To turn on Bluetooth, open the Bluetooth control in your computer’s settings or quick settings and switch it on. Then put the accessory you want to use into pairing mode and select it from the computer’s pairing screen. The menu names differ on Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS, and a computer without working Bluetooth hardware will not show the control at all. If the control is missing, the cause is usually hardware support or a driver problem rather than a setting that is simply switched off.
Check that your computer has Bluetooth first
Before you look for a switch, confirm that the computer includes Bluetooth. Microsoft’s guidance on missing Bluetooth states that the feature has to be supported by the computer, so a missing toggle does not prove that Bluetooth is just turned off. Microsoft Support: Fix Bluetooth disappeared in Windows makes the same point, and Google’s Chromebook guidance advises checking whether the model supports Bluetooth before looking further (Google Chromebook Help: Connect to Bluetooth devices).
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Also check for physical or keyboard controls. Some laptops have a wireless or airplane-mode key that disables all radios, and that can hide the Bluetooth option even when the hardware is present.
Turn on Bluetooth in Windows 11
Using Settings
- Open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
- Turn on the Bluetooth switch.
Using Quick Settings
- Select the network, sound, or battery icon next to the clock in the taskbar.
- Select the Bluetooth tile to turn it on. If the tile is not shown, add it to Quick Settings from the editing controls and then try again.
To connect an accessory, put it in pairing mode, select Add device on the Bluetooth & devices page, and follow the prompts. Microsoft’s pairing page covers both Windows 11 and Windows 10 (Microsoft Support: Pair a Bluetooth device in Windows).
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- 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.
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- 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
Turn on Bluetooth in Windows 10
Open Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices and switch Bluetooth on. The Action Center in the taskbar may also show a Bluetooth button. Menu wording can differ between Windows 10 releases, so if a label does not match, look for the Bluetooth entry under Devices.
Windows 10 support status is a separate matter. Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Its pairing page says that devices continue to work, but Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes. That is a general support note, not a Bluetooth-specific limitation, and it is worth weighing if you rely on the computer for daily use.
Turn on Bluetooth on a Mac
- Choose Apple menu > System Settings, then select Bluetooth in the sidebar.
- Click the control to turn Bluetooth on.
Control Center can also show a Bluetooth switch. Apple notes two situations in which the option may behave differently. With an external USB Bluetooth adapter, the Bluetooth option might not appear in settings. On a desktop Mac, you may not be able to turn Bluetooth off if the only connected mouse, keyboard, or trackpad uses Bluetooth, because turning it off would disconnect your input devices. Connect a wired input device first if you need to switch it off (Apple Support: Turn Bluetooth on or off on Mac).
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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
Turn on Bluetooth on a Chromebook
- Select the time in the lower-right corner of the screen.
- Select Bluetooth, then turn it on.
- To pair a device, select + Pair new device, make the accessory discoverable and put it in pairing mode, then select it from the list and follow the instructions.
If the Bluetooth control does not appear in the quick settings, check whether your Chromebook model supports Bluetooth. Google also notes that a phone cannot be paired to a Chromebook over Bluetooth, so phone connections need a different route. For the full list of pairing steps, see Google Chromebook Help: Connect to Bluetooth devices.
If you cannot find the quick settings, select the time and then Settings. You can also search for settings from the side panel or the search bar (Google Chromebook Help: Manage Chromebook settings).
Pair an accessory
Turning on the computer’s Bluetooth radio and pairing an accessory are separate steps. The radio can be on while the accessory is still not visible to the computer. Microsoft’s Windows troubleshooting guidance gives the clearest rule for pairing: the device must be in pairing mode and close to the computer.
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- 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)
Microsoft Support states: “Your Bluetooth device must be in pairing mode and within range of your PC.” (Microsoft Support: Troubleshoot Bluetooth not connecting in Windows)
How to enter pairing mode differs by device. Check the accessory’s own instructions, because there is no universal button combination.
When Bluetooth is missing or a device will not connect
The Bluetooth control is missing or greyed out
On Windows, Microsoft says a missing or greyed-out Bluetooth toggle can mean the Bluetooth hardware has encountered an error. Work through these checks in order:
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- 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.
