Connecting a Bluetooth Speaker

We have talked about how to connect a Bluetooth keyboard to your computer. We have also talked about what Bluetooth is. As we have discussed before, Bluetooth is a method or technology that connects or exchanges data over short distances via radio waves. Bluetooth allows us to connect a wide range of devices together, typically allowing a better user experience.

Previously I shared how a Windows user wanted to know how to connect his new Bluetooth wireless keyboard to his Windows 10 computer. In that article, I discussed how quickly you can connect a Bluetooth keyboard. In doing so I highlighted the quick method Windows employs to connect a keyboard, but what if you want to connect a Bluetooth speaker?

Bluetooth speakers are great as they have really improved over the years to provide better sound. I personally have a Sony SRS-XB32. It has good sound (in my opinion) and is waterproof, a great feature in my home with kids who are not always careful when it comes to liquids. I will use this speaker to walk through how easy it is to connect it to my Windows computer. Many of these steps are similar to the method outlined previously in connecting a Bluetooth keyboard. Let's go through the steps.

1. Press the Windows key and type (without quotes) "Bluetooth & Other Devices", then press Enter. This launches the Bluetooth & Other Devices section of the Settings dialog box. (See Figure 1.)



Figure 1. Bluetooth & Other Devices section of the Settings dialog box.

2. Click on "Add Bluetooth or Other Device" directly under the Bluetooth & Other Devices header. This opens an "Add a Device" pop-up window directly over the Settings dialog box. (See Figure 2.)



Figure 2. Add a Device window.

3. To install a Bluetooth speaker, click on the top option, "Bluetooth." Your computer starts searching for any discoverable Bluetooth-enabled items. Make sure that your speaker is on and "discoverable." For my device I had to hold the power button until it announced "Bluetooth pairing" and an LED light started to blink. Your device will probably have a different method of making itself discoverable.
4. When the speaker or audio device you want to connect is listed in the Add a Device window, click on the device name. This causes Windows to attempt to create a connection. (See Figure 3.)



Figure 3. The Add a Device pop-up window showing nearby Bluetooth devices.

5. Once added, click "Done" to close the Add a Device window. You will see the new speaker listed under the "Audio" section of the dialog box. (See Figure 4.)



Figure 4. Windows displaying a connected Bluetooth speaker in the Bluetooth & Other Devices section of the Settings dialog.

6. Close the Settings dialog box. Your Bluetooth speaker should now be connected and will show in the list of connected devices under Audio.

Connecting a Bluetooth speaker is fast and simple to do. Once you have made the connection your computer should connect automatically once the speaker is turned on.

 This tip (6215) applies to Windows 10.