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Question from Marvin: After using a flip phone for years, I finally decided it was time to upgrade to a smart phone.
I found a good deal on a new iPhone so I bought one. I like the phone ok, but some things about it are really confusing.
For example, my phone’s user manual says it supports both Bluetooth and WiFi wireless connