Is it possible to update the Bluetooth version on your mobile phone?

If you've noticed that your wireless headphones sound bad, cut out, or disconnect from your phone, it's easy to think the problem lies with a outdated Bluetooth version and that it would be enough to "update" it as if it were an app. However, the reality is quite different: Bluetooth mixes hardware, drivers and operating systemAnd that greatly influences what can and cannot be done.

In this article we will calmly examine whether It is possible to update the Bluetooth version. On a mobile phone (or other devices), what changes does each version bring, how to know which one you have, what real margin there is to improve performance, and in what cases the only solution is to change devices or support the connection with external adapters.

Is it possible to update the Bluetooth version using only software?

The first thing to make clear is that the “Bluetooth version” is linked to the hardwareThe chip in your mobile phone, laptop, tablet, or even the WiFi/Bluetooth module of a PC determines whether that device is Bluetooth 4.2, 5.0, 5.2, 5.4, etc.

In practice, this means that It's not enough to simply install an app, an APK, or a driver. To convert Bluetooth 4.2 to 5.2. To make that leap, it would be necessary to replace the physical module (in a PC, by changing the WiFi/Bluetooth card; in a mobile phone, by changing the motherboard or the phone itself), something that in conventional smartphones It's not realistic and it's not designed for the end user..

In many portable And desktop computers, WiFi and Bluetooth go together in one same internal moduleIn that case, you could upgrade to a higher version by replacing the graphics card with a newer one and then installing the appropriate drivers. But on mobile devices... Android o iPhone, The Bluetooth module is soldered to the board. and there is no "plug-in module" that you can replace without a complex repair.

That's why, when we see messages like "update to Bluetooth 5.0" in apps de Google Play or in unclear ads, they can really only touch software settings, drivers or codecsbut never change the physical version of the standard that the chip supports.

The real importance of the Bluetooth version on your device

The Bluetooth version directly influences range, stability, battery consumption, speed and partly in the sound quality that reaches your headphones. It's not just a pretty number on the spec sheet: it significantly impacts the daily user experience.

Since Bluetooth 4.x, the 5.x family has introduced very clear improvements. With the arrival of Bluetooth 5.0 and subsequent revisions (5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4), aspects such as the following have been enhanced: coverage range, energy efficiency, and the ability to transmit more data maintaining a stable connection.

A mobile phone with Bluetooth 5.2 or 5.3, for example, usually offers Fewer micro-cuts, greater range and lower consumption than one that stayed at 4.2, especially if you use it with headphones, smartwatches or devices that require continuous audio or data transmission.

Furthermore, each version upgrade refines the security and robustness of the connectionThis is especially noticeable when you have many wireless devices around (mobile phone, smartwatch, car, speakers, etc.) and everything shares the same radio environment.

Main versions: from Bluetooth 4.x to 5.4

Without going into extreme technical detail, it's worth reviewing what the most common versions we still see in current mobile phones, headphones, and computers offer, because it helps to understand Why do so many people want to "update"? its Bluetooth.

Bluetooth versions 4.0 and 4.2 introduced a very significant energy savings Compared to previous versions, it also offers a more acceptable range and better stability for accessories such as sports bracelets and devices. IoTThey are still very common in older mobile phones and budget devices.

With Bluetooth 5.0 came the big leap: greater range (much more than the theoretical ~60 meters of 4.x), higher speed, and better data capacityIn practice, this offers more stable connections and the ability to handle more devices simultaneously, with fewer interruptions and better response.

Bluetooth 5.1 focused on improvements such as features like more precise address and location searchdesigned to better understand where a device is connecting from or its proximity, which is very useful for trackable objects or environments with many connected devices, although the difference in sound quality is not so radical.

Version 5.2 took a big step forward with the introduction of LE Audio and the LC3 codecThis allows for better audio quality while maintaining lower bitrates and reduced power consumption. This combination improves efficiency compared to 5.0 and 5.1, enabling higher quality and more stable audio with less impact on battery life.

Later revisions such as 5.3 and 5.4 followed, which focus on polish safety, stability and efficiencyNowadays it's rare to find a new mid-range or high-end mobile phone that doesn't come with at least Bluetooth 5.3 or 5.4, while very cheap or old models are the ones that remain stuck on previous standards.

Is my mobile phone compatible with other Bluetooth versions?

A common concern is whether a modern mobile phone with Bluetooth 5.3, for example, will connect properly to headphones that only have Bluetooth 5.0 or 4.2 and vice versa. The good news is that the standard has been designed for years to be backward compatible.

