Every time you use your Bluetooth headphones and start getting a poor internet connection? This makes you wonder if anything is wrong with your devices or not. Nothing is wrong with your devices; this is a common issue with Bluetooth and wi-fi connections.
Now, a question has to be asked there. Can Bluetooth interfere with wi-fi? That's what I will be discussing with you here today. Also, I will try to give a solution to that problem as well. So, without wasting further time, let's get going with it.
Contents
Can a Bluetooth Headset Interfere with wi-fi?
The straightforward answer is yes; Bluetooth headset signals can interfere with your wi-fi signals. The reason is the frequency range for most wi-fi signals, and Bluetooth signals are the same. Let's dig a little deep to understand this completely.
When you use a Bluetooth device, it has to compete in the frequency spectrum where other devices also lie. It can be a wi-fi router, or another Bluetooth device, or even a microwave oven. The reason for competing is that there isn't too much space for all the devices to be connected within the same frequency spectrum.
Typically, most wi-fi routers will work on the 2.4Ghz bandwidth, which is also the frequency range for Bluetooth devices. Primarily, Bluetooth headsets work on this frequency range.
So, whenever you turn on two of the devices simultaneously and get them nearby, they are competing for a spot in the spectrum. This causes the headset to disrupt and interfere with wi-fi signals, resulting in a slower internet connection for you.
Now, the real question is, can you solve this issue? If so, then how can you do it? That's what I will be discussing next. I will share some methods to stop Bluetooth interference with your wi-fi signal.
Related: Blackweb bluetooth speaker review
How to deal with Interference Between wi-fi and Bluetooth headphones
You will want to fix this Bluetooth interference issue as soon as possible because it causes quite a lot of errors. Problems like disconnection or static sound and even audio delays can be pretty annoying.
Lucky for you, there are some things you can do to fix the issue at times, if not eliminate it. So, let's go through the things you can try out to fix this problem.
Changing your router channel
Usually, your router works on a particular channel, and it will establish the connection automatically. But at times, the channel it chooses turns out to be a pretty crowded one. Your Bluetooth headset can also be within that channel.
So, if you simply change your router's channel, it should get you rid of interference. There are plenty of apps out there that will let you control the channel. Some routers have their dedicated app that you can use to change the channel as well.
Changing router channel width
When you widen the channel width, the wi-fi signals get more room to reach your devices. This reduces the chances of your wi-fi interfering with the Bluetooth signals on the same device.
Switch to 5Ghz band
A great thing about modern routers is that most of them come with dual-band connectivity options. They come with a 2.4Ghz band which is the usual and common frequency for all routers. And then you get a 5Ghz band which is much faster than the regular one. However, it doesn't have a range like the other one.
Switching to a different frequency band puts your wi-fi signals on like a new dimension. So, there is no scope for interference between signals when using your router in the 5Ghz band.
Now, these are the things that you can do with your router to fix this problem. Also, for the 5Ghz band, you will need to have a dual or triple band router. So, if you don't have one, either buy one or try out the next set of tips I am about to share.
Here are some solutions that have nothing to do with your router. Let's take a look at them quickly.
- Buy a Bluetooth headset that comes with features not to interfere with a wireless device. There are plenty of these headsets out there.
- When you have your device connected to both Bluetooth and wi-fi, make sure to get closer to your wi-fi. Getting closer to your wi-fi will increase the signal strength and stop all kinds of interference.
- Removing all the physical barriers between devices can also help get rid of interference. For example, if there is a thick wall between your device and your router, you have to get rid of that. Of course, you can't just move the wall around. You have to get your device away from obstructions.
- You can also try out resetting your headphone. At times, the headphone fills up with connection caches which makes them slow or lag. This results in audio interruption as well as interferes in wi-fi connections.
While these things aren't specific fixes, they can help you reduce the effect for sure. But if you wonder what's the best solution, I have to go with two of them. Either use a router that has dual-band technology, or you can go for an advanced Bluetooth headset that doesn't interfere with other wireless devices.
A drawback with changing the band is that not many devices support 2.4Ghz, including computers, laptops, smartphones, and so forth. So, you have to consider that while you are trying to fix the problem.
Related: Causes of Bluetooth headphones keep cutting in and out
Wrap up
All in all, if you were wondering can Bluetooth interfere with wi-fi, the answer is yes, they can. And fortunately, it's not something that you will have to live with forever. You can try out fixes for this issue, and they aren't difficult at all.
If you were to ask me, I would say the best thing is to get a quality Bluetooth headset that doesn't interfere with wi-fi signals. This will help you a lot and make your life much easier.
Graduated with a Bachelor of Audio Engineering and Sound Production. He has worked with a number of studios as a Recording Engineer, with over 10 years of servicing experience in both re-recording mixing and sound editing.