How to Use a Bluetooth Dongle on Windows or Mac

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A complete guide to setting up and using a Bluetooth adapter with your computer

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: March 23, 2024 Fact Checked

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Setting up the Dongle

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Using Bluetooth on Windows

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Using Bluetooth on Mac

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Q&A

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Tips

A Bluetooth dongle is a small device that can receive and transmit Bluetooth signal. It usually connects to the USB port of your computer or laptop to support wireless (Bluetooth) devices such as keyboards, mice, and headphones. While the majority of modern computers incorporate Bluetooth functionality into their default hardware, you can use a Bluetooth adapter (or "dongle") to enable Bluetooth for computers that don't use built-in Bluetooth. This wikiHow will show you how to use a Bluetooth adapter on your Windows or Mac computer.

Things You Should Know

Purchase a Bluetooth dongle that supports 4.0 or higher and is compatible with your operating system. Put it in pairing mode.
On Windows, open "Bluetooth & other devices." Click "Connect," then select the Bluetooth device.
On Mac, click the "Apple" menu → "System Settings/Preferences" → "Bluetooth" → "Connect".

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Setting up the Dongle

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1
Buy a Bluetooth dongle. If you haven't already bought a USB Bluetooth adapter, find one that works with your specific operating system (e.g., Windows 10/11 or macOS Ventura) and purchase it. These can be found at your local electronics store.
- Make sure you purchase a Bluetooth dongle that supports Bluetooth 4.0 or higher. Bluetooth 5.0 adapters are more expensive, but they offer greater range and speed. Bluetooth 4.0 adapters are more affordable and will work fine for most applications.
- You can also check if your computer has Bluetooth already.
2
Find a free USB port on your computer. You'll need an empty USB port into which you can plug your Bluetooth adapter.
- If your computer uses oval USB-C ports instead of rectangular USB 3.0 ports, you'll also need to buy a USB to USB-C adapter for your computer.
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3
Plug the dongle into your computer. It should fit snugly into the free USB port.
- If you're using a USB to USB-C adapter, first plug the USB-C end of the adapter into your computer, then plug the Bluetooth dongle into the free end of the USB adapter.
4
Install any necessary drivers. Windows 8, 10, and 11 will most likely recognize the Bluetooth dongle automatically. If your Bluetooth dongle won't run on your computer, it may be because the latest version of your operating system doesn't support it. You can install the latest drivers using the install disk that came with the dongle or by downloading them from the manufacturer's website.
- To download the drivers from the manufacturer's website, do the following:
  - Use Google to search for the product name + "Drivers".
  - Click a search result that leads to the manufacturer's official website.
  - Click the option to download the drivers.
  - Once the installation file is downloaded, locate it in the Downloads folder.
  - Double-click the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Bluetooth on Windows

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1
Turn on your Bluetooth device and place it in pairing mode. A Bluetooth device can be a mouse, keyboard, headphones, speakers, or a wireless controller. Consult the user's manual to learn how to put your particular device in pairing mode. In most cases, there is a button you press and hold.
- In some cases, turning on your Bluetooth device will automatically place it in pairing mode.
2
Open your Bluetooth settings.
- On Windows 10, click the Start menu and click the cog icon to open Settings. From there, click Devices. You should automatically be on the Bluetooth & other devices page.^{[1]
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- On Windows 11, click the Start menu, select Settings, and then select Bluetooth & devices.
If Bluetooth is not already turned on, click the toggle switch below "Bluetooth" to turn Bluetooth on.
If you're using Windows 11, click + Add device instead.
It's in the pop-up menu. Your computer will begin searching for Bluetooth devices that are in pairing mode.
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Select your device's name. Click the name of the device that you want to pair with your computer. You should see Connecting….
- If you don't see your device's name, try placing it in pairing mode again.
- On Windows 7 and below, you'll need to click the device name and click Next. Then wait for it to pair.
The device will be connected to your computer via Bluetooth.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Bluetooth on Mac

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1
Turn on your Bluetooth device and place it in pairing mode. A Bluetooth device can be a mouse, keyboard, headphones, speakers, or a wireless controller. Power the device on and put it in Bluetooth Pairing mode. Consult the user's manual to learn how to put your particular device in pairing mode. In most cases, there is a button you press and hold.
- In some cases, turning on your Bluetooth device will automatically place it in pairing mode.
2
On your computer, open Bluetooth settings. Click the Apple menu, and then click System Settings (Ventura) or System Preferences (Monterey and older). Click Bluetooth.
- If Bluetooth isn't turned on, click it to toggle it on now.^{[2]
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Click Connect next to the device name. It should be listed below "Devices". If you don't see the Bluetooth device listed below Devices, put the device in pairing mode again.^{[3]
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- Your Bluetooth device will be connected. If you connected a speaker, you can begin listening to music or streaming movies.

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Question

Can I use a Bluetooth dongle on my TV?

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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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Generally yes, you should be able to but this will depend on the dongle’s (or adapter’s) make and specifications and the television’s make and specifications. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that this is appropriate for your TV––most recent years sets should be fine. If it is okay according to those instructions, then the dongle would be inserted into the television's USB port, usually located at the back or on the side of the TV set.

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What is a Bluetooth adapter?

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A Bluetooth adapter, also known as a Bluetooth dongle, is a USB device able to receive and transmit Bluetooth wireless signals. If your computer or other compatible device (such as a mouse, keyboard or music player) lacks Bluetooth, the Bluetooth adapter may be able to bridge the problem and ferry the signals for the device. Always read the manufacturer’s specifications to work out whether or not the adapter is suitable for your needs.

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How can I add Bluetooth to my computer?

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First, check whether or not the computer has Bluetooth: How to Check if Your Computer Has Bluetooth). If not, you can use a USB Bluetooth adapter. Insert this into your computer’s USB port, following the manufacturer’s instructions for pairing the Bluetooth device with your computer.

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Tips

The majority of modern computers (even desktops) come equipped with Bluetooth.

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Bluetooth devices are meant for short-range wireless networking, typically within 10 m (33 feet) or less. If you move too far from the dongle, the connection to the computer will either be slow or unavailable.

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