Bluetooth wireless technology is actively used to connect smarthphones with portable accessories and wireless headsets. From this article you will learn more about what Bluetooth is, what its functions are and how it is activated.
What is Bluetooth explain?
Bluetooth is a wireless data transfer technology. Its main purpose is energy-efficient data exchange. Bluetooth technology allows the exchange of data between various electronic devices: PC, laptop, tablet, smartphone, printer, joystick, headphones, smart watches and smart bracelets, etc. For example, you can transfer photos or phone contacts, stream music to a wireless speaker or wireless headphones, or read data from smart watches and smart bracelets via Bluetooth network.
The transmission range is influenced by the power of the transmitter and the presence of obstacles in the signal path. The range is also affected by the version of the Bluetooth protocol – about 100 meters or 328 feet. With version 5.0, the maximum signal range is up to 1,500 meters or 4,921 feet. Typically, the data range in phones and mobile accessories is 15 meters or 50 feet. And the effective transmission range can be up to 5 meters or 16 feet.
The data transfer rate is less than 1 MB/s. The limited range of coverage and low data transfer rate is due to achieving maximum energy efficiency. The average consumption of Bluetooth in operation is 2.5 mW.
Bluetooth specification 4.2, 5.0, 5.2
Bluetooth is a type of wireless connection for exchanging information between PCs, laptops, smartphones, tablets, wireless headphones and other accessories. The effective range is on average up to 15 meters without barriers and up to 10 meters with barriers indoors.
The data transfer rate and cover range depend on the Bluetooth specification. At the moment, the most relevant specification 5.0-5.2, it has the best energy efficiency, security and data transfer rate.
Protocol 4.2 is less effective, it is found mainly in inexpensive or outdated mobile devices. The wireless module has a high power efficiency. Compared to Wi-Fi, it consumes 10 times less energy. At the same time, the data transfer rate does not exceed 1 Mbit/s for specification 4.2 and up to 2 Mbit/s for 5.0. Therefore, there are protocols for combining Bluetooth with Wi-Fi to speed up file exchange, which can theoretically increase the speed by up to 10 times. Also you can read about the Bluetooth profiles here.
What is Bluetooth mainly used for?
Bluetooth is mostly used for transferring small amounts of data. Bluetooth is most popular when using wireless headphones, wireless speakers, smart watches, and smart bracelets.
When using wireless headphones or wireless speakers, Bluetooth allows you to listen to music and communicate over a cellular network. In particular, Bluetooth connection is relevant while driving a car. So the sound can be transmitted to the car’s built-in audio system or to a personal wireless headset. Compared to hands-free communication the speech of the interlocutor is heard better and there is no interference.
With the growth of wearable accessories, Bluetooth is actively used in smart watches and smart bracelets. Bluetooth technology allows you to exchange data with a connected smartphone or tablet to transfer user activity. Also, when the Bluetooth connection is active, the smart watch displays incoming notifications, messages, and some system information, such as the weather.
Bluetooth is also used in some consumer electronics. For example, in an electric kettle Bluetooth allows you to remotely turn on the water heating. And in a humidifier, Bluetooth allows you to remotely turn on or off the humidification of the air. Bluetooth is present in various smart home sensors to remotely monitor temperature, humidity, and air quality. Bluetooth is also used in some joysticks, keyboards, and mice.
Bluetooth functions
- Listening to music using wireless headphones
- Communicating through the mobile phone using wireless headphones or a headset
- Connection of a portable speakers for playing audio
- File transfer between smartphones, tablets, and computers
- Sending notifications from a smartphone to a fitness bracelet or smart watch
- Sending user activity from wearable accessories to a mobile device
- Providing Internet access for a computer
- Pairing with smart home devices

Activation method
The Bluetooth module is activated in two ways: with a switch on the case or in the settings menu.
- Laptops and wireless headphones/headsets are usually equipped with Bluetooth on/off button. In the case of a laptop, all you have to do to turn on the button or switch, and then connect to the device in the settings.
- In smartphones, tablets, wrist accessories and some laptops, Bluetooth is activated from the settings menu. Once enabled from the menu, pairing with visible devices is provided.
- Bluetooth switch on button on wireless headphones: a short press activates the device, a long press & hold will turn on find a new device mode and pair with it.
Should I turn off my Bluetooth when not in use?
It is not necessary to turn off Bluetooth. In standby mode, Bluetooth consumes no power or consumption is so low that it does not affect the battery charge. Therefore, when Bluetooth is turned on, the phone will automatically connect to the previously paired device to exchange data.
If you do not need Bluetooth, you can disable it. Disabling Bluetooth is an additional security measure. Because the phone cannot be hacked if vulnerabilities are available in the system. Disabling Bluetooth also helps prevent accidental connection. For example, if a Bluetooth device has been paired with two different phones, then the Bluetooth device will connect to the last phone that was connected. In this case, you have to find out where the Bluetooth device is connected, disconnect it and then reconnect it to the desired phone or PC.
Bluetooth is a wireless technology that uses a radio frequency to share data over a short distance, eliminating the need for wires. You can use Bluetooth on your mobile device to share documents or to connect with other Bluetooth-enabled devices. For security reasons, Bluetooth devices must be paired before they can begin transferring information. The process of pairing your devices will vary depending on the device you are connecting to.
