How to Connect a Cell Phone to a Computer with Bluetooth

Connecting Cell Phone to a Bluetooth enabled computer

Bluetooth is a wireless standard which is often used by cell phones and by computers. Many people who use cell phones already know that Bluetooth is used to connect wireless headsets to a cell phone. But did you know it is also possible to connect your cell phone to your computer with Bluetooth?

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If you cell phone is Bluetooth enabled it may support the ability to transfer information to and from a computer using Bluetooth. This makes it easier to manage your contacts and your media files. If you haven't tried connecting your cell phone to your computer yet, follow the steps below to set up a Bluetooth connection.

Connecting a Cell Phone to a Computer with Bluetooth

In order to do this, you will of course need a cell phone which is Bluetooth enabled. Your computer also needs to be Bluetooth enabled.

Go to the Windows Control Panel and look for a category called Bluetooth Devices. If you can't find it in the default view, click on the View By drop-down menu in the upper right hand corner of the window and change the view to Large Icons. The icons will be categorized alphabetically, so Bluetooth Devices should be near the top. Once you've found it, double click on it.

A new window will open. At the top you will find an option titled Add Wireless Device. Click on this to start the Add Bluetooth Device Wizard. Keep in mind that in order to connect to your cell phone, your cell phone's Bluetooth has to already be on. If you haven't turned it on yet, do so now.

Using the Add Bluetooth Device Wizard

The wizard will automatically scan for Bluetooth enabled devices which are nearby. You cell phone will appear in the wizard momentarily. If it doesn't, make sure your phone is within a few meters of your computer and try again.

When your cell phone appear in the wizard click on the phone icon and click next. Windows will attempt to begin a connection with the cell phone. For security reasons you will be asked to enter a PIN. You will also have to enter that number on your cell phone. Once you've entered this PIN on your cell phone the connection will complete.

Providing that you cell phone supports the ability to transfer files and other information through Bluetooth, you should now be able to drag-and-drop files between your PC and your phone by opening My Computer in Windows. The phone will be listed by name.

A Few Helpful Reminders

Connecting your computer to your cell phone is called “pairing” and it only has to be done once. Your computer and your phone will now save a record of each other and will automatically connect whenever the two devices are within range.

Note, however, that security settings may prevent this from happening. Windows Firewall and third-party firewall software may ask for permission before the phone can connect. You can stop this by changing your firewall settings. Also, the phone's Bluetooth needs to be enabled.
Finally, this process can actually be used with other Bluetooth enabled devices. For example, you can attach a wireless Bluetooth headset and use it to make Skype calls. Try it out with all of your Bluetooth devices – you might be surprised at what they let you do.