This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
Using Bluetooth to Connect to Other Devices
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless communication technology that enables mobile and other devices to communicate with each other. Bluetooth is widely used on computers, mobile phones, tablets, and even home electronics, such as televisions. The iPhone includes built-in Bluetooth support so you can use this wireless technology to connect to other Bluetooth-capable devices. The most likely devices to connect to an iPhone in this way are Bluetooth headphones or headsets or car audio/entertainment/information systems, but you can also use Bluetooth to connect to other kinds of devices, most notably keyboards, computers, iPod touches, iPads, and other iPhones.
To connect Bluetooth devices together, you pair them. In Bluetooth, pairing enables two Bluetooth devices to communicate with each other. For devices to find and identify each other so they can communicate, one or both must be discoverable, which means they broadcast a Bluetooth signal other devices can detect and connect to.
There is also a “sometimes” requirement, which is a pairing code, passkey, or PIN. All those terms refer to the same thing, which is a series of numbers, letters, or both, entered on one or both devices being paired. Sometimes you enter this code on both devices, whereas for other devices you enter the first device’s code on the second device. Some devices don’t require a pairing code at all.
When you have to pair devices, you’re prompted to do so, and you have to complete the actions required by the prompts to communicate via Bluetooth. This might be just tapping Connect, or you might have to enter a passcode on one or both devices.
Also, because Bluetooth works over a relatively short range, the devices have to be in the same proximity, such as in the same room.
Connecting to Bluetooth Devices
This task demonstrates pairing an iPhone with a Bluetooth keyboard; you can pair it with other devices similarly.
Move to the Settings screen. The current status of Bluetooth on your iPhone is shown.
Tap Bluetooth.
If Bluetooth isn’t on (green), tap the Bluetooth switch to turn it on. If it isn’t running already, Bluetooth starts up. The iPhone immediately begins searching for Bluetooth devices. You also see the status Now Discoverable, which means other Bluetooth devices can discover the iPhone. In the OTHER DEVICES section, you see the devices that are discoverable to your iPhone but that are not paired with it.
If the device you want to use isn’t shown in the OTHER DEVICES section, put it into Discoverable mode. (Not shown, see the instructions provided with the device.) When it is discoverable, it appears in the OTHER DEVICES section.
Tap the device to which you want to connect. If a passkey is required, you see a prompt to enter it on the device with which you are pairing.
If it is required, the code is displayed on your iPhone. You input the pairing code, passkey, or PIN on the device, such as typing the passkey on a keyboard if you are pairing your iPhone with a Bluetooth keyboard.
If required, tap Connect (not shown in the figures)—some devices connect as soon as you enter the passkey and you won’t need to do this. If a passkey isn’t required, such as with a Bluetooth speaker, you tap Connect without entering a passkey. You see the device to which the iPhone is connected in the MY DEVICES section of the Bluetooth screen, and its status is Connected, indicating that your iPhone can communicate with and use the device.
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