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Bluetooth pairing creates a saved relationship between two devices, such as a laptop and wireless mouse. It does not always mean the accessory is currently connected: a paired Android headset, for example, can remain under Saved devices while disconnected.
Before opening Bluetooth settings, charge the accessory, switch it on, and put it into its pairing or discoverable mode. Bluetooth being enabled on your computer or phone does not automatically make the accessory visible.
Before you start
- Charge the accessory. A low battery can prevent pairing mode from working or make the connection repeatedly drop.
- Put it into pairing mode. This is usually done by holding the power or Bluetooth button, but the exact gesture varies by manufacturer. Look for a flashing indicator or an audio prompt.
- Move it close to the device. Keep the accessory nearby while pairing and temporarily disconnect it from another computer, phone, or tablet.
- Check whether it is already paired elsewhere. Headphones, keyboards, and mice often reconnect to their last-used device instead of appearing in a new device search.
The device you want to pair may be called a Bluetooth device, accessory, peripheral, or new device depending on the operating system.
Pair a Bluetooth device in Windows 11
Turn on Bluetooth
Open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices, then turn on Bluetooth.
#1 Best Overall
- Bluetooth 5.4 + Broad Compatibility - Provides Bluetooth 5.4 plus EDR technology and is backward compatible with Bluetooth V5.3/5.0/4.2/4.0/3.0/2.1/2.0/1.1.
- Faster Speed, Extended Range - Get up to 2x faster data transfer and 4x broader coverage compared to Bluetooth 4.0 — perfect for smooth audio streaming and stable connections.
- EDR and BLE Technology - This Bluetooth dongle is quipped with enhanced data rate and Bluetooth low energy, UB500 has greatly improved data transfer speed and operates at the optimal rate of power consumption
- Nano-Sized - A sleek, ultra-small design means you can insert the Nano Bluetooth receiver into any USB port and simply keep it there regardless of whether you are traveling or at home
- Plug & Play with Free Driver Support - Plug and play for Windows 8.1/10/11 (internet required). Supports Win7 (driver required and can be downloaded from website for free). Download the latest driver from TP-Link website to utilize Bluetooth 5.4
You can also select the Network, Sound, or Battery icon on the taskbar and turn on the Bluetooth tile. If the tile is not shown, add it through Quick Settings.
Pair headphones, a mouse, keyboard, or another accessory
- Put the accessory into pairing mode.
- Select the taskbar Network, Sound, or Battery icon.
- Select the chevron beside Manage Bluetooth devices.
- Under New devices, select the accessory.
- Complete any PIN or confirmation prompts, then select Done.
If you prefer the full Settings page, use Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices > Add device > Bluetooth. Select the accessory, follow the prompts, and select Done.
Pair a Bluetooth printer or scanner
Open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, then select Add device. Discovery can take several minutes. When the printer or scanner appears, select the Add device button beside it.
If Windows cannot find the accessory
Open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices. Under Device settings > Bluetooth devices discovery, change Default to Advanced. Default discovery shows common Bluetooth devices; Advanced discovery shows all types of Bluetooth devices.
For a device that was previously paired but now refuses to connect, select its More options (…) button, choose Remove device, select Yes, and pair it again through Add device.
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- INSTANT BLUETOOTH ACCESS: Bluetooth dongle adapter receiver for PCs converts non-Bluetooth devices into Bluetooth-capable with simple USB connection
- WIDE COMPATIBILITY: Supports Bluetooth 5.4 and is backwards compatible with Bluetooth 5.3/5.2/5.1/5.0/V4.2/4.0/3.0/2.1/2.0/1.1; ONLY works with Windows 8.1, 10, and 11
- MULTI-DEVICE CONNECTION: Connect up to 6 devices simultaneously; Not compatible with all other operation systems e.g. Mac, Linux, Chrome, Unix, Playstation(PS), Windows 7 and below; Nano bluetooth receiver can be plugged in via any standard USB port
- ENHANCED PERFORMANCE: EDR and BLE technology offers enhanced data rate/transfer speed and low energy consumption
- SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Not compatible with all other operation systems e.g. Mac, Linux, Chrome, Unix, Playstation(PS), Windows 7 and below; Disable any built-in Bluetooth of the device before use this product, refer to the user manual for detail
Pair a Bluetooth device in Windows 10
Windows 10 uses a different Settings path: open Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices, select Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth, and choose the accessory. Complete the prompts and select Done.
Microsoft support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025. The Bluetooth steps still describe the operating system, but Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10 after that date.
Pair a Bluetooth device with a Chromebook
Check and enable Bluetooth
Select the time in the bottom-right corner. If Bluetooth appears, the Chromebook supports it. Select Bluetooth, then switch it on.
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- Put the mouse, keyboard, headphones, speaker, or other accessory into pairing mode.
- Select the time in the bottom-right corner.
- Select Bluetooth > + Pair new device.
- Select the accessory and follow the on-screen instructions.
