How to Connect a Bluetooth Speaker to a Computer

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Step-by-step guide for pairing external speakers with Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, & Linux
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This wikiHow teaches you how to pair a Bluetooth speaker with a Windows or Macbook laptop, as well as on a Chromebook or Linux. It's super easy to connect a Bluetooth speaker to your laptop. You just need to put it in pairing mode and select your speaker in the Bluetooth Settings menu.

Things You Should Know

  • If you’re using a Windows PC, go to the devices section of Settings. Then, turn on Bluetooth and pair your device to your PC. [1]
  • For macOS, click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar to turn Bluetooth on. Then, pair the speaker in the Bluetooth menu. [2]
  • On both Windows and macOS, make sure your audio output is set to the Bluetooth speaker.
Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Using Windows

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  1. Press your speaker's "Power" button to turn it on. The process for turning on a speaker will vary slightly from model to model, so consult your speaker's manual if you can't figure out how to turn it on.
    • If your Bluetooth speaker is rechargeable, make sure the speaker is fully charged before you attempt to pair it with your laptop.
    • If your Bluetooth speaker needs to be connected to a power source to operate, plug it in.
    • You'll also want to make sure that your speaker is as close to your laptop as possible while pairing. If your speaker is more than 30 feet (9.1 m) away, it most likely won't be able to connect without some interference.
  2. The way you do this is different from one Bluetooth speaker model to the next. Usually, there is a button you press and hold to put the speaker in pairing mode. Normally you will see a flashing light or hear an audible tone to indicate it is in pairing mode. Consult the user's manual for your speaker to learn how to put it in Pairing mode.
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  3. You can do this by clicking the Windows Start menu and selecting the Settings gear icon, or by pressing Windows key + i on the keyboard.
  4. On Windows 10, it's near the top of the Settings menu next to an icon that resembles an iPod and a keyboard. On Windows 11, it's near the top of the menu bar on the left, next to a blue icon with the Bluetooth icon.
  5. It's one of the menu options near the top of the menu on the left-hand side.
  6. Check the toggle switch at the top of the page labeled "Bluetooth." If the toggle switch is not highlighted in blue, click the toggle switch to turn Bluetooth on. [3]
    • If you are not able to turn Bluetooth on, your PC may not have built-in Bluetooth. If your PC does not have built-in Bluetooth, you can purchase a Bluetooth adapter that you plug into a USB port.
  7. On Windows 10, it's at the top of the menu. On Windows 11, it's the blue button in the bar labeled "Bluetooth" near the top of the menu. [4]
  8. It's the top option in the "Add a device" window. This tells your PC to look for available Bluetooth devices.
  9. As long as your speaker is available to pair with, its name will appear in the list of devices. The speaker's name is usually a combination of its brand and model number. [5]
    • If your speaker doesn't show up as an available device, try turning it off and back on, and make sure it is still in Pairing mode.
    • If the speaker is already paired with another device, such as your smartphone or tablet, it will not be available to pair with your PC. Disable Bluetooth on your smartphone or tablet so the speaker will be available to pair with on your laptop.
  10. It's in the lower-right side of the speaker's name card in the window. This connects the speaker to your computer. You can now play music and other audio from your computer through your speaker. [6]
    • If audio is playing through your PC's speaker instead of your Bluetooth speaker, click the sound/volume icon (it looks like a little speaker) near the clock at the bottom-right corner. Then, click the up-arrow to show your audio devices, and then click the name of your speaker.
    • To connect your Bluetooth speaker in the future, make sure Bluetooth on your PC is turned on and power your Bluetooth speaker on. It should connect automatically.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Using a MacBook

