Ever wandered too far from your devices and heard the infamous disconnection sound? If yes, then you need to hear this! Almost all modern devices come with a Bluetooth connection. But they all face a common problem: Short ranges. Thankfully, you can solve this notorious issue with a Bluetooth range extender.
Unfortunately, the range is one of many problems with this popular connection. Anything can interfere with your devices and cause unwanted disruptions and lags.
However, we’ll explore how to use a Bluetooth range extender to enhance connectivity and more in this article.
Table of Contents
- Do Range Extenders Get the Job Done?
- How do Bluetooth Range Extenders Work?
- Other ways to Extend Bluetooth Connectivity
- Final Words
Do Range Extenders Get the Job Done?
A phone connected to a Bluetooth speaker
In most cases, range extenders can give you the boost you need for seamless connections. But, in truth, Bluetooth is a limited connection. Even the updated Bluetooth 5.0 will need help after 100 feet. Thankfully, you can go further than the standard connection range with boosters.
Interestingly, outdoor Bluetooth extenders can allow connections up to 150 feet apart. In contrast, indoor boosters will only enhance the connectivity range by up to 70 feet.
Need more range? Don’t worry! You can plug in two repeaters to create a daisy chain effect. This makeshift connection will push the signal range past where the first extender stopped.
But that’s not all range extenders can do. In truth, they can boost signal strength and provide faster transmissions, which helps to avoid annoying delays. If your Bluetooth disconnects, these boosters will reestablish the connection quickly to keep things working.
In addition, Bluetooth range extenders can serve as transmitters and receivers, allowing you to use them for multiple devices anywhere.
How do Bluetooth Range Extenders Work?
Bluetooth button on a keyboard
Understanding how these devices work requires knowing the different Bluetooth classes. We classify Bluetooth devices according to their range and power consumption.
Bluetooth class 1 is the first one on the list. It’s the most powerful option that connects devices up to 100 meters apart. It needs 100 milliwatts to operate. You’ll likely find this class in advanced devices running Bluetooth 4.0 upwards.
Next is class 2 devices. They’re more common and only need 2.5 milliwatts to run. However, you can only connect devices within 10 meters or closer.
Class 3 devices offer worse Bluetooth connectivity. Such signals can only stay connected within one meter. Thankfully, you only need one milliwatt of energy to power them.
In closing, Class 4 devices are the bottom feeders of the Bluetooth family. They have a maximum connection range of 0.5 meters and require only 0.5 milliwatts.
The brief explanation shows that devices in class 1 are the go-to for long-range and speedy transmissions. However, you’ll need to charge more frequently because of the high power consumption. Range extenders can work for devices in any of the classes.
More importantly, the working process for Bluetooth range extenders is straightforward. First, you must attach the device’s external antenna before connecting it to a power supply. After that, the device comes ready to use and won’t require complex setups.
So how exactly do They Work?
An extender’s primary function is boosting your Bluetooth signal. Hence, the device works with external antennas. Using an extender antenna can increase your connection range to over 190 feet.
For example, an extender that receives Bluetooth signals from 85 feet and extends simultaneously will boost it up to 160 feet. Interestingly, some range extenders allow multiple devices without reducing signal quality. We call them dual stream extenders.
In addition, Bluetooth extenders work as transmitters or receivers. Some variants feature switches allowing you to swap from one configuration to the other.
Using these devices as transmitters permit them to send Bluetooth signals to speakers, TVs, and other devices within range.
Bluetooth range extenders working as receivers will allow calls from your cell phone and audio from other connected devices. Moreover, some versions support cable connections, allowing them to receive input from multiple devices.
Other ways to Extend Bluetooth Connectivity
Although Bluetooth devices allow connections from 30 feet away, it won’t always be possible. Sometimes, several obstructions and interferences can reduce the connection range when indoors. But here are some tips to help enhance the signal without range extenders.
Remove Obstructions
Bluetooth technology utilizes short radio waves to link two devices. Though you can’t see it, physical barriers like walls, metal pipes, and electrical connections can block these signals.
While removing most of these barriers may be impossible, you can move other mobile obstructions to help enhance your signal. Also, try moving the device if the obstacles are beyond your control.
Switch off Idle Devices
This tip is more like a last-resort action. You may only need this if other tips don’t help extend your Bluetooth’s range.
Usually, signals from other devices won’t interfere with Bluetooth signals, but it could be the culprit if you use many devices. So try switching some off to help boost your connection.
Reset your Bluetooth
Although you can connect up to seven devices via Bluetooth, most of them may suffer minor issues like memory exceptions. However, a quick reset might set everything back to normal and extend your Bluetooth range.
Upgrade your Hardware
Investing in a suitable device is the easiest way to extend the Bluetooth range. Consider upgrading devices with older Bluetooth to newer ones for enhanced connections.
A Bluetooth 5.0 device will always be better than a 3.0 version. Upgraded appliances are also faster, safer, and offer longer connection ranges.
Final Words
Most Bluetooth devices will typically work if they are 30 feet apart. However, you may need an extender if you want longer connection ranges. Staying too far away from your transmitter will weaken the signal and reduce audio quality. But Bluetooth booster can deal with this issue.
What if you can’t buy a Bluetooth range extender? You can try other methods like upgrading your device, removing physical obstructions, and resetting your device.
Do you have more questions? Be sure to contact us, and we’ll be happy to help.