One of the annoying parts about pairing a Bluetooth device to your phone or computer is finding out its name. This is because most devices come with a default name from the factory that is usually a bunch of letters and numbers.
If you have multiple Bluetooth devices saved in your settings, it’s difficult to find a new one to pair with from the list. However, there is a way to rename your device to be something memorable so that you can easily find it the next time you pair your headphones or speaker.
What Is A Bluetooth Device?
Bluetooth technology allows you to exchange data wirelessly between different devices. It uses radio frequency to transmit information and works within a somewhat short range. Most Bluetooth devices have a maximum connectivity range of about 30 feet; however, some devices can reach further than this.
Bluetooth connections are generally secure and protected against hacking. They operate on different frequencies and jump between different ones every second. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technology work together and offer the same kind of connectivity in different ways.
How Do Bluetooth Devices Work?
Bluetooth devices work by sending and receiving radio waves in a band of 79 frequencies centered on 2.45 GHz. These frequencies are set aside specifically for industrial, scientific, and medical gadgets. These types of devices are able to detect and connect automatically. They use a technique known as spread-spectrum frequency hopping to minimize interference with other electronics.
Even though it seems Bluetooth and Wi-Fi do similar things, they are very different in functionality. Wi-Fi shuttles larger amounts of data from computers to the internet over a huge distance.
Bluetooth links computers and devices in short distances for small amounts of data.
Why Rename A Bluetooth Device?
With the rise of Bluetooth devices globally, people often have several Bluetooth devices saved on their computers or phones. A lot of devices have names that look like serial numbers, making them quite difficult to locate quickly. Renaming your device takes the confusion out of pairing to a Bluetooth device and allows you to start listening faster.
There are a couple of different methods for renaming Bluetooth devices, depending on which operating system or which type of device you’re using. Let’s talk about a few.
Renaming A Bluetooth Device On Windows
This method works specifically for Windows 10.
- First, you’ll need to turn Bluetooth capability on your Windows PC and connect the device you want to rename.
- Next, open the Control Panel and go to “Hardware and Sound” and then “Devices and Printers.”
- Select the device that you’re renaming and right-click it.
- Select “Properties” from the drop-down menu and go to the Bluetooth tab.
- Here, the device’s default name can be edited. Click on the name field and rename it to whatever you want.
- Don’t forget to click “Apply”.
Renaming A Bluetooth Device On Mac
If you have an Apple computer, the process looks a little different.
- On your MacBook, open System Preferences, then Bluetooth.
- Right-click on the device that you want to rename and choose “Rename” from the drop-down list.
- In the dialog box, type in the new name.
Renaming A Bluetooth Device On iPhone
Using Bluetooth on a mobile device is a little bit easier than using a PC or laptop.This method works on iPhones, iPads, and iPod touch.
- First, make sure that your Bluetooth accessory is on and connected to your phone.
- Open Settings and click on Bluetooth.
- Tap the information button next to the accessory that you want to rename.
- Click on “Name” to enter a new name.
- Then tap “Done”.
Renaming A Bluetooth Device On Android
If you have anAndroid device, the process will vary slightly from the iPhone’s method.
- First, swipe down from the top of your screen and tap on the gear icon to open settings.
- Click on “Connected Devices” from the list, and you’ll see Bluetooth listed there.
- Tap on the device’s name to change it or open the three-dot menu.
- Click “Rename” at the bottom or “Save”.
Different Types Of Bluetooth Devices
There are numerous Bluetooth devices available for purchase today. All of them serve a different purpose but share a common theme: Making your life easier. Here are a few of the most common Bluetooth devices.
- Headphones
- Webcams
- Gps
- Keyboard
- Bluetooth Receiver
- Bluetooth Transmitter
ABluetooth receiver will turn a non-Bluetooth capable device into a capable Bluetooth device so that it can receive audio being streamed from a smart device with Bluetooth. This means that if you have an old speaker, docking station, or car stereo, you can connect it to your phone.
A Bluetooth transmitter does the opposite thing. It enables devices (like a TV) to transmit a signal to a Bluetooth speaker or headphones.
If neither of your devices has Bluetooth enabled, you can buy both a transmitter and receiver to transfer audio between two devices.
Auris offers aBeamit Wireless Bluetooth Audio Transmitter and Receiver that enables TVs to stream high-definition sound. It features analog and digital inputs and outputs for compatibility with old and new TVs and audio divides.
It also has Bluetooth v4.2 with Qualcomm aptX audio codec support to provide clear, distortion-free digital sound.
Benefits Of Bluetooth Devices
Bluetooth devices offer many advantages to any lifestyle. If you’re thinking about diving into the world of Bluetooth technology, here is a list of some of theadvantages of using wireless tech.
- Simple to use - setting up a Bluetooth device is pretty easy to do. The interface does vary depending on the system you’re using, but it’s usually a three or four-step process. There’s no need to reconnect the device once it’s already set up.
- Compatibility- Bluetooth devices are pretty much universally compatible with any other device that supports it. It doesn’t matter what design, model, or make you have; Bluetooth will work on it.
- Less Bulk- Bluetooth is a wireless technology that requires less hardware than Wi-Fi does. Your devices speak directly to each other and don’t need any additional hardware.
- Security - Bluetooth devices are only discoverable when you are pairing them. After that, you can make them invisible to other devices, and most devices require a PIN to connect two devices together. This adds another level of security to ensure your connection is safe.
Why Might Bluetooth Disconnect?
Although it is rare, Bluetooth devices can become disconnected for a number of reasons. The first could be the range between devices. Bluetooth devices have to be within proximity of one another to work properly.
Newer versions of Bluetooth have extended the maximum length to about 250m, but it isn’t infinite. Most Bluetooth headsets have a maximum range of about 32 feet.
Another reason for the devices to disconnect could be low battery. Some devices weaken their signal range to preserve battery life when they’re running low. You can always charge your devices at night while you sleep so they’re ready to go in the morning.
Your device could also be experiencing interference from another device. Wi-Fi uses the same frequency as Bluetooth, which means that wi-fi signals could interfere with Bluetooth signals in a given scenario. However, because of Bluetooth’s frequency-hopping technique, this is fairly rare.
The last cause for disconnection could be quality. This affects the range and interference of your device, so it’s crucial to buy high-quality devices only. A high-quality codec eliminates latency and improves audio output, so look for devices with AptX, like the ones from Auris.
The Bottom Line
Although renaming your Bluetooth device isn’t necessary for using it, it does make your experience a lot easier. Now that you know how to rename your device on any OS, feel free to rename all your Bluetooth equipment to whatever you like.
Sources:
How Bluetooth Works | HowStuffWorks
How to Change Your Bluetooth Name on Android | How-to Geek
How to Change a Bluetooth Device's Name on Your IPhone | Businessinsider.com
The Advantages of Using Bluetooth From Existing Technology | Chron.com