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  1. All MacBooks released in 2011 or later have Bluetooth. If you have an earlier model, you'll need a Bluetooth adapter to use a Bluetooth speaker with your Mac. Plugging the adapter into an available USB port is all you'll need to make your older Mac Bluetooth-compatible.
  2. Press your speaker's "Power" button to turn it on. The process for turning on a speaker varies from model to model, so consult your speaker's manual if you can't figure out how to turn it on.
    • If your speaker is rechargeable, make sure it's fully charged to avoid problems with pairing. If it's a powered speaker, plug it into a reliable power source.
    • You'll also want to make sure that your speaker is as close to your laptop as possible. If your speaker is more than 30 feet (9.1 m) away, it most likely won't be able to connect without some interference.
  3. The way you do this is different from one Bluetooth speaker model to the next. Usually, there is a button you press and hold to put the speaker in pairing mode. Normally you will see a flashing light or hear an audible tone to indicate it is in pairing mode. Consult the user's manual for your speaker to learn how to put it in Pairing mode.
  4. You'll find this icon in the menu bar in the upper-right area of your Mac's screen. It kind of looks like a sideways bowtie, and it should be to the left of the system clock. This expands the Bluetooth menu. [7]
    • If you don't see this icon in the menu bar, click the Apple icon in the menu bar, select System Preferences or System Settings , click Bluetooth , and then check "Show Bluetooth in the menu bar." You'll see it then.
    • If the Bluetooth switch is turned off, click it to turn it on now. [8]
  5. When you turn on Bluetooth, your Mac will look for available Bluetooth devices to connect to. The speaker's name is usually a combination of its brand and model number. When you click its name, you'll see the option to connect.
    • If your speaker doesn't show up as an available device, try turning it off and back on, and make sure it is still in Pairing mode.
    • If the speaker is already paired with another device, such as your smartphone or tablet, it will not be available to pair with your PC. Disable Bluetooth on your smartphone or tablet so the speaker will be available to pair with on your laptop.
  6. If it's your first time connecting to this speaker, you'll see this button. This establishes a connection between your Mac. [9]
    • Depending on the speaker, you may be required to go through a setup process before the connection is ready to use.
  7. Now that the speaker is paired with your Mac, you'll need to make a quick change in your preferences so you can use it for audio. [10] You'll find System Preferences in the Apple menu, which is at the top-left corner of the screen.
    • To open your Mac's System Setting, click the Apple icon in the menu bar and click System Settings or System Preferences.
  8. It's the icon that looks like a speaker. This opens your audio settings. [11]
  9. It's near the top of the window. [12]
  10. This tells your Mac to route the audio through the Bluetooth speaker instead of your laptop speakers or headphone jack. [13]
    • You can also get here quickly in the future by clicking the volume icon in the menu bar (at the upper-right corner of the screen) and selecting the name of your speaker.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Using a Chromebook

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  1. Press your speaker's "Power" button to turn it on. The process for turning on a speaker varies from model to model, so consult your speaker's manual if you can't figure out how to turn it on.
    • If your speaker is rechargeable, make sure it's fully charged to avoid problems with pairing. If it's a powered speaker, plug it into a reliable power source.
    • You'll also want to make sure that your speaker is as close to your laptop as possible. If your speaker is more than 30 feet (9.1 m) away, it most likely won't be able to connect without some interference.
  2. The way you do this is different from one Bluetooth speaker model to the next. Usually, there is a button you press and hold to put the speaker in pairing mode. Normally you will see a flashing light or hear an audible tone to indicate it is in pairing mode. Consult the user's manual for your speaker to learn how to put it in Pairing mode.
  3. To do so, click the box that has the date and time, along with the Wi-Fi symbol, and a Battery symbol in the lower-right corner. [14]
  4. It's the icon that kind of resembles a sideways bowtie. Click this icon. If Bluetooth is turned off, it will turn Bluetooth on and start scanning for nearby Bluetooth devices. [15]
  5. When you see your Bluetooth speaker appear, click it to start pairing your Bluetooth speaker. [16]
    • If your speaker doesn't show up as an available device, try turning it off and back on, and make sure it is still in Pairing mode.
    • If the speaker is already paired with another device, such as your smartphone or tablet, it will not be available to pair with your PC. Disable Bluetooth on your smartphone or tablet so the speaker will be available to pair with on your laptop.
  6. This will pair your Bluetooth speaker with your Chromebook.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Using Linux Ubuntu

