How Do I Check Bluetooth Signal Strength?

Bluetooth signals are measured by a received signal strength indicator (RSSI). you can get to know the device’s RSSI by going to the setting and then to the Bluetooth device setting and then reading the RSSI. The ideal RSSI is between -40 and -55.

RSSI can be challenging to read but it is essential to know that a higher number means a better connection and a lower number means a bad connection.

As the numbers are negative you have to read them in an opposite way than you normally do. The signal strength can vary because of several factors. a connection of -35 is better than a connection of -100.

There are some indicators

-40 to -55 represents a strong connection
-70 and above means an okay connection
-100 and below means a terrible connection
-110 and below represents an unstable connection

Imagine you notice that your Bluetooth is not as efficient as it usually is, there can be several reasons for it but it mainly happens because of a low battery of your device or environmental condition.

To solve this try charging your phone first and then try again.

When it comes to environmental issues I can be easily removed, for example, if I believe there is a physical obstruction between the devices, it will cause interference. try keeping the devices closer and in such a way that there is no obstruction.

Read More:-

How to make the Bluetooth signal stronger?

Before you go for a connection check if your device software is compatible with Bluetooth. it only takes a few seconds to check that. When you check software and hardware, you need to troubleshoot your Bluetooth signal strength and other possible factors.

You will need to ensure some of these troubleshooting diagnostics when you will measure your signal:

The Bluetooth – enabled devices should not be close to each other.
The Wi-fi router should have a different bandwidth.
Check for damages in transmitters and sensors
Get rid of any metal that may interfere with the Bluetooth signal
Do not use multiple Bluetooth devices together
Try using a USB Bluetooth signal extender for the computer

Understanding ranges of Bluetooth?

Unlike other wireless devices, Bluetooth signal strength is an important piece of information needed by developers to create Bluetooth wireless devices like keyboards, speakers, etc.

Some important factors that affect the range of connection between the devices

They are:

Radio spectrum:

This is usually between 30 Hz and 300GHz. So when you are selecting the ratio spectrum, you need to check on coverage and data rate. Bluetooth uses a 2.4 GHz ISM spectrum band worldwide, which is considered low-power wireless connectivity.

Receiver sensitivity:

It is the minimum strength of the Bluetooth signal the receiver can interpret.

Bluetooth has a higher sensitivity level that can achieve up to -103 dBm, because of this you can measure how you can hear a sound depending on the PHY you will use.

Transmit power:

It is a design between power consumption and range.

Your signal is stronger even from a distance if you have a higher transmit power.

But you are likely to use more of your device power if you try to increase transmit power.

So, Bluetooth support technology can support shared power from -20 dBm to +20dBm.

Path loss

Because of radio waves that propagate through the air, sometimes you may experience a reduction in signal strength.

It may naturally occur over some distance and usually at a place where the signal is being transmitted

You will notice that obstruction between the devices will affect the strength of the signal.

Antenna gain:

The main use of the antenna is to convert electrical energy from the transmitter into radio waves and vice versa for the receiver

Depending on the antenna, package, and location the strength of your signal varies.

So, Bluetooth can implement a wide range of antenna options from -10dBi to +10dBi.

Some common Bluetooth signal strength and connection issues –

Physical barrier

The place between the devices may have many physical barriers which cause the Bluetooth signals to become weak.

You mainly need to be sure of metals like cabinets, refrigerators, or metal walls.

Wi-fi and wireless devices

The signal issues may be caused because your Bluetooth device’s bandwidth and wi-fi are the same.

Radio frequencies

Unintentional RF radiators can affect your signal strength

You are most likely to get weak Bluetooth signal strength if you are near power lines, railroads, or even microwave oven

Bluetooth channel hopping

Sometimes while connecting two devices with Bluetooth it may pick up one interfering channel leading to a drop in signal.

how to check the strength of the Bluetooth signal in OS X?

Click on the Bluetooth menu bar item
Move the item to know the signal
Look for RSSI to see your signal

Hope this article helps

How Do I Check Bluetooth Signal Strength?

How to make the Bluetooth signal stronger?