Why Is Your Bluetooth Device Not Working Properly
Posted by Global Teck Worldwide Staff on 19th Sep 2022
Bluetooth devices are not working properly because of various reasons. Find out what they are and how to fix them!
Why Is Your Bluetooth Device Not Working Properly? Here's the fix!
Author: Global Teck Staff / Blog / Published: September 20, 2022
Bluetooth is a technology that has come a long way since its inception in 1994. It was originally designed as a short-range wireless technology to replace cables and connectors between devices, but it has since become much more. Today, Bluetooth is relied on for everything from file transfers to hands-free calling, and there's no doubt that it has changed how we interact with our devices.
Table of Contents
How Does Bluetooth Work?
We're all familiar with Bluetooth technology, but how does it actually work? Bluetooth is a short-range wireless communication technology that allows devices to connect to each other over a distance of around 10 meters or more. It uses radio waves to transmit data, and it operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. Bluetooth devices communicate by sending and receiving radio signals, and each device has a bluetooth chip that encodes and decodes the data. When two Bluetooth devices are paired, they establish a connection called a piconet, which allows them to exchange data. It is an incredibly efficient way to connect devices, and it's also very secure thanks to the use of sophisticated encryption methods.
There are three main components to Bluetooth technology: the Bluetooth SIG (Special Interest Group), Bluetooth profiles, and Bluetooth stack architecture. The Bluetooth SIG is responsible for developing the standards that govern Bluetooth technology. Bluetooth profiles are sets of instructions that dictate how two Bluetooth-enabled devices will work together. The Bluetooth stack architecture defines how the different parts of the Bluetooth technology work together. All three of these components are necessary for Bluetooth to function properly.
How Does Your Bluetooth Signal Get Messed Up?
Now that we know how Bluetooth works, let's dive into why we lose the connection between our devices.
Have you experienced instances when you were jamming to music through your wireless headphones and suddenly it cuts out on you? Were there times when you were working in the office when your keyboard or mouse ceases to function? You probably checked the batteries and often found them to be at full charge or optimal levels. Now, you wonder why? You might've asked, "Is my device broken?" The chances are, it probably isn't.
Here are 4 reasons why your Bluetooth signal gets messed up:
1. The 2.4GHz frequency band is too crowded. As mentioned earlier, Bluetooth devices communicate within the 2.4GHz frequency band. The sad part is that your typical Wi-Fi router also operates within the same frequency. This can overlap with your Bluetooth signal and mess it all up.
Along with your Wi-Fi are other Bluetooth devices in use, say, a mouse, keyboard, and headset. These all operate under the same frequency which can take over each other and cause signal path loss.
Now, imagine being outside surrounded by a ton of Bluetooth devices and Wi-Fi routers in different establishments. Sheesh. Expect some signal loss to occur when you're in this situation.
2. There are physical obstructions between your devices. Your Bluetooth devices, though wireless, still need an unobstructed path to be able to communicate with each other. This means that for your Bluetooth signal to move seamlessly between devices, there must be no metal, concrete, or anything that could block or interfere with it. You may experience a lower interference if materials such as wood or glass are in between your gadgets but it's better to avoid obstructions altogether for a hassle-free experience.
3. You're out of range. The range of a Bluetooth device depends on its chip. So, depending on its broadcast power, a Bluetooth signal can be anywhere from less than 33 feet (10 meters) to a maximum range of 328 feet (100 meters.) Most devices with older Bluetooth versions such as a mouse, keyboard, television, and headset tap out after 33 feet. Once you go past its threshold, the signal drops and eventually goes out of range.
4. Your firmware is outdated. Outdated firmware could make your Bluetooth device connection clunky and patchy. It is best to check for firmware updates for your gadget regularly whether through its app or the manufacturer's website. Remember that updates could fix bugs from previous versions and improve functionality.
Why Does Low Signal Impact The Voice Quality of My Bluetooth Device? Find out why!
Video Transcript
Why Does Low Signal Impact The Voice Quality of My Bluetooth Device?
One of the things that we get probably on a daily basis-- somebody will call us and say, "Hey, I thought I could go 20 or 30 or 40 feet and I can't go more than 10 feet.
Is there something wrong or defective?" There might not be anything defective.
Bluetooth as well as DECT work on the same principle as you have on your mobile phone. If you were to stick your mobile phone and you stuck it underneath your desk, put it behind your refrigerator, the signal gets interrupted, and you get a really low signal. Headsets and speakerphones and other devices that use Bluetooth operate the same way.
Blue Beacon Bluetooth Extender
How To Fix Your Bluetooth Problems
It's never a good time when our Bluetooth devices fail especially at a crucial time. That is why it is paramount to know a few ways to troubleshoot your wireless gear because you have no cord to wiggle and unplug like in the old days.
1. Stay within the range of your Bluetooth devices. Some Bluetooth consumer products are limited to a range of 33 feet or 10 meters. If you go beyond the limit, your Bluetooth connection would start to weaken and eventually flake out. So, keeping both devices within their line of sight is important.
2. Avoid physical obstructions. As mentioned in the previous section, Bluetooth does not transmit well through a variety of things, especially metal. Our bodies could also be the cause since we are made up of water. The solution is finding a sweet spot where there are no obstructions that could mess up your device's connection. It may take a few adjustments here and there to find the optimal position but it's certainly better than losing that signal that makes this technology work.
3. Reset your devices regularly. Over time, your Bluetooth gear builds a cache that could cause glitches in its system. Resetting your devices restores them to their factory settings and removes the cache that it has accumulated.
4. Turn other wireless devices off. Bluetooth devices operate within the 2.4GHz frequency. So, if you're experiencing connection problems, it may be because you have too many devices that are overlapping each other's signals. Try turning off those that you don't need at the moment like TVs or wireless speakers. Remember that microwaves and fluorescent lights affect Bluetooth too so it would be best to turn some of them off as well.
5. Update your firmware. Make sure to check for regular updates to your device's firmware if any to fix bugs and compatibility issues. Keeping your gear outdated could become a real pain in the neck.
6. Try using Bluetooth extenders. Extenders like the Blue Beacon allow you to get better coverage by increasing your range limit to about 150 feet. These extenders could be "daisy-chained" should you need your signal to go further and stronger.
How Do You Get Better Bluetooth Range?
Video Transcript
How Do I Get Better Bluetooth Range?
If you have used a Bluetooth device, headset, speakerphone, keyboard-- will lose the connection-- not get the advertised range --it's not syncing up. Why does that happen?
Bluetooth is a signal and that signal is not a very strong signal. It's all about line of sight.
This is a bluetooth dongle. This should improve the audio. Use it with a Bluetooth range extender. It's our Blue Beacon device. If your issue has been using a computer with any of these devices-- this dongle is the key with your Blue Beacon. It'll get you the range that you're looking for so that you can move about your work office.
Conclusion
Bluetooth connection problems can be frustrating, but they don’t have to be difficult to solve. If your device isn’t connecting, try some of the tips we’ve provided. If all of that fails and you still can’t connect, remember to report the problem to the manufacturer so they can work on a solution. In the meantime, keep these troubleshooting tips in mind for future reference and avoid having to deal with Bluetooth connection problems altogether.
Need assistance with Bluetooth problems? Send us your email and we'll get back to you.
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