A connected accessory appears under Currently connected. If automatic discovery does not work, open Settings, find Bluetooth, and select Pair new device there.
Use Fast Pair
For a Fast Pair-compatible accessory, open Settings > Bluetooth and turn on Pair new device. When a new accessory appears through Quick Settings, select Connect. A previously connected Fast Pair accessory may reconnect automatically.
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- Upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 Adapter: This bluetooth adapter for pc uses the latest upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 BR+EDR technology, greatly improves the stability of the connection data transfer speed, reduces the possibility of signal interruption and power consumption.
- Up to 5 Devices Sync Connected: UGREEN Bluetooth dongle for PC supports up to 5 different types of Bluetooth devices to be connected at the same time without interfering with each other, such as Bluetooth mouse/keyboard/mobile phone/headphones, etc. If Bluetooth audio devices of the same type (such as speakers/headphones) are connected, only one device can play music.
- Plug and Play: The Bluetooth adapter is developed for Windows systems only and does not support other systems. No driver installation is required under Windows 11/10/8.1. NOTE: Win 7, Linux and MacOS System are NOT supported.
- Mini Size: An extremely compact Bluetooth stick that you can leave on your laptop or PC without removing it.The compact size does not interfere with other USB ports. Convenient to carry, no space occupation.
- What Can I do if the Bluetooth adapter can not work?: Ensure there are no other Bluetooth devices installed on the computer. If there are, disable all existing Bluetooth devices in "Device Manager", then insert the adapter and try again. (For detailed information please read the user manual)
There is an important Chromebook limitation: Google’s current Chromebook instructions state that a phone cannot pair to a Chromebook with Bluetooth. Use Google’s Android-phone-to-Chromebook connection features instead of trying to add the phone as an ordinary Bluetooth accessory.
Devices saved to your Google Account may not appear in the Quick Settings list. Manage those from Settings > Bluetooth > Devices saved to your account.
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- Put the accessory into discoverable or pairing mode according to its manufacturer’s instructions.
- Open Settings > Bluetooth.
- Turn on Bluetooth.
- Under My Devices, select the accessory when it appears.
- Enter a PIN or passcode if requested.
There is no single pairing gesture that works for every Bluetooth product. If the accessory does not appear, check its manual for the correct discoverability procedure. It may require holding a button for several seconds or resetting an existing connection.
Forget an accessory on iPhone or iPad
Open Settings > Bluetooth, tap the More Info button beside the accessory, and select Forget This Device. Apple states that forgetting a third-party Bluetooth accessory removes its pairing from all devices signed in to the same Apple Account, not only the iPhone or iPad where you selected the option.
Pair a Bluetooth device with an Android phone or tablet
Android menu names vary between manufacturers and versions. Google’s current instructions note that some Bluetooth steps work only on Android 15 or later and some require compatible hardware.
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- This Bluetooth adapter for PC utilizes the latest Bluetooth 6.0 EDR technology, delivering faster data transfer speeds, seamless high-quality audio/video streaming, and efficient large-file transfers.
- Up to 5 Devices Sync Connected: This Bluetooth dongle for PC supports up to 5 different types of Bluetooth devices to be connected at the same time without interfering with each other, such as Bluetooth mouse/keyboard/mobile phone/headphones, etc. Note: If Bluetooth audio devices of the same type (such as speakers/headphones) are connected, only one device can play music.
- Ultra-High Data Transfer Speeds: With Bluetooth 6.0 technology, this bluetooth dongle will bring us a faster speed experience. And Bluetooth 6.0 is backward compatible with Bluetooth5.4/5.3.
- EDR and BLE Technology - This Bluetooth dongle is equipped with enhanced data rate and Bluetooth low energy, it wil optimize energy.
- Plug and Play: The Bluetooth receiver is developed for Windows systems only and does not support other systems. No driver installation is required under Windows 11/10/8.1. NOTE: Linux and MacOS , Win 7 System are NOT supported.
Turn on Bluetooth and pair
- Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap Bluetooth. Bluetooth is disabled in Airplane mode.
- Touch and hold Bluetooth to open its settings.
- Select Pair new device.
- Put the accessory into pairing mode.
- Tap the accessory’s name and follow the on-screen instructions.
If Pair new device is not shown, look under Available devices, or select More > Refresh. If Android requests a passcode and the accessory’s documentation does not provide one, Google lists 0000 and 1234 as common codes to try.
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Turn on Bluetooth, touch and hold Bluetooth, and select the accessory under Saved devices. Its status should change to Connected.
Disconnect or forget an Android accessory
Swipe down, touch and hold Bluetooth, and find the accessory. For an item under Media devices, tap its Settings button. For an item under Saved devices, tap See all, then the accessory’s Settings button. Choose Disconnect to end the current connection or Forget to remove the saved pairing.
