Frequently Asked Questions

Bluetooth Headset FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Bluetooth Headsets

What do I have to do to get a Bluetooth headset to work with my phone?

Very little! Every phone has its variations, but the concepts are the same and are pretty simple. First of all you have to turn on Bluetooth which is usually done in the "connectivity" menu on the phone. Then you have to tell your phone and the other device it is OK to connect with each other. This is usually accomplished by "pairing" the two devices. Once that is done you can easily ask "paired" devices to connect. For some phones this is a one-time exercise - Bluetooth will remain "on" and every time you are within range of one of your own "paired" Bluetooth devices they will connect.
Each phone will work slightly differently however they are all fairly simple to setup and use (especially when compared to the settings for email or web access!)

How will Bluetooth be used in the future?

In the future, it is envisioned that most cars will be shipped with Bluetooth-enabled multi-media systems that will provide hands free facilities as standard. Beyond that there are many ways that we will use Bluetooth in the future.

How far can my phone and Bluetooth headset be apart?

Bluetooth was designed to be a very low consumer of power and one of the consequences of that is that it has a range of around 30 feet. However this is sufficient for use in the world of cell phones. E.g. it is more than enough for use with a hands free kit in a car and with wireless headsets.

Do all Bluetooth devices work together?

Yes. Because it is a standard specification that the manufacturers have agreed to, you can rely on the fact that if you have a Bluetooth phone and a Bluetooth device, they will connect with each other. This is especially helpful if you like to have an installed car kit because it removes the problem of forward compatibility.

Can I control more than one device at a time?

Yes. With Bluetooth you can have point-to-point communication between two devices, or point-to-multipoint communication, with a master and several slaves (when one device controls another, it's called a "master", and the devices it controls are "slaves"). In a Bluetooth network (a very small local network sometimes called a "piconet"), one master can have up to seven slaves - but keep in mind that the total transfer speed will be divided up between them because all traffic goes through master device (think of the master as traffic control central). You could, for example, be talking on the phone using a wireless headset and sending an image to your printer at the same time.

What's the difference between Bluetooth and Infrared?

The main difference is that Bluetooth operates using radio waves, and infrared uses very fast pulses of light. With infrared, both devices' sensors must be in each others' line of sight (you've experienced this if you've ever tried to use your DVD remote control and there's someone standing in the way). Bluetooth isn't limited to this; it even works between walls. Infrared also only works between two devices at a time.

Is there any setup required once I receive my Bluetooth headset?

You should expect some setup time and effort. Bluetooth headsets and Bluetooth phones need to be electronically introduced in an easy procedure known as pairing. Some Bluetooth headset models have a dedicated pairing button that simplifies the process.

Are Bluetooth headsets safe?

Bluetooth devices transmit signals via a short-range radio frequency. lower power level than your phone, so the threat from radiation is insignificant. Also, like cell phones, Bluetooth headsets disperse their signals in random directions, rather than in a straight beam. If you're really worried about radiation, keep in mind that when using a Bluetooth headset, your phone will probably be resting away from your body. Since your handset will have a much higher SAR rating than the headset, you'll probably feel better with this arrangement

What's the difference between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi?

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are complementary technologies. While Wi-Fi is wireless Ethernet, extending or replacing wired networks for dozens of computing devices, Bluetooth is designed to replace cables between a few devices within a 10-meter range, providing data, voice, and audio connections. Bluetooth is also ideal for battery-powered devices as it is low on power consumption.

What is the speed of Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is faster than an ISDN connection but slower than an IR (infra red) connection used on a laptop - a normal Bluetooth connection is about the same speed as a home broadband connection.

Why won’t my “A” device connect with by “B” device?

Bluetooth consists of a number of different profiles, which allow different devices to communicate and exchange files, audio etc. Each device needs to have a specific profile to allow communication with another device with that profile e.g. a mobile phone needs the headset profile to be able to use a Bluetooth headset.

Are Your Headsets Authentic?

Bluetooth Headsets Direct is a manufacturer authorized retailer for every product we sell. Each product comes with a manufacturer guarantee and a 30-day return policy. To help inform you about the counterfeit, refurbshed, and defective market we have created a buyer beware page to help you make an informed purchase.

Have a Bluetooth headset question that wasn’t addressed? Feel free to contact us. We are happy to share our Bluetooth knowledge and to assist you in answering all your Bluetooth headset questions.