Connect your computer to a Bluetooth device

Before you can use a Bluetooth device like a mouse or a headset, you first need to connect your computer to the device. This is also called pairing the Bluetooth devices.

  1. Open the Activities overview and start typing Bluetooth.

  2. Click on Bluetooth to open the panel.

  3. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled: the switch at the top should be set to on. With the panel open and the switch on, your computer will begin searching for devices.

  4. Make the other Bluetooth device discoverable or visible and place it within 5-10 meters (about 16-33 feet) of your computer.

  5. Click the device in the Devices list. The panel for the device will open.

  6. If required, confirm the PIN on your other device. The device should show you the PIN you see on your computer screen. Confirm the PIN on the device (you may need to click Pair or Confirm), then click Confirm on the computer.

    You need to finish your entry within about 20 seconds on most devices, or the connection will not be completed. If that happens, return to the device list and start again.

  7. The entry for the device in the Devices list will show a Connected status.

  8. To edit the device, click on it in the Devices list. You will see a panel specific to the device. It may display additional options applicable to the type of device to which you are connecting.

  9. Close the panel once you have changed the settings.

The Bluetooth icon on the top bar

When one or more Bluetooth devices are connected, the Bluetooth icon appears in the system status area.