Source: https://www.samsung.com/uk/support/mobile-devices/what-is-bluetooth/
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bluetooth data transfer rate?
The data transfer rate depends on the version of bluetooth on the device: version 4.2 provides speeds up to 1 Mbit, version 5.0 – up to 2 Mbit. Excluding power consumption, theoretically, the data transfer speed can reach more than 25 Mbit.
What type of bluetooth adapter should I choose for my computer?
The best option is an adapter with a USB connection. A less practical choice is a board with a PCI port on the motherboard.
What is the frequency of Bluetooth?
Bluetooth operates at 2.4 GHz in the 2402-2480 Hz frequency range.
What is Bluetooth in a phone used for?
To connect to wireless accessories: headphones, smart watches and fitness bracelets, home appliances and smart home devices.
How to check if the computer has Bluetooth?
Check the motherboard specifications on the manufacturer’s official website.
Does Bluetooth use data?
Bluetooth only uses mobile devices in mobile Internet distribution mode. For example, to connect a device without a Wi-Fi module to the Internet. Otherwise Bluetooth does not use mobile data.
Is Bluetooth free to use?
There is no charge to use Bluetooth. You can use the technology without any time limit with any Bluetooth capable device.
What are the 3 advantages of Bluetooth?
Low power consumption, compatibility with all Bluetooth devices and sufficient range.
What are the disadvantages of Bluetooth?
Low data transfer speeds so that the transfer of large files is not feasible. Signal can be interrupted when wireless headphones are connected. Both devices must have the same version of Bluetooth for all functions to work.
What is the difference between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?
Both data transfer technologies are similar. Sometimes Bluetooth can use Wi-Fi to speed up data transfer. The main difference is the purpose. Wi-Fi is used for fast Internet access without severe limitations on power consumption. Bluetooth is used to share small amounts of data with maximum energy efficiency.
Do I need Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?
You need Wi-Fi to access the Internet. Internet is needed for most games, for the normal operation of many applications and services. To connect wireless devices, you need Bluetooth. That’s why most devices need Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Bluetooth is enough for household devices, smart home devices.
Can Bluetooth connect to Wi-Fi?
Bluetooth can tap into the Wi-Fi network for faster data transfer. It is not possible to connect to Wi-Fi via Bluetooth.
Can Wi-Fi and Bluetooth work together?
The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth work individually. You can use only one of them, or you can use both at the same time.
Can someone connect to my Bluetooth without me knowing?
To connect to a Bluetooth device, authorization is required. Therefore, accidental connection without authorization is excluded. Some Bluetooth devices can be remotely hacked. Therefore, do not keep Bluetooth turned on unnecessarily.
Why is Bluetooth better than Wi-Fi?
Bluetooth is superior to Wi-Fi when it is necessary to exchange small amounts of data in a power-efficient way. Bluetooth is better at this, since it consumes less than a few mW.
Does Bluetooth automatically turn on?
In standby mode, Bluetooth automatically turns on when you want to send or receive data. If it is turned off in the settings, Bluetooth cannot turn on automatically.
How far can Bluetooth reach?
The potential coverage area of the modern Bluetooth protocol is up to 1,500 meters or almost 5,000 feet. Most devices have an effective range of 5-15 meters or 16-50 feet.
Can Bluetooth go through walls?
The Bluetooth signal can go through walls and some other obstacles. However, any wall or obstacle will impair the signal.
How many devices can you connect to Bluetooth?
Seven devices can be connected via Bluetooth at the same time. With modern Android smartphones and tablets, up to 5 devices can be connected. The same number of simultaneous connections is prescribed in each Bluetooth specification. Usually it is 2-3 simultaneous connections.
What is needed for Bluetooth to work?
Bluetooth requires a module that is built into the device. Drivers are required for it to work. Mobile devices and pluggable accessories contain the necessary modules to work. You only need to activate the module in the settings and perform the pairing with the device. To connect Bluetooth to a computer or laptop you need to install a USB adapter or card with Bluetooth. Then install the drivers.
Why do I need Bluetooth on my iPhone?
You can use Bluetooth to connect wireless headphones. You can also use it to connect a smart watch or wireless speakers.
Can Bluetooth penetrate metal?
Metal acts as a shield for every signal. Part of the signal can penetrate through a thin sheet of metal or through a metal grid.
Which Bluetooth is best?
The best version of the protocol is Bluetooth 5.0. It is a modern version of the protocol, which combines all the necessary functions and features. Therefore, it is advisable to look for Bluetooth 5.0 when selecting any type of device.
Do I need Bluetooth?
You will need Bluetooth if you prefer to listen to music with wireless headphones, connect smart watches and smart bracelets, connect to smart home devices.
Conclusion:
The article describes in detail what Bluetooth is. This communication module is used for information exchange, data & file transfer, talk and communication, as well as to provide Internet access and listen to music.
The rapid growth of wireless accessories contributes to the active development of new protocols and specifications. Smartphones and tablets are being implemented accordingly. In particular, in the Android 9 and later versions, mobile devices have learned to connect to five devices simultaneously.
Do you use Bluetooth? Share in the comments what tasks are you using the Bluetooth connection for.