A Bluetooth dongle works by acting as a small USB adapter that contains its own Bluetooth radio and controller, translating data between your non-Bluetooth device and wireless accessories. When plugged into a USB port and paired with the correct drivers, it creates a Bluetooth interface on your computer, allowing it to scan for and connect to devices like headphones, speakers, and mice.
What is a Bluetooth dongle?
A Bluetooth dongle is a small, compact device that plugs into a USB port to add Bluetooth functionality to a computer or laptop that lacks it. Its purpose is to act as a bridge, enabling wireless communication between your non-Bluetooth device and other Bluetooth-enabled accessories. You would want a Bluetooth dongle because it instantly upgrades an older desktop or laptop to support wireless connections without needing internal hardware changes.
What is a dongle for a mouse?
A dongle for a mouse is a specific type of USB receiver that communicates wirelessly with a compatible mouse. While a general Bluetooth dongle can connect to many types of devices, a dedicated mouse dongle is often pre-paired with a specific mouse and uses a proprietary wireless protocol rather than standard Bluetooth. You would want a dongle for a mouse to eliminate cable clutter and gain freedom of movement on your desk, though for a standard Bluetooth mouse, a standard Bluetooth dongle works just as well.
How a Bluetooth dongle enables wireless connectivity
The core function of a Bluetooth dongle is simple: it contains a Bluetooth radio and a controller chip. Once you plug it into a USB port and install the necessary drivers (which may happen automatically or require a manual setup from the dongle’s manual), the dongle creates a Bluetooth interface on your computer. It then begins scanning for nearby Bluetooth devices within its range. When it finds a device like headphones, speakers, or a mouse, it can establish a connection, allowing data or audio to flow wirelessly between the computer and the accessory.
How to pair devices using a Bluetooth dongle
The exact steps for pairing depend entirely on the dongle’s type and its own manual, so always check the instructions that came with your specific dongle. However, the general principle is the same: you put the accessory into discovery mode, then use your device’s Bluetooth settings to find and connect to it. The following verified examples show how to pair a standard Bluetooth accessory on an iPhone and on an Android phone, and a specific documented example for a Yealink dongle that pairs with one headset at a time.
Pairing a standard Bluetooth accessory on iPhone
- Put your Bluetooth accessory into discovery mode by following its own instructions.
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn Bluetooth on.
- Wait for the accessory name to appear in the list, then tap it.
- If prompted, enter the accessory’s PIN or passcode. The iPhone must be within about 33 feet (10 meters) of the accessory.
AirPods can auto-set up across signed-in Apple devices when the same Apple ID is used, with iOS 10, macOS Sierra, or watchOS 3 or later required for that cross-device behavior. To unpair, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the info icon (i) next to the accessory, and tap Forget This Device.
Pairing a standard Bluetooth accessory on Android
- Open your Android’s Settings app.
- From the top of the screen, swipe down, then touch and hold the Bluetooth icon.
- Tap Pair new device. If that option is missing, check Available devices or tap More > Refresh.
- Tap the Bluetooth device name when it appears, then follow the on-screen instructions.
For Fast Pair, ensure Bluetooth and Location are turned on, and enable Scan for nearby devices under Connected devices and sharing > Devices. Google's Bluetooth troubleshooting page points to Settings > Connected devices & sharing > Devices for finding the device.
Pairing a Yealink Bluetooth dongle (pairs with one headset at a time)
Yealink documentation states that each Bluetooth dongle can pair with only one headset at a time. Some dongles come pre-paired with the headset. To re-pair, use the Yealink USB Connect application: go to Pair Management > Paired Devices > Disconnect, then navigate to Pairable Devices List > Search icon > Start Pairing. Supported devices include BH series headsets (BH70/BH71/BH72/BH74/BH76/BH78), SP92/SP96 speakerphones, WH66/WH67 headsets, CP700/CP900 speakerphones, and any Bluetooth-enabled headset or device.
How to connect Bluetooth dongle in car
To connect Bluetooth dongle in car, you typically plug the dongle into the car’s USB or auxiliary port, then put the dongle into pairing mode according to its manual. You would want to connect Bluetooth dongle in car to stream music or make hands-free calls from your phone through the car’s speakers, turning an older vehicle into a modern, wireless-ready system. The exact pairing steps will follow the same general process as above, but always refer to the dongle’s specific instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Bluetooth dongle?
A Bluetooth dongle is a small USB adapter that adds Bluetooth connectivity to a device that does not have it built in, such as a desktop computer, laptop, or car stereo.
How does a Bluetooth dongle work?
It contains a Bluetooth radio and controller. When plugged in and installed, it creates a wireless interface on the host device, allowing it to scan for, pair with, and communicate with Bluetooth accessories like headphones, mice, and speakers.
How do I install a Bluetooth dongle?
Plug the dongle into a USB port. Your operating system may automatically install drivers, or you may need to install software from the dongle’s manual. Once installed, enable Bluetooth in your device’s settings to start pairing.
Can I use a Bluetooth dongle with any computer?
Most Bluetooth dongles work with any computer that has a USB port and supports the required drivers. Check the dongle’s manual for compatibility with your operating system version.
How many devices can a Bluetooth dongle connect to at once?
This depends on the dongle. Some can connect to multiple devices simultaneously, while others, like the Yealink dongle documented here, pair with only one headset at a time. Check your dongle’s specifications.
