Plugable USB Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy Micro Adapter User Manual

Product Overview

The Plugable USB Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy Micro Adapter adds Bluetooth connectivity to your Windows PC, enabling connection with various Bluetooth-enabled devices. This dual-mode adapter supports both Bluetooth Classic and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for enhanced compatibility and power efficiency.

Key Features

• Adds Bluetooth to Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7 PCs without existing Bluetooth.
• Connects wireless Bluetooth headphones, speakers, headsets, keyboards, mice, phones, and more.
• Compact micro USB dongle design allows it to remain plugged in during travel.
• Supports Bluetooth 4.0 (Bluetooth Low Energy requires Windows 8 or higher).
• Designed for energy-efficient wireless connections.

Image: The Plugable USB Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy Micro Adapter, a compact black dongle with the 'plugable' logo, shown at an angle.

Setup and Installation

This section provides instructions for installing and setting up your Plugable USB Bluetooth adapter.

Windows Installation (Plug and Play)

1. Insert the Plugable USB Bluetooth adapter into an available USB port on your computer. For optimal performance, a USB 2.0 port is recommended.
2. For Windows 8.x, 10, and 11, the necessary drivers are typically installed automatically via Windows Update.
3. Once drivers are installed, the Bluetooth icon should appear in your system tray, indicating the adapter is ready for use.

Windows 7 and Specific Devices

For Windows 7, or if you encounter issues with certain devices like Bose QC35 headphones, special drivers may be required. These drivers are typically provided by Plugable and can be found on their support website or included on a CD (if applicable). Windows 7 does not support Bluetooth Low Energy natively.

Important Notes for Installation

• If your computer has a built-in Bluetooth adapter, it must be disabled before using the Plugable adapter. Windows can only support one Bluetooth adapter at a time.
• If you have previously used another Bluetooth adapter, its drivers should be removed before installing the Plugable adapter to prevent conflicts.
• For Windows XP, installation from the provided CD (if available) is often necessary, as Windows drivers may not be sufficient. A USB optical drive may be required for netbooks.

Image: The Plugable USB Bluetooth adapter discreetly plugged into the side USB port of a laptop, demonstrating its compact size.

Image: The Plugable USB Bluetooth adapter shown alongside its retail packaging, a quick start guide, and a driver installation CD.

Operation

Once installed, the Plugable USB Bluetooth adapter allows you to connect various Bluetooth devices to your computer.

Connecting Devices

The adapter supports a wide range of Bluetooth peripherals, including:

• Wireless Bluetooth headphones and headsets
• Bluetooth speakers and soundbars
• Bluetooth mice and keyboards
• Bluetooth game controllers
• Smartphones and smartwatches

To connect a device, ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your computer and the device is in pairing mode. Then, use your operating system's Bluetooth settings to discover and pair with the device.

Image: A graphic illustrating the types of Bluetooth devices compatible with the adapter, including keyboards, mice, smartphones, headphones, speakers, and gamepads.

Range and Performance

As a certified Bluetooth Class 2 device, the adapter is rated to connect up to 32 feet (10 meters) away under ideal conditions. However, several factors can influence actual range and performance:

• USB Port: For best results, plug the adapter into a USB 2.0 port. USB 3.0 ports can sometimes cause radio interference.
• Line-of-Sight: Ensure there are no obstructions between the adapter and your Bluetooth devices. Physical barriers like walls, furniture, or even the computer itself can reduce signal strength.
• Placement: If possible, place the adapter in a front or side USB port of your PC to improve line-of-sight.
• Interference: Bluetooth is susceptible to wireless interference from other devices (e.g., Wi-Fi routers, microwaves). Minimize such sources near the adapter.

Image: A diagram showing how different materials like wood, plastic, glass, water, bricks, stone, drywall, and metal impact Bluetooth signal strength, emphasizing the importance of avoiding obstructions for maximum range.

Compatibility and Incompatibility

Understanding the compatibility of the Plugable USB Bluetooth adapter is crucial for optimal performance.

Supported Operating Systems

• Windows 11
• Windows 10
• Windows 8.x (Bluetooth Low Energy requires Windows 8 or higher)
• Windows 7 (Does not support Bluetooth Low Energy; special drivers may be needed for some devices)

Incompatibility Notes

The adapter is not designed for or compatible with the following:

• In-car audio equipment or car stereo systems.
• Home theater equipment and TVs.
• Gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo) directly.
• Apple computers (Mac OS X/macOS systems).
• Apple Bluetooth peripherals (due to non-standard protocols).
• Computers with Windows Server or Linux (Linux support is not officially recommended due to BlueZ project issues).
• Android, iPad OS, and iOS devices.
• Mice and keyboards that use proprietary wireless connections (not Bluetooth).
• PlayStation-branded headsets and other non-controller products (require third-party software for controllers).

Image: A visual summary of incompatible devices such as car audio, TVs, Mac computers, and gaming consoles, along with known device issues like those with PlayStation and Nintendo peripherals.

Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues and provides solutions for your Plugable USB Bluetooth adapter.

Common Issues and Solutions

• Poor Range or Disconnections:
  Ensure the adapter is in a USB 2.0 port. Avoid obstructions between the adapter and your device. Place the adapter in a front or side port of your PC. Minimize other wireless interference sources.
• Adapter Not Working on Employer-Provided Computer:
  Many corporate environments use Windows domain environments that can interfere with driver installation. IT staff assistance is likely required, and installation using the domain's 'Administrator' account is recommended. Use on employer-provided computers is generally not recommended.
• Conflict with Built-in Bluetooth:
  Windows only supports one Bluetooth adapter at a time. Disable any internal Bluetooth adapters in your computer's Device Manager before using the Plugable adapter.
• Previous Bluetooth Adapter Issues:
  If you've used another Bluetooth adapter, ensure all its drivers are completely removed before installing the Plugable adapter to prevent software conflicts.
• Xbox Wireless Controllers:
  The adapter works with Bluetooth-capable Xbox Wireless Controllers on up-to-date Windows 10 and 11 installations. Verify your controller model is Bluetooth-capable. Microsoft recommends using only one controller via Bluetooth. Input lag can be related to range issues.
• PlayStation Controllers:
  PlayStation-branded devices use non-standard Bluetooth. Controllers may work well with third-party software (not included) and specific online guides. PlayStation-branded headsets and other non-controller products are generally not supported.
• Driver Installation Problems (Windows 7/XP):
  For Windows 7, ensure you have the correct drivers, especially for Bluetooth 4.0 audio devices (driver version 6.5.0.2000). For Windows XP, installation from the provided CD is often necessary; ignore Windows' installation wizard and use the CD's setup program.
• Security/Antivirus Software Interference:
  Temporarily disable security or antivirus software during driver installation if you encounter issues.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

Plugable is committed to providing reliable products and excellent customer service.

Product Coverage

Every Plugable product, including this USB Bluetooth adapter, is covered against defects for 2 years from the date of purchase.

Lifetime Support

Plugable offers lifetime support for its products. If you have any questions, encounter issues, or require assistance, you can contact their North American-based support team. Support is available even before purchase to help with compatibility or technical inquiries.

Image: A graphic highlighting Plugable's commitment to customer satisfaction, featuring icons for North American Lifetime Support, 2-Year Coverage, trust by businesses, and 100% compatibility.