Bluetooth: How can you increase the range?

If the range of your Bluetooth device is too short, you can increase it with a repeater. We'll show you how it's done.

Check the Bluetooth class before buying a repeater

There are three different Bluetooth classes that differ in their performance and range. It is best to first check which class your Bluetooth device has. If you have a class 3 device that has a very short range anyway, an expensive repeater will not do anything. Because it cannot increase the signal to the range of a class 2 or 1 device. However, if you reach a very short range with a class 1 device, for example, it might make sense to buy a repeater.

• Class 3 -> Max. Power: 1 mW, max. Level: 0 dBm, outdoor range: around 1 m
• Class 2 -> Max. Power: 2.5 mW, max. Level: 4 dBm, outdoor range: around 10 m
• Class 1 -> Max. Power: 100 mW, max. Level: 20 dBm, outdoor range: around 100 m

Unfortunately, the Bluetooth Class is often difficult to find out, because the label is well hidden. In the case of a Bluetooth stick for the computer, you will usually find the information, for example, on the back in the small print technical data.

Buy bluetooth repeater

A repeater is a transmission amplifier. It catches the incoming Bluetooth signal and forwards it. Under certain circumstances, it can also increase the range of the signal. The fun isn't that cheap though. You have to put 200 euros or more on the table. And in some cases it may not work. Especially with a higher Bluetooth class, you should therefore consider buying a new stick instead.

The Bluetooth connection no longer works for you? Then this practical tip may help.