What Is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that lets you connect accessories to your computer without cables. Common Bluetooth devices include headphones, earbuds, mice, keyboards, speakers, and game controllers.

Step 1: Check If Your Computer Has Bluetooth

Quick Check

Look at the bottom-right corner of your screen (system tray)

Click the **arrow icon** to show hidden icons

Look for the **Bluetooth icon** (looks like a stylised "B")

Settings Check

Open **Settings** (Windows key + I)

Go to **Bluetooth & devices**

If you see a Bluetooth toggle, your computer has Bluetooth built in

**No Bluetooth?** You can add it with a USB Bluetooth adapter (dongle) - they're small, inexpensive, and plug into any USB port.

Step 2: Turn On Bluetooth

Open **Settings > Bluetooth & devices**

Toggle **Bluetooth** to **On**

Or click the Bluetooth icon in the system tray and select "Turn on"

Step 3: Put Your Device in Pairing Mode

Each device enters pairing mode differently:

Headphones / Earbuds

**Most headphones:** Hold the power button for 5-7 seconds until the LED flashes blue/red

**AirPods:** Open the case, hold the button on the back until the light flashes white

**Sony/Bose:** Hold the power button until you hear "Bluetooth pairing"

Mice and Keyboards

Look for a **pairing button** on the bottom or side of the device

Press and hold it until the LED starts flashing

Some devices have a Bluetooth switch you need to flip

Speakers

Press the **Bluetooth button** (usually marked with the Bluetooth symbol)

The speaker LED should flash to indicate pairing mode

**Tip:** Check your device's manual if you're unsure how to enter pairing mode. You can usually find the manual online by searching your device model.

Step 4: Pair the Device

On your computer, go to **Settings > Bluetooth & devices**

Click **Add device**

Select **Bluetooth**

Wait for your device to appear in the list

Click on your device name

Follow any on-screen prompts

You should see "Connected" when successful

Step 5: Set as Default (Audio Devices)

For Bluetooth headphones or speakers:

Click the **speaker icon** in the system tray (bottom-right)

Click the **arrow** next to the volume slider

Select your Bluetooth device from the list

Common Problems and Fixes

Device Not Appearing in the List

Make sure the device is in **pairing mode** (LED should be flashing)

Turn Bluetooth off and on again on your computer

Move the device closer to your computer (within 1 metre for initial pairing)

Make sure the device isn't already connected to another phone or computer

Restart your computer

Connected but No Sound

Check the volume on both the device and your computer

Right-click the speaker icon > **Sound settings** > make sure the Bluetooth device is selected as output

Disconnect and reconnect the device

Check that the device is charged

Audio Quality Is Poor or Choppy

Move closer to your computer

Remove obstacles between the device and computer

Disconnect other Bluetooth devices that might be causing interference

Check for interference from Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, or other wireless devices

Update your Bluetooth drivers in Device Manager

Device Keeps Disconnecting

Check the device's battery level

Update your Bluetooth drivers

Remove the device and pair it again fresh

Check for Windows updates

How to Remove a Bluetooth Device

Go to **Settings > Bluetooth & devices**

Find the device in the list

Click the **three dots** next to it

Select **Remove device**

**Having trouble with Bluetooth?** Some Bluetooth issues are caused by outdated drivers or hardware compatibility problems. Bring your computer to Midland Computers and we'll get your devices connected properly.