Check Bluetooth signal strength (2024)

Those who use external Bluetooth devices with a Mac, whether it's a keyboard, mouse, headset, or anything else, are probably aware that connection strength between the device and the computer is going to directly impact how usable the device is.

If your Bluetooth device connections seem flakey, or if your wireless keyboard or mouse isn't as responsive as you think it should be with your Mac, there is a easy way to check Bluetooth signal strength in macOS. Simply Option (Alt) click the Bluetooth menu bar item, then move the mouse cursor over the Bluetooth item you want to check the signal strength for and look for "RSSI".

RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) can be a bit weird to read, but essentially a higher number means a better connection, and a lower number means a worse connection. Note however that the numbers are negative, so that may read opposite to what you'd expect. For example, a connection of -45 is significantly stronger and better than a connection of -100, which is weaker and more likely to have issues. The rough guidelines below may help read the connection, though the precise signal you get is going to vary on other factors we’ll discuss below:

-40 to -55 is a very strong connection
-70 and above represents a good connection
-100 and below represents a bad connection
-110 and below is almost unusable

The two most likely reasons for a bad Bluetooth connection are low batteries and heavy interference from something in the environment. Batteries are easy to test, all you need to do is swap in a new set of batteries or charge the device in question and see if the RSSI increases and if the device becomes more stable. Environmental factors can be trickier to track down, but if you see a huge drop in the RSSI when you move a headset behind a fireplace for example, you can surmise that something in the wall is causing the interference and you should rearrange the equipment accordingly. It's also vaguely possible that the device itself has a defective antenna, though that’s fairly rare for most quality devices.

Check Bluetooth signal strength (1)

Check Bluetooth signal strength (2024)

FAQs

How do I check Bluetooth signal strength? ›

Simply Option (Alt) click the Bluetooth menu bar item, then move the mouse cursor over the Bluetooth item you want to check the signal strength for and look for "RSSI". The two most likely reasons for a bad Bluetooth connection are low batteries and heavy interference from something in the environment.

What is a good signal strength for Bluetooth? ›

Whenever you know what you are looking for, it becomes easy to check the strength of your Bluetooth signal. Bluetooth RSSI can be accessed by reading the RSSI on the device's settings. An ideal RSSI value of a Bluetooth device should be between -30 to -55.

How do I fix a weak Bluetooth signal? ›

Change the position or location of the unit or connected device. If the connected device has a cover on it, take it off to improve the communication distance. If the connected device is in a bag or in a pocket, try moving the position of the device. Place the devices closer together to improve signal transmission.

Why does my PC have a bad Bluetooth connection? ›

Make sure your Bluetooth device is turned on, is charged or has fresh batteries, and is in range of your PC. Then, try the following: Turn off your Bluetooth device, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. Make sure your Bluetooth device is in range.

How can I check my wireless signal strength? ›

An easy way to measure your Wi-Fi signal strength

The easiest way to measure how strong your Wi-Fi signal is, is to move throughout your space and look at the Wi-Fi symbol in the upper right corner of your device. The more solid bars, the stronger the signal.

What blocks a Bluetooth signal? ›

A Bluetooth jammer is any device that can block the signals being exchanged between two or more devices. A jammer sends out an interfering signal that prevents devices in the locality from connecting. This can be very useful in areas where phone usage is restricted, and network security is of utmost importance.

How do I know if my signal strength is good? ›

It's a bit counter-intuitive, but the closer to zero the dBm reading is, the stronger the cell phone signal.
  1. Close to no signal strength= -110 dBm.
  2. Poor signal strength = -85 dBm to -100 dBm.
  3. Good signal strength = -65 dBm to -84 dBm.
  4. Excellent signal strength = -64 dBm to -50 dBm.
Aug 8, 2022

What affects Bluetooth signal? ›

Like radio waves, Bluetooth can pass through solid objects and remain strong. However, the more obstructions between the device and the speaker, the more they impact the signal. The type of material it passes through matters, too.

Why is my phone's Bluetooth weak? ›

Ensure the device you're trying to connect has enough power

Some Bluetooth devices don't work well when they're on low power, and to rule out that being the cause of the problem, we suggest you charge up the device first before trying to reconnect it with your phone.

How can I improve my Bluetooth quality? ›

General Tips to Improve Your Bluetooth Audio Quality
  1. Change the audio input device to a built-in laptop mic.
  2. Use mSBC codec over the HFP profile if your OS supports it.
  3. Make sure your devices are adequately charged before use, since low battery levels on Bluetooth devices can adversely affect audio quality.
Nov 30, 2023

How do I fix a weak wireless signal? ›

10 tips to help improve your wireless network
  1. Choose a central location. ...
  2. Move your router off the floor. ...
  3. Replace your router's antenna. ...
  4. Reduce wireless interference. ...
  5. Replace your device wireless card-based network adapter. ...
  6. Add a wireless repeater. ...
  7. Change your wireless channel. ...
  8. Update your firmware or network adapter driver.

Why is my Bluetooth range so low? ›

This is due to fact that your pocket and leg and body become physical barriers for the bluetooth signal, as the signal spreads out and will essentially “aim” for the headset in your ear and this means the signal has to get through everything in between the two.

How to improve Bluetooth connection range? ›

Fortunately, there are several ways to increase the range of Bluetooth, including keeping your devices up to date, reducing interference, using an external Bluetooth antenna, using a Bluetooth range extender, using a Bluetooth amplifier, and keeping your devices cool.

How do I fix Bluetooth connection problems? ›

Fix Bluetooth problems on Android
  1. Step 1: Check Bluetooth basics. Turn Bluetooth off and then on again. Learn how to turn Bluetooth on and off. Confirm that your devices are paired and connected. ...
  2. Step 2: Troubleshoot by problem type. Can't pair with car. Step 1: Clear devices from your phone's memory.

Can I boost my Bluetooth signal? ›

Fortunately, there are several ways to increase the range of Bluetooth, including keeping your devices up to date, reducing interference, using an external Bluetooth antenna, using a Bluetooth range extender, using a Bluetooth amplifier, and keeping your devices cool.

How do I check my Bluetooth capability? ›

Does My Computer Have Bluetooth?
  1. Open the Start menu and type “Device Manager”
  2. Click to open Device Manager.
  3. Scroll through the list of devices and look for “Bluetooth”
Aug 14, 2024

How do I know if my Bluetooth is working properly? ›

If you're having an issue whether your bluetooth is accessible, take another phone and turn on the bluetooth on it too. If you see your device on the list, your bluetooth is working. Try pairing the two devices as that confirms the connection of your device.

How do I test my phone signal strength? ›

The field test mode for Android devices varies by phone model and OS version, but it can usually be found under the Settings menu.
  1. Tap “Settings”
  2. Tap “About Phone”
  3. Tap “Status” or.
  4. “Network”
  5. Tap “SIM Status”
  6. Your dBm or rsrp can be found under “Signal strength”
Jan 31, 2024

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