Author: Global Teck Staff / Blog / Published: December 27, 2022 9:00AM EST

Many of us rely on Bluetooth devices for all kinds of things, from playing music to connecting our phones to our cars. But what happens when the signal becomes spotty or stops working altogether? Several factors can block or interfere with your Bluetooth signal, and understanding these can help you troubleshoot any potential problems. Let's take a look at some common causes of interference.

Bluetooth signal interference is a common issue caused by various factors. These factors range from physical obstacles, such as walls and furniture to more technical issues, like the distance between devices, software updates, and even incompatible hardware.

Physical obstacles like walls and furniture will block your Bluetooth signal, making it difficult or impossible for two devices to communicate. To reduce this type of interference, try moving the devices closer together or relocating them to an open area where there are fewer obstructions.

1. Metal

Metal's conductive properties make it well-suited for blocking electromagnetic signals, like radio waves carrying your WiF and Bluetooth. Anything containing a significant amount of metal - such as blinds or furniture - can lessen and even block signal altogether. Shield yourself from connection issues by strategically placing metallic objects between you and your router to keep that strong signal humming along uninterruptedly.

2. Concrete Walls

WiFi and Bluetooth signals often struggle to penetrate through walls and floors made of concrete, one of the thickest building materials. Adding metal laths further reinforces these barriers - making it increasingly difficult for the signal to pass through, even with a WiFi/Bluetooth booster or extender. In other words, when it comes to your home's connectivity needs: The thicker the wall, the more assistance you need!

3. Plaster and Metal Plath

Plaster is a versatile material often employed in the construction of modern homes - it can be used to coat both walls and ceilings, typically 5/8th of an inch thick. However, its thickness may work against you when it comes to WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity; thicker layers containing metal laths provide more resistance than standard plaster applications, significantly reducing or blocking your signal!

4. Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles, the timeless material used to decorate walls and floors throughout all eras of design history, are still a popular choice today. But what many people don't realize is that ceramic tile can weaken both Bluetooth and WiFi signals as they pass through it. To install these beautiful pieces without sacrificing reception quality, mastic adhesive should be used when laying them on plaster or drywall surfaces - this combination gives you both good looks and a consistent wireless connection!

5. Windows and Tinted Glass

Despite their seemingly transparent nature, windows and glass can have a huge impact on your WiFi/Bluetooth signal. Low-E (low-emissivity) windows are specially designed with an energy-conserving metallic film to help block out sunlight - but this same layer affects the passage of radio waves as well! The tinted glass comes in many different colors, each created from materials that prevent light from passing through while also interfering with specific signals such as WiFi. So if you experience sluggish internet speeds or spotty connections near any kind of window or tinted glass feature, investigate further for potential culprits!

6. Mirrors

Mirrors are fascinating reflections of our world – not only in the literal sense but also figuratively. While their reflective surfaces capture and reflect light that would otherwise pass unobserved through a window, the mirror's metallic backing creates electromagnetic interference within one's WiFi/Bluetooth signal. The impact is dependent on size; with larger mirrors causing more obstruction than smaller ones!

7. Drywall

Drywall is ubiquitous in homes and commercial buildings, however despite its prevalence it has surprisingly little impact on wireless signals. Though the materials remain largely unaffected by transmitters, a minor signal reduction can occur as waves travel through walls made of drywall.

8. Water

WiFi and Bluetooth signals are no match for the power of water! Large bodies, such as fish tanks and indoor waterfall walls, contain an abundance of impurities that make them effective electrical conductors. This allows these vessels to absorb any Bluetooth waves making it hard for our favorite devices to remain connected. In addition, radiation from the WiFi/Bluetooth signal is refracted or reflected off the surface meaning messages take longer than usual to travel between you and your router - a headache we could all do without!

9. Appliances

Home appliances provide more than just convenience, they also bring electrical interference to our homes. Refrigerators, dishwashers, stoves, and ovens are all composed of intricate electric components mixed with metals that create waves of energy in our households.

10. Furniture

Many homes and businesses are filled with a variety of furniture, from beds to dressers, tables to chairs. But while the details like size or material may vary noticeably between pieces, one thing remains true: if something stands in the way of your router's signal path it will weaken its ability for strong transmission -the denser and thicker that item is likely being proportionately more problematic.

Another factor that can interfere with your Bluetooth connection is other wireless signals. These signals can come from other devices (like Wi-Fi routers) or even natural sources such as lightning strikes. To reduce interference from these sources, try turning off any other wireless devices in the vicinity and using your Bluetooth device in an open area away from any sources of interference. You may also want to consider investing in a higher-quality antenna for your device if it doesn't already have one built-in.

In addition to physical objects, electronic devices can also cause interference with your Bluetooth signal. This includes things like microwaves which transmit their own signals on the same frequency as Bluetooth devices. To minimize interference from these devices, keep them at least three feet away from your device and any other electronics that use radio frequencies.

Lastly, environmental factors can also affect your signal strength—more specifically, humidity and temperature fluctuations can cause disruptions in the airwaves that carry radio signals. To avoid this issue altogether, try to keep your device in a stable environment with minimal temperature variation (ideally between 10-25°C). Additionally, it’s important to make sure there is no moisture present within range of the device; even something as minor as condensation on a windowpane could impede your signal strength.  

Troubleshooting interference issues with your Bluetooth device doesn’t have to be difficult—all it takes is a bit of knowledge regarding what could be causing the disruption in the first place! Physical objects like walls and furniture can severely impact reception; likewise, electronic devices such as microwaves and wireless routers should be kept at least three feet away from any Bluetooth enabled gadgets for optimal performance levels. Lastly, environmental factors like humidity levels and temperature changes should also be taken into consideration when attempting to ensure reliable connections between two or more pieces of equipment via Bluetooth technology. By taking all of these potential causes into account when troubleshooting a disconnection issue with your own device(s), you should be able to get back up-and-running in no time!