If you are familiar with Bluetooth wireless technology, you'll probably recognize the term "Bluetooth pairing". But do you actually know what Bluetooth pairing means?

In order to pair two Bluetooth wireless devices, a password (passkey) has to be exchanged between the two devices. A Passkey is a code shared by both Bluetooth devices, which proves that both users have agreed to pair with each other.

This is the normal process that occurs with Bluetooth pairing:

1. Bluetooth device A looks for other Bluetooth devices in the area

In order to find other Bluetooth devices, Bluetooth device A must be set to discoverable mode. When set to discoverable, Bluetooth device A will allow other Bluetooth devices to detect its presence and attempt to establish a connection.

You may set your discover setting off if you like (It is recommended that you turn it off when not using the Bluetooth). When the discover setting is off, no other Bluetooth device will be able to find it. Undiscoverable devices can still communicate with each other but they have to initiate communication themselves.

2. Bluetooth device A finds Bluetooth device B

   Usually the discoverable device will indicate what type of device it is (Such as a printer, cell phone, headset, etc.) and its Bluetooth device name. The Bluetooth device name is the name that you give the Bluetooth device or the factory name that originally was programmed.

   

3. Bluetooth Device A prompts you to enter a password (PassKey)

   With advanced devices, both users must agree on the Passkey and enter it into their device. The code can be anything you like as long as it is the same for both Bluetooth wireless devices.

   On other devices, such as Bluetooth headsets, the Passkey stays the same. Refer to the product’s manual for the default passkey. Most often , the passkey is zero.

4. Bluetooth device A sends the Passkey to Bluetooth device B

5. Bluetooth device B sends the Passkey back to Bluetooth device A

If both Passkeys are the same, a trusted pair is formed. This will happen automatically.

6. Bluetooth device A and B are now paired and able to exchange data

Learn More About:

Bluetooth Profiles
Bluetooth Security
Bluetooth Specifications