On a shared Android tablet, each user can change the tablet’s overall Bluetooth settings.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to do when pairing fails
| Problem | What to check |
|---|---|
| The accessory is missing from the list | Confirm that it is powered on, charged, nearby, and in pairing mode. It may still be connected to another device. |
| It appears but will not pair | Remove the old pairing on both sides if possible, restart the accessory, and try again. Check for a required PIN in the accessory’s manual. |
| The connection drops | Charge the accessory, reduce distance and obstructions, and move it away from other wireless equipment. On Windows, an unshielded USB device in a USB 3.0 port can interfere with nearby Bluetooth connections. |
| A previously paired device will not reconnect | Turn Bluetooth off and on, select the device from the operating system’s saved or paired list, or remove and pair it again. |
| Bluetooth is missing entirely | The computer may not have Bluetooth hardware, it may be disabled, or its driver may be malfunctioning. A Bluetooth USB adapter may be required on a desktop computer. |
Run Windows’ Bluetooth troubleshooter
In Windows 11, open Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Beside Bluetooth, select Run. Microsoft also directs Windows 11 users to the automated Bluetooth troubleshooter in the Get Help app.
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- Bluetooth 5.4 dongle: Applies the latest Bluetooth 5.4+EDR technology, compatible with Bluetooth 5.3/5.2/4.2/4.2 LE/4.0/2.1+EDR, and supports Dual mode (BR/EDR+ Bluetooth Low Energy) to achieve low energy consumption and high speed. Quick response and better anti-interference.
- Plug & Play: USB wireless Bluetooth is not limited by network and location, no need to install drivers, just plug the USB wireless adapter into your computer, you can use it directly. You can use the Bluetooth function at any time. Greatly improve your work efficiency and save your time.
- Long Range Bluetooth Adapter: The USB Bluetooth 5.4 dongle uses Class 1 radio technology, equipped with extra long antenna, and the transmission range in the open area can reach 500ft/150m, Bluetooth connections are no longer affected by distance. Note: The actual transmission range will be affected by physical obstructions and wireless interference.
- Fast Transmission Rate: This upgraded Bluetooth 5.4 adapter features EDR technology and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) configuration up to 3Mbps, which greatly improves transmission rates and reduces the loss of transmission efficiency due to interference in the 2.4GHz band. Enables fast, no delay wireless data connections between your computer and Bluetooth devices.
- System Support: The upgraded Bluetooth 5.4 dongle has a wide range of applications. You can connect up to 5 devices at the same time using Bluetooth wireless. Such as Bluetooth speakers,keyboards,headsets,mice, and Bluetooth printers,etc. Only supports Windows 11/10/8.1, Not compatible with Mac OS, Linux,car stereo systems,XBOX,ps4 or TVs.
Repair the Bluetooth driver in Windows
- Search for and open Device Manager.
- Expand Bluetooth.
- Right-click the Bluetooth adapter, which may include the word radio in its name.
- Select Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver software.
- Restart through Start > Power > Restart if Windows asks you to restart.
Do not repeatedly select an accessory from the list without checking pairing mode first. Most failed searches are caused by the accessory not being discoverable, being connected to another device, having insufficient charge, or being too far away.
FAQ
Why is my Bluetooth device not showing up?
The accessory is probably not in pairing mode, is already connected elsewhere, has a low battery, or is out of range. Put it back into discoverable mode, keep it nearby, and refresh the Bluetooth device list. On Windows 11, change Bluetooth devices discovery from Default to Advanced under Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices.
Does turning on Bluetooth make my headphones or keyboard discoverable?
No. Turning on Bluetooth on the computer, phone, or tablet only enables that device’s Bluetooth radio. The accessory must also be powered on and placed into pairing or discoverable mode.
What is the difference between pairing and connecting?
Pairing saves the relationship between the two devices. Connecting starts the active Bluetooth link. A device can therefore be paired but disconnected, and you can usually reconnect it from the saved-device list without pairing from scratch.
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Can I pair my phone with a Chromebook using Bluetooth?
Google’s current Chromebook Help says that a phone cannot pair to a Chromebook with Bluetooth. Use Chromebook and Android connection features instead of adding the phone as a normal Bluetooth device.
How do I remove a Bluetooth pairing?
On Windows 11, use Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices, select the device’s More options (…) button, and choose Remove device. On iPhone or iPad, use Settings > Bluetooth > More Info > Forget This Device. On Android, open Bluetooth settings, select the accessory’s Settings button, and choose Forget.
Why does Bluetooth keep disconnecting?
Check the accessory’s battery and distance first. Also disconnect it from other nearby devices. On Windows, an unshielded USB device connected to a USB 3.0 port can interfere with a nearby Bluetooth accessory.
The Bottom Line
The reliable sequence is simple: charge the accessory, put it into pairing mode, enable Bluetooth on the computer or mobile device, and select the accessory from the correct device list. If it does not appear, refresh discovery, check whether it is connected somewhere else, and remove an old pairing before trying again.
Quick Recap
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