Connecting or pairing your laptop with a Bluetooth-enabled device gives you wireless freedom. You can use Bluetooth to transfer files and media, set up a streamlined desk with wireless accessories, print over the air, and even use your Bluetooth-enabled cell phone for Internet access on your laptop. Here are the basic instructions for connecting your laptop to a Bluetooth device such as your smartphone or music player (the process may vary depending on your specific devices).
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 15 minutes
Here's How:
- Make sure your laptop has a Bluetooth adapter, whether built-in or an external Bluetooth dongle. (You can check by looking for a Bluetooth icon in your taskbar or the Control Panel.)
- Activate the Bluetooth function on the mobile device (usually found under the Settings menu) and set it to be discoverable or visible.
- On the PC, right-click on the Bluetooth icon and select the option to add a new connection or device, which will make the computer search for available Bluetooth devices.
- When your mobile device appears, select it to connect/pair it to your laptop.
- If prompted for a PIN code, try 0000 or 1234 and enter it on both the mobile device when prompted and your laptop.
- Once you're connected, you can perform other actions like wirelessly transferring a file between your devices using either the context menus in applications or right-clicking on a file and looking for "Send to Bluetooth"-types of options.
Tips:
- If setting up the connection from your PC doesn't work, you may also be able to initiate the connection from the mobile device instead.
- Turn Bluetooth off when you're not using it, to prevent battery drain.
- For device-specific instructions on connecting with Bluetooth, try the Gadget Guide from Bluetooth.com
What You Need
- Bluetooth-enabled mobile device
- Bluetooth adapter for your laptop