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  1. All MacBooks released in 2011 or later have Bluetooth. If you have an earlier model, you'll need a Bluetooth adapter to use a Bluetooth speaker with your Mac. Plugging the adapter into an available USB port is all you'll need to make your older Mac Bluetooth-compatible.
  2. Press your speaker's "Power" button to turn it on. The process for turning on a speaker varies from model to model, so consult your speaker's manual if you can't figure out how to turn it on.
    • If your speaker is rechargeable, make sure it's fully charged to avoid problems with pairing. If it's a powered speaker, plug it into a reliable power source.
    • You'll also want to make sure that your speaker is as close to your laptop as possible. If your speaker is more than 30 feet (9.1 m) away, it most likely won't be able to connect without some interference.
  3. The way you do this is different from one Bluetooth speaker model to the next. Usually, there is a button you press and hold to put the speaker in pairing mode. Normally you will see a flashing light or hear an audible tone to indicate it is in pairing mode. Consult the user's manual for your speaker to learn how to put it in Pairing mode.
  4. To do so, click the Apps menu icon, which resembles 9 square dots. Then click the Settings menu, which resembles a gear. Alternatively, you can press the Windows key (or Super key) and type "Settings" in the search bar. Then click the Settings icon.
    • Ubuntu is the most popular Linux distribution. Most other Linux distributions will have a similar process to connecting a Bluetooth speaker.
  5. It's near the top of the menu. This opens the Bluetooth menu.
    • If you see a message that says "Bluetooth not found," your computer may not have a built-in Bluetooth adapter. If this is the case, you can purchase a Bluetooth adapter that you connect to a USB port. It's also possible that you may need to install the Bluetooth drivers, which you can do using the Terminal .
  6. You will see a toggle switch at the top of the menu. If Bluetooth is not turned on, click the toggle switch to turn Bluetooth on and start scanning for nearby Bluetooth devices.
  7. Once your Bluetooth speaker shows up in the list of devices, click it to connect it. Its status will go from "Not Set Up" to "Connected." You can now use your Bluetooth speaker in Linux.
    • If your speaker doesn't show up as an available device, try turning it off and back on, and make sure it is still in Pairing mode.
    • If the speaker is already paired with another device, such as your smartphone or tablet, it will not be available to pair with your PC. Disable Bluetooth on your smartphone or tablet so the speaker will be available to pair with on your laptop.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Using the Linux Terminal

