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Getting newer Bluetooth adapters to work for Linux

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Radishrain –

https://medium.com/nerd-for-tech/how-to-install-unsupported-bluetooth-5-0-dongle-on-linux-4bf34aa99fed

The above link might be insightful in getting newer adapters to work for Linux.

Be careful when picking an adapter--not just because they're not all advertised for Linux use, but because some of them aren't particularly for computers; they're just for transmitting/receiving audio from 3.5mm audio jacks and stuff. Even some of the ones with male USB ports on seem to be like that. Try searching for one with no buttons that works with a mouse or keyboard, or try searching for one that is integrated with a Wi-Fi card.

I ordered one of the day I wrote this post (I'm editing the next day), which has the same chipset mentioned in that link. My computer (which currently has Xubuntu 22.04.1 on it) appears to already have the driver for that chipset, however (that's why I ordered this particular device); it uses Bluetooth 5.1. Here's a link to the product:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/USB-Bluetooth-5-1-Adapter-Bluetooth-USB-Transmitter-Speakers-Keyboard-Mouse-Printer-Receiver-for-PC-Win-7-8-10-11/1425764465

I'm hoping to let you know if it works.

If the links are broken, check them on archive.org.

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Radishrain

Re: Getting newer Bluetooth adapters to work for Linux

Well, it arrived, today.

My device recognized it and was able to see most of my devices (not my Jelly Comb keyboard, though). However, I was having trouble connecting. I did a bunch of stuff, and it kind of connected for a while and then stopped. Then it connected to my other bluetooth adapter, but it gave me screeching/distorted audio. Then I did more stuff and it stopped working.

Then I stopped using it for maybe some hours, and tried again. Then it worked (transmitting audio to the other Bluetooth adapter, which has a chargeable battery, which I have my wired headphones plugged into to make them wireless).

I still haven't gotten other stuff to work, yet, though, but I haven't tried anything else since I got the wired headphones to work. The volume was super loud; I had to turn it down on my computer a lot.

Climate: BSk
USDA hardiness zone: 6

Radishrain

Re: Getting newer Bluetooth adapters to work for Linux

Okay, so I discovered that it only connected to the other adapter (which I connected with my wired headphones) once in a great while. However, today, I found out how to make it so I can reliably connect (once I've paired it):

- Exit the Blueman applet (if it's open)
- On the command-line, type `sudo systemctl restart bluetooth; blueman-applet` (and enter your password)
- On the Blueman applet, select make discoverable
- Then go in to your already paired device, right-click, and select connect (it should connect right away)

My other Bluetooth device that I connected to is a TaoTronics (model number: TT-BA015-WM), as purchased at Walmart here:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bluetooth-Transmitter-Receiver-TaoTronics-2-in-1-Wireless-3-5mm-AUX-Audio-Adapter-for-TV-Car-PC-Headphones/1509002263

I was transmitting from my computer's device to the TaoTronics device (which was in receive mode; I waited until after I heard a voice say 'power on' and then 'pairing' before I manually selected connect on the Blueman applet).

Climate: BSk
USDA hardiness zone: 6

Radishrain

Re: Getting newer Bluetooth adapters to work for Linux

In reply to this post by Radishrain

If it connects before it says 'Pairing' you'll probably need to disconnect and reconnect right away, or it won't work.

Climate: BSk
USDA hardiness zone: 6

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