This means you can easily pair a mobile phone with Bluetooth 5.2 with Bluetooth 5.0 headphones, or a phone with 5.0 with a 5.1 speaker. In most combinations, There will be no matchmaking failuresprovided that both devices are working properly on their own.

So where's the catch? The catch is that, when the devices have Different versions only take advantage of the common featuresIf your mobile phone supports advanced Bluetooth 5.4 features but your headphones are only 5.0, the connection will work, but you won't enjoy the specific improvements of 5.4.

Even so, even sticking to the lowest common denominator, the latest versions have managed to make the overall experience quite good: faster transfer speeds, better range, and more efficient power consumption, provided that both ends of the connection are compatible.

How to know what version of Bluetooth your mobile has

Before becoming obsessed with updating anything, the sensible thing to do is find out Which Bluetooth version does your smartphoneNot all manufacturers make it equally clear, but you have several ways to find out without too much trouble, such as this guide on How to find out the Bluetooth version.

Review phone settings

On some Android phones, you can view certain connectivity information directly from the device itself. system settingsIt's not universal, but it's worth checking there first to see if your model allows it without installing anything extra.

Normally you have to go to Settings> About phone (or Phone Information) and review the sections where hardware and connectivity details are displayed. Some manufacturers also allow you to access the system application list and locate "Bluetooth Sharing" to see it next to the process name. the version you are using.

If your phone doesn't display that detailed information, don't worry. Many models simply don't show it, so you'll have to... resort to alternative methods which, to be honest, are just as simple.

Consult the technical specifications online

The quickest way for many people is to search on the Internet. exact model of your mobile phone and read its technical specifications. In the connectivity section, you'll almost always find something like "Bluetooth 5.0", "Bluetooth 5.2", etc.

Ideally, you should go to the official website of the manufacturerbecause the information there is usually more reliable and less prone to errors. However, trusted specification websites can also clear up any doubts in a matter of seconds.

However, keep in mind that official records are not always updated when a terminal recibe new versions of operating systemIn most cases, the Bluetooth version does not change with an Android update. iOSHowever, codecs or certain functions may vary, so the information may become somewhat outdated in very fine details.

Use diagnostic apps like AIDA64

If you want to see the information directly from your phone, there are very comprehensive utilities such as AIDA64It's a veteran app that clearly displays hardware and software data about the device.

Once installed, simply go to the tab of System and scroll down to the “Bluetooth Version” section. On the right, you’ll see the exact version of the wireless connectivity your phone uses, without having to search through pages or unintuitive menus.

Another interesting tool is Fast Bluetooth 5.0 CheckerThis simply tells you if your phone supports Bluetooth 5.x. It doesn't specify the exact version number, but it does clarify at a glance whether your phone falls into the group of those that They already support at least Bluetooth 5 or if it has remained at previous standards.

Can the mobile phone's Bluetooth be updated via software?

Here's the key point: what you can actually update on an Android phone or computer isn't the physical Bluetooth version, but the drivers and the operating system itself, who are the ones who manage that wireless radio; it is also advisable Check the status of the Bluetooth radio when you notice problems.

In Android, for example, Bluetooth controllers are integrated into the system. When the manufacturer releases a new version of Android or a maintenance update, may include Bluetooth driver improvements, bug fixes, compatibility with new codecs or minor performance tweaks.

This means that, to improve Bluetooth performance on your mobile phone as much as possible, the only thing you can do is keep system up to dateIf your phone no longer receives official updates, you'll face a significant limitation: you won't have access to potential future optimizations.

To check for pending Android updates, You will usually have to go to:

1. Open Settings of the telephone.
2. Enter the section System (usually at the end of the list).
3. Tap on Upgrade system (sometimes it's inside "Phone Information").
4. Click on Search or Check for updates.
5. If there is a new version, download and install it following the instructions.

After completing the process, both will have been updated Android like Bluetooth controllers which are included. You won't see it go from "Bluetooth 4.2" to "Bluetooth 5.0", but you may notice fewer glitches, greater stability, and better compatibility with newer accessories.

The problem is that many phones, especially low-end models or those over two years old, stop receiving updates quickly. In those cases, if the manufacturer doesn't release new system versions or interim patches... Bluetooth fixesyour margin for improvement is reduced to Tricks configuration or even consider changing your device.

Related article:

How can I check the Bluetooth version of an Android phone?

Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.