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  1. If you are using a different Linux distribution and you are not sure how to connect a Bluetooth speaker, you can use the Terminal to install Bluetooth drivers and connect Bluetooth devices in nearly all versions of Linux. Click the Terminal icon in the Apps menu or use the keyboard shortcut to open the Terminal
  2. If you haven't already installed Bluetooth drivers on your computer, you can use the following command to do so. Enter the command and press Enter : [17]
    • sudo apt install pulseaudio-module-bluetooth bluez bluez-firmware bluez-tools
  3. This will open the Bluetooth interface in the Terminal Enter the following command and press Enter : [18]
    • bluetoothctl .
  4. Press your speaker's "Power" button to turn it on. The process for turning on a speaker varies from model to model, so consult your speaker's manual if you can't figure out how to turn it on.
    • If your speaker is rechargeable, make sure it's fully charged to avoid problems with pairing. If it's a powered speaker, plug it into a reliable power source.
    • You'll also want to make sure that your speaker is as close to your laptop as possible. If your speaker is more than 30 feet (9.1 m) away, it most likely won't be able to connect without some interference.
  5. The way you do this is different from one Bluetooth speaker model to the next. Usually, there is a button you press and hold to put the speaker in pairing mode. Normally you will see a flashing light or hear an audible tone to indicate it is in pairing mode. Consult the user's manual for your speaker to learn how to put it in Pairing mode.
  6. This command will start scanning for nearby Bluetooth devices in the Terminal. When it discovers the Bluetooth speaker, it will list the device's MAC address and name.
  7. This will stop scanning so you can pair the device.
  8. The MAC address is the 10-digit number for the Bluetooth speaker that is listed in "XX:XX:XX:XX:XX" format. Copy the MAC address for the Bluetooth speaker and type "pair" followed by the MAC address and press Enter . This will pair the speaker with your computer. [19]
  9. This tells your computer to trust the Bluetooth speaker so that it can more easily connect to it in the future. [20]
  10. This connects to your Bluetooth speaker. You can now use your Bluetooth speaker with your Linux laptop. [21]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I connect the speaker to a laptop with an AUX cable?
    Community Answer
    Yes, if it has an AUX port. It depends on whether your laptop has an AUX driver installed.
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    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 6
  • Question
    How do I recharge my Bluetooth speaker battery?
    Community Answer
    Connect the charging cable to its appropriate port on the speaker (which may be hidden behind a flap or other concealment). Connect the other end of the cable to a wall adapter, charging station or computer's USB port.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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  • Question
    I followed these steps on Windows and my speaker is listed as connected, but it still doesn't play. Do you have any idea what might be wrong?
    Community Answer
    You'll have to select your Bluetooth speaker as audio output in your audio settings or via the Volume taskbar icon.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      • Some Bluetooth speakers, especially the portable ones, run on batteries and need to be recharged when the power runs out.
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      • If you don’t want to use it wirelessly, your Bluetooth speaker may also have the ability to be used as a wired speaker. Look for a 3.5 mm audio jack on the Bluetooth speaker—if it has one, you can use an auxiliary cord to connect it to your laptop (if it has the same jack).
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/turn-bluetooth-on-or-off-in-windows-9e92fddd-4e12-e32b-9132-5e36bdb2f75a
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/turn-bluetooth-on-or-off-blth1008/mac
      3. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/turn-bluetooth-on-or-off-in-windows-9e92fddd-4e12-e32b-9132-5e36bdb2f75a
      4. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/pair-a-bluetooth-device-in-windows-2be7b51f-6ae9-b757-a3b9-95ee40c3e242
      5. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/pair-a-bluetooth-device-in-windows-2be7b51f-6ae9-b757-a3b9-95ee40c3e242
      6. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/pair-a-bluetooth-device-in-windows-2be7b51f-6ae9-b757-a3b9-95ee40c3e242
      7. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/connect-a-bluetooth-device-blth1004/mac
      8. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/connect-a-bluetooth-device-blth1004/mac
      9. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/connect-a-bluetooth-device-blth1004/mac
      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/set-up-a-bluetooth-audio-device-mh26833/mac
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/change-the-sound-output-settings-mchlp2256/mac
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/change-the-sound-output-settings-mchlp2256/mac
      4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/change-the-sound-output-settings-mchlp2256/mac
      5. ↑ https://www.google.com/chromebook/howto/connect-to-bluetooth/
      6. ↑ https://www.google.com/chromebook/howto/connect-to-bluetooth/
      7. ↑ https://www.google.com/chromebook/howto/connect-to-bluetooth/
      8. ↑ https://www.maketecheasier.com/setup-bluetooth-in-linux/#install-bluez
      9. ↑ https://www.maketecheasier.com/setup-bluetooth-in-linux/#bluetooth-cli-utility-linux
      10. ↑ https://www.maketecheasier.com/setup-bluetooth-in-linux/#bluetooth-cli-utility-linux
      11. ↑ https://youtu.be/z3Y5TXeTyWQ?t=164
      12. ↑ https://youtu.be/z3Y5TXeTyWQ?t=171

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Put the speaker into pairing mode.
      2. Click the Start menu.
      3. Click Settings .
      4. Click Devices .
      5. Click Bluetooth and other devices .
      6. Enable Bluetooth.
      7. Click +Add Bluetooth or other device .
      8. Click Bluetooth .
      9. Click your speaker.

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