- Confirm that the computer model includes Bluetooth and that no hardware switch, airplane-mode control, or function key has disabled wireless radios.
- Run the Get Help troubleshooter for Bluetooth.
- Open Device Manager and check the Bluetooth entry for errors.
- Install pending Windows updates.
- Consult the computer manufacturer’s guidance for your exact model.
Reinstalling a driver may help in some cases, but it does not fix every failure. Microsoft’s broader troubleshooting page covers other Bluetooth problems (Microsoft Support: Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows).
The accessory does not appear in the list
- Make sure the accessory is powered on and charged.
- Put it in pairing mode and keep it close to the computer.
- Remove other devices that are competing for the same connection, if the accessory supports several connections.
For Windows, see Microsoft Support: Troubleshoot Bluetooth not connecting in Windows.
A previously paired device will not connect
- On Windows, remove the device from Bluetooth settings and pair it again.
- Turn Bluetooth off and on again.
- If it still fails, run the built-in troubleshooter, restart the computer, and check for updates.
A Chromebook connection fails
Google suggests checking for ChromeOS updates, turning Bluetooth off and on, and restarting the Chromebook. If the problem persists, contact the Chromebook maker or the accessory maker for help (Google Chromebook Help: Connect to Bluetooth devices).
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- NOTE: The item is compatible with windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP. However, on the box there is limited space so the manufacturer do not list all of the versions and just list the most recent versions of windows
- Bluetooth 4.0 – applies the latest Bluetooth 4.0 and it is backward compatible with Bluetooth V3.0/2.1/2.0/1.1. Ub400 turns non-Bluetooth PC or laptop into Bluetooth-capable ( PS4 & XBox Controllers for PC Only )
- Plug & play or free driver – plug and play for Win 8, 8.1, 10, and 11. Supports Win7, XP (driver required for Win7, XP and could be downloaded from website). it is not compatible with Mac, Linux, TV
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- Reliability – enable wireless communication with Bluetooth-enabled computers, printers, phones and headsets. Utilize Bluetooth low energy) technology for energy-saving wireless connectivity. Operating Temperature-0℃-40℃ (32℉ -104℉)
Using a USB Bluetooth adapter
If your computer does not have working built-in Bluetooth, a USB Bluetooth adapter may add the feature. Only consider this after the hardware checks above have failed, and confirm that the adapter is compatible with your computer and operating system before you buy it. Microsoft’s pairing page links to separate guidance for adding hardware, but compatibility depends on the specific adapter and system. An adapter will not fix a disabled radio or corrupted drivers on a computer that already has Bluetooth.
Quick reference by platform
| Platform | Where the on/off control is | How to open pairing | Missing-control check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 | Settings > Bluetooth & devices, or Quick Settings by the clock | Bluetooth & devices > Add device | Hardware support, Get Help troubleshooter, Device Manager, updates |
| Windows 10 | Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices, or Action Center | Bluetooth & other devices > Add Bluetooth or other device | Same Windows checks; support ended October 14, 2025 per Microsoft |
| Mac | Apple menu > System Settings > Bluetooth, or Control Center | Connect from the Bluetooth settings list once the device is in pairing mode | External USB adapter may hide the option; check the desktop-mouse exception |
| Chromebook | System tray (time) > Bluetooth | + Pair new device | Check model support; update ChromeOS; restart |
Microsoft, Apple, and Google each publish platform-specific steps, and menu names change with operating-system updates. If a label on your screen does not match this guide, check the linked official page for your version.
Official sources
- Microsoft Support: Pair a Bluetooth device in Windows
- Microsoft Support: Troubleshoot Bluetooth not connecting in Windows
- Microsoft Support: Fix Bluetooth disappeared in Windows
- Apple Support: Turn Bluetooth on or off on Mac
- Google Chromebook Help: Connect to Bluetooth devices
- Google Chromebook Help: Manage Chromebook settings
Official guidance was checked in October 2026. Menu labels and troubleshooting steps can change with operating-system updates.
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