8 Ways of Boosting Bluetooth Signal.
Bluetooth technology has become essential to our daily lives, connecting our devices to everything from speakers to cars. However, we’ve all experienced the frustration of a weak Bluetooth signal, which can cause audio interruptions, dropped connections, and delayed responses. Fortunately, there are ways to boost your Bluetooth signal strength and overcome these problems.
In this post, we’ll share 8 proven methods for improving your Bluetooth signal, including simple hardware tweaks, software settings adjustments, and device placement tips. Whether using Bluetooth for work or entertainment, these tips will help you get the most out of your devices and enjoy a seamless Bluetooth connection.
Factors that affect Bluetooth signal strength
A strong Bluetooth signal is crucial for a seamless and uninterrupted connection between devices. When the signal is weak, you’re likely to face issues such as distortion, interference, and a loss of connectivity. The strength of the Bluetooth signal is directly proportional to the quality of the connection and the speed of data transfer. A weak signal can cause delays and lags, ruining the Bluetooth device experience.
One of the primary factors that affect Bluetooth signal strength is distance. The farther away your devices are from each other, the weaker the signal strength will be. This is because Bluetooth signals can only travel a certain distance before they start losing strength. Walls, doors, and other physical barriers can also weaken the signal, so it’s important to keep your devices as close to each other as possible and reduce any obstructions between them.
Another factor affecting Bluetooth signal strength is interference from other wireless devices. This can include Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, and even other nearby Bluetooth devices. To reduce interference, try turning off any other wireless devices in the area, or move away from other Bluetooth devices or Wi-Fi routers.
Electromagnetic interference from other electronic devices can also weaken Bluetooth signal strength. This can include power cables, fluorescent lights, and other electronic devices. Keep your Bluetooth devices away from other electronic devices or power sources to avoid interference.
Finally, the orientation of your Bluetooth devices can also affect the signal strength. Bluetooth signals are omnidirectional, which means they can travel in all directions. However, the strength of the signal can be affected by the antenna’s orientation in your device. To optimize your signal strength, keep your Bluetooth devices facing each other for the best possible signal strength.
1. Clear the Obstructions
Did you know the tech in your phone that allows it to talk to other devices is named after a Danish king famous for getting rival factions to sit down and talk? The Danish warrior was called Bluetooth by friends, and when the tech was introduced in 1997, the name seemed apt.
You might not need to get angry Vikings to communicate, but getting your phone to connect to your speakers can feel just as maddening. While Bluetooth sounds like magic, it’s not; it uses short-wavelength radio waves to transmit data over short distances. Because we’re talking about radio waves that are physically (though invisibly, at least to us!) traveling around you, these waves can be obstructed.
Anything metal or water can cause trouble (Bluetooth doesn’t travel well through these), so things like metal pipes in a wall, electrical wiring, or even your own body can set you back. If you can’t physically remove the potential obstructions, move your devices so there’s nothing between them. If possible, keep the transmitting device high so the waves can travel ultra-efficiently.
2. Turn off Other Devices
You’ll rarely need to try this; because Bluetooth jumps between 42 different channels hundreds of times per second, it is virtually never interrupted by signals from cordless phones and WiFi routers. Technically, however, it can happen. If all else fails and you’re still having trouble getting your Bluetooth devices to talk, try turning off other items with signals that might be interfering.
3. Double Check the Distance
Have you ever tried to get the coffee maker to work, only to finally realize it wasn’t plugged in? Bluetooth is similar. Make sure you keep an eye on the manufacturer’s directions. Often, you’ve simply failed to enter a PIN or swipe a slider switch on your phone.
Though most cellular and mobile devices with Bluetooth use Class 2, which has a range of ten meters (about 32 feet), there is a chance you could be trying to operate outside the recommended range. Plus, the longer the distance the signal has to travel, the greater the opportunity for interference.
4. Try Resetting Daily
Bluetooth should be able to connect to up to seven devices and shouldn’t need to be reset. However, it’s not just the radio signal itself you have to account for. Every device, no matter how simple, has some kind of application or firmware on it which can experience issues like a memory exception or some other such glitch. Daily resetting helps to sort of clear away the cobwebs and gives your multi-connected devices (such as your phone) a great chance at a strong signal.
Even if you’re not resetting daily, you should try resetting (turning the device off and on) when you do experience problems.
5. Buy New Stuff
We’ll just start by saying: you’re welcome for the excuse to buy something new! While your older stuff usually works with your newer Bluetooth devices (see below for more advice on updates), sometimes the older stuff just can’t handle the rapid rate at which Bluetooth and other tech are improving. We mean “old” by technology standards, by the way–something even two or three years old might not be working so great anymore.
The best way to keep your Bluetooth network humming is to make sure your gadgets are, if not the latest and greatest, at least fairly new.
6. Try a Bluetooth Router
If you’re finding yourself frustrated with your 10-meter distance limitation or your inability to connect more than seven devices, you might fall in love with a Bluetooth router. Doubling as a reception extender, a router can connect devices at much longer distances than normal, helps to get around issues like interference, and even enables you to manage your devices via the internet.
7. Update, Update, Update
The most common updates that need to take place are on your phone. The overall operating system has to deal with things like memory constraints, hardware issues, and interrupts, all of which are happening at the same time. Since there’s so much opportunity for short-circuiting, we recommend that you keep the firmware on your phone updated.
To check for updates, you can go to the manufacturer’s website or use a device manager tool that automatically checks for updates and installs them for you. If you’re using a Windows device, you can use the built-in Device Manager to check for driver updates.
It’s not just your phone, however. It’s not common knowledge, but you can also upgrade the firmware on your other devices. Check with the manufacturer, as it will often have updates available that will help you device respond better to newer iterations of Bluetooth or newer tech you’re trying to connect.
8. Bluetooth Range Extender
When all else fails, and you just can’t get a strong Bluetooth signal, it may be time to invest in a Bluetooth range extender. These devices work by amplifying and extending the signal range of your Bluetooth device, allowing you to use it from a greater distance or through walls and obstacles.
Bluetooth range extenders come in various shapes and sizes, from small USB dongles that plug into your device to larger boxes that sit on your desk or shelf. Some range extenders even come with additional features like audio transmitters or receivers, allowing you to stream music to your speakers or receive audio from a Bluetooth microphone.
When choosing a Bluetooth range extender, be sure to consider the range you need and the features you want. Some extenders have a range of only a few feet, while others can extend your signal up to 100 feet or more. Additionally, some extenders may require a separate power source or additional setup, so read the instructions carefully before purchasing.
Conclusion
No more Bluetooth problems for you; these seven tips should have your network humming. Make sure your distances are appropriate and you don’t have interference; reset your devices daily, keep them updated, try a Bluetooth router, and don’t hesitate to buy new products when you need them. You’ll be well on your way to no more interrupted playlists, print jobs, or phone calls!