At first, I didn’t understand how Bluetooth worked, so I kept losing connection with my first Bluetooth mouse and keyboard.
I was frustrated by this situation, so I spent considerable time conducting research on Bluetooth connectivity and ended up writing this article as an all-round guide to Bluetooth signal strength.
How Can I Check Bluetooth Signal Strength?
If you know what you’re looking for, checking your Bluetooth signal strength is easy. A number of indicators are used to measure Bluetooth signal strength, including the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI).
By accessing the device’s Bluetooth settings, you can read the RSSI of the device. Ideally, the RSSI should be between -40 and -55.
An RSSI can be difficult to interpret, but it is important to understand that a high number indicates a stronger connection, while a low one signifies a weaker one.
It is important to note that the number is stated in negative format, and you should read them in the opposite direction from what you expected.
It is important to note that no matter how strong the signal strength is, in some instances a connection of -45 is better than one of -100, which may lead to an array of issues.
Considering such reading indicators, the following examples can guide you in interpreting your connection.
- -40 to -55 indicates a strong connection
- while -70 and above indicate a strong connection.
- -100 and below indicates a poor connection
- whereas -110 and below indicates a non-functional connection.
Assume that battery failure is the cause of the problem.
You may observe a poor Bluetooth signal if your device’s battery is low or if the ambient conditions are unfavorable.
To test whether your set will increase RSSI and become stable, you will need to charge or swap it.
Environmental issues can be easily overcome, for instance, interference caused by a wall.
Ensure that your RSSI is increasing by rearrangement your device accordingly.
How Can You Strengthen Bluetooth Signal?
If your device is still Bluetooth-compatible, you must run the software before you begin your connection.
Since it will only take a few seconds for the Bluetooth connection to check whether it’ll work, you can save time.
You’ll need to troubleshoot your Bluetooth signal strength and other possible factors when checking software and hardware.
When you measure your signal, you will need to use some troubleshooting diagnostics.
- Keep the Bluetooth-enabled devices far from each other.
- Use a different bandwidth on your Wi-Fi router.
- Inspect the traare any damaged transmitters
- And remove metals that might interfere with the Bluetooth signal.
- You should not use more than one Bluetooth device at a time.
- You may want to use a USB Bluetooth extender for computers.
It is essential to test your Bluetooth device on a regular basis to determine whether it is functioning correctly.
You may also perform a complete diagnostic on your device with the help of a testing device.
If any outside factors are interfering with your signal, you can choose whether to source for them.
How Bluetooth range works
Do you believe that Bluetooth technology will cover a wide range of applications? This may not be an easy estimate for you, but it is intended to cover a wide range of devices.
Bluetooth signal strength allows developers to create Bluetooth wireless devices such as keyboards, headphones, etc., without having to worry about the performance of other wireless devices.
These Bluetooth devices are instrumental in achieving your goals.
When you are using Bluetooth, it is crucial to have excellent signal strength.
Various factors will affect the range between Bluetooth devices.
It is important to understand these key factors.
They include:
Radio spectrum
A typical range is between 30 Hz and 300 GHz.
Do you know that you have a wide range when the frequency is lower, but the data rate is reduced as a consequence?
It is therefore important to consider data rate and coverage when selecting Radio Spectrum.
Bluetooth uses a global 2.4 GHz spectrum band, which can be considered low-power wireless connectivity.
Sensitivity of receivers
A Bluetooth signal must be at least as strong as the receiver can interpret it in order for it to be understood.
Bluetooth, on the other hand, has a higher sensitivity level that can reach as low as -103 dBm.
Using the receiver sensitivity, you will be able to determine how sensitive you are depending on the PHY you are using.
Power transmission
Range and power consumption are trade-offs.
You have a strong signal if you have a high transmit power.
You’re likely to drain your battery faster if you increase transmit power.
So this Bluetooth support technology lets you share power from -20 dBm (0.01 mW) to +20 dBm (100 mW).
Loss of Path
The propagation of radio waves through the air can sometimes cause a reduction in signal strength.
The signal may be transmitted naturally over some distance and typically at a location where the signal is being transmitted.
As a result, the strength of the signal will be diminished in the event that obstacles are present between the transmitter and receiver.
Antenna Gain
Radiation from the transmitter is converted by the antenna into radio waves and vice versa for the receiver.
The strength of your signal will depend on the antenna, package, and location.
In essence, Bluetooth is capable of implementing antenna options ranging from -10dBi to +10dBi.
How Do I Fix Common Bluetooth Signal Strength Issues?
Bluetooth transmits its signals using what do you think? A radio frequency (RF) is used to transmit signals between Bluetooth devices.
If your Bluetooth signals are blocked during this sending period, your Bluetooth signal will drop. These drops can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
Barriers in actuality
If you live in a place with a lot of physical barriers, your Bluetooth signal may drop or appear weak.
If you want to use Bluetooth on metals such as filing cabinets, refrigerators, or walls, priority should be given to metals.
Wi-Fi and wireless devices
Routers are designed to use the same bandwidth as Bluetooth devices, which results in signal problems.
When you’re using Bluetooth devices, they may interfere with this connection.
Radio Frequency
Your signal strength may be affected by unintentional RF radiators.
You’re more likely to have poor Bluetooth signal strength if you are near power lines, railroads, and even your microwave oven.
Changing Bluetooth channels
If you want to share documents or listen to music, Bluetooth is a must.
You might experience a drop in your Bluetooth signal if it picks up one interfering channel between two devices.
Your signal will drop while you’re switching between devices.
How Do You Check the Bluetooth Signal Strength in OS X?
The possible causes of Bluetooth issues on your OS X will need to be checked.
Your device’s Bluetooth strength can be determined by following certain procedures.
A Bluetooth menu bar item is clicked, and then an indicator is moved to let you know the signal.
Look for RSSI to see how strong your signal is.
