- Energy Efficiency 🔋: Look for low energy consumption if using battery-powered devices.
- Brand and Warranty 🏷️: Consider reputable brands and check the warranty.
- User Reviews 💬: Read customer reviews for real-world insights.
- Water/Dust Protection 💧: If you plan to use or take your USB Dongle and device outdoors, an IP65, 66, 67 or 68 rated device offer different levels of water and dust “Ingress Protection”.
What are the best Bluetooth adapters/dongles in 2023? 👀
We do not dedicate ourselves to testing and reviewing electronics, but we have found that LaptopMag offers a succinct Top 5!
You can read more on the latest deals on our dongles comparison page.
