Technology
What is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology that lets devices talk to each other over radio waves — your phone to earbuds, a speaker, a smartwatch, or a car. It works over a few metres with no cables and no internet.
See it, don’t just read it.
Watch a 2-minute lesson with voice + animation that explains bluetooth.
Key things to understand
- 1A short-range wireless link between devices.
- 2Uses radio waves — no cables or internet needed.
- 3Pairs earbuds, speakers, watches, and cars.
- 4Works over roughly 10 metres, on low power.
Frequently asked questions
- How far does Bluetooth reach?
- Typically about 10 metres for phones and earbuds, though newer versions and devices can reach further.
- Does Bluetooth need the internet?
- No — it's a direct device-to-device connection, so it works with no Wi-Fi or mobile data.
- Why does Bluetooth drain battery?
- It keeps a radio active to stay connected; modern Bluetooth Low Energy is designed to use very little power.