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A Bluetooth Dongle is a device that allows Bluetooth Wireless communications onto your personal computer. It’s essential for you if your Pc has no integrated Bluetooth. Without a Bluetooth dongle, you can always use your phone. To do that, you need a USB cable and a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone.
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What is the purpose of a Bluetooth Dongle? How exactly can it help?
Unlike in the past, Bluetooth mobile wireless technology has now become very popular across the world today. It has become one of the best options for people looking to connect their electronic devices conveniently within a short-range.
One of the interesting things about Bluetooth technology is that it’s readily available and pretty easy to connect. It doesn’t require any installation of software. One good way to enjoy the benefits that come with using Bluetooth technology is by opting for a Bluetooth adapter or using devices with an integrated Bluetooth feature.
Today, there are many products out there that feature integrated Bluetooth. Some of them include laptops, a wireless technology PDA, smartphones, a wireless stereo headset, MP3 players, headsets, and many more. You can easily connect your electronic devices to any of the products below since they are Bluetooth-enabled.
As for Bluetooth adapters, also called Bluetooth dongles, they are specifically designed for products, without an integrated Bluetooth feature.
One of the importance of Bluetooth dongles is that they enable you to easily connect your Bluetooth wireless devices to your PC (those without an integrated Bluetooth capability).
Apart from that, Bluetooth adapters are also effective for connecting your devices without making use of wires and cables.
Here’s how Bluetooth Dongle works
First, you need to understand that Bluetooth Dongles are inexpensive and cost between $3 to $30. You can check for some of the best products on Amazon and Best Buy.
- To connect your Bluetooth adapter, you need a free port on your PC. If you have one, all you need is to plug the dongle into it.
- Some Windows, such as Windows 10 and Windows 8, should automatically recognize the adapter. However, if the dongle cannot run automatically, you need to install the latest drivers, which you’ll most likely get on the manufacturer’s website.
- After the installation process, you can go ahead and use the dongle device with your Bluetooth wireless device.
- Turn on the device you’re looking to connect to your PC and put it in its pairing mode.
- Now, find and click on the Bluetooth icon on your PC’s taskbar. After that, select “Add a Bluetooth device.”
- Now, locate and click “Add Bluetooth or other devices.” After that, you’ll be directed to a new page, where you’re required to click “Bluetooth”.
- From there, look for the item you’re looking to connect to your PC and select it. After that, pair the device and you’re good to start using the device for its intended purpose.
So Can Phones be used as a Bluetooth Dongle?
As you have seen above, a Bluetooth dongle is an effective device that you can take advantage of to connect your Bluetooth-enabled devices to your PC – which doesn’t have an integrated Bluetooth.
But here’s a burning question; without a Bluetooth Dongle, is there another device that could help connect your Bluetooth-enabled devices to your PC?
Even if you don’t have a Bluetooth Dongle, there’s another way you can connect your devices to a PC that has no integrated Bluetooth. All you need for this method are a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone and USB cable. Yes, with these two items, all you need is to perform a couple of settings on your PC and you’re good to start using your Bluetooth-enabled devices.
That said, the bottom line is that it’s very much possible to connect your Bluetooth-enabled devices to your PC, even if you don’t have a Bluetooth Dongle. Instead of the device, you can take advantage of your smartphone and a USB cable. Both items will certainly do the magic for you.
Simple steps on how to use your phone as a Bluetooth Dongle (2 ways)
As mentioned in the previous section of this post, you can always use your smartphone as a Bluetooth Dongle. But here’s a quick question; how exactly is that possible? You can check below to find everything you need to know about it:
Method 1
Items needed
For this process, you need a perfectly working USB cable. In addition to that, you need a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone and a PC.
Step 1: Enable your phone’s Bluetooth
For the first step, you need to turn on your smartphone and go to the Settings app. From there, locate and click on “Connections.” On the Connections page, you need to select “Bluetooth.” Lastly, click on the “Enable button” to turn on the Bluetooth option.
Step 2: Connect the USB cable
After enabling Bluetooth on your smartphone, the next thing you need is to connect the USB cable to the appropriate port on your laptop computer. However, before proceeding, you need to allow the USB cable to connect to your device from the Settings app. After that, attach the other end of the cable to your phone.
Step 3: Installing your Bluetooth phone
If you connect the USB cable properly to your phone and laptop, you should get a message, asking you to “Add a New Device” or “Add New Connection.” Click on the option and follow the instructions that follow to install your Bluetooth phone.
Step 4: dial-up networking
Currently, you’re two steps away from using your phone as a Bluetooth Dongle. The next step is known as the dial-up networking step.
For this stage, you need to first click on the Start button on your device. After that, locate and click on the “Computer” option. From there, you need to find your phone’s icon and right-click on it.
Next, look for the “Dial Up-Networking” option and click on it. After that, you need to fill in your details, such as username, phone number, and password.
Step 5: Final setup
The last step requires you to return to your “Computer” menu. Now, your laptop computer should be able to detect the Bluetooth-enabled devices available around you.
All you need now is to turn on the device you’re looking to connect and wait for your computer to detect it. Next, double-click the icon of the Bluetooth-enabled device and click to connect it.
Method 2: using an iPhone as a Bluetooth adapter
Step 1: Setting up personal hotspot
For the first step, you need to set up a personal hotspot. You can do that by following this step; Settings > Bluetooth. After that, toggle the Bluetooth button to enable it.
Next, you need to follow this step to set up the personal hotspot; Settings > General > Cellular > Personal Hotspot. After that, tap the “Personal Hotspot” button to switch it on.
Step 2: Pairing your iPhone with a PC
The next step involves pairing your iPhone with your PC. To do that, click the start button and type “Bluetooth.”
After that, open the Bluetooth app and click on the “Add a Bluetooth device” link. From there, find your iPhone device and click on it. You’ll get a pairing code; enter it in the “Bluetooth pairing dialog” on your iPhone. Next, tap on the “Pair” button.
Now, go back to your PC and follow this step; Start > Devices and Printers. You’ll get a list of various devices. Since you already paired your iPhone, look for it on the list and right-click it. Next, click “Properties.”
From the “Properties” page, look for a check box with “Wireless iAP”. Uncheck the box and click Ok.
Now, go back to the “Devices and Printers” dialog, look for your iPhone, and right-click on it. Next, click “Create Shortcut” to have your iPhone’s Bluetooth connection added to your desktop.
From your desktop, you can always access your iPhone’s Bluetooth connection and take advantage of it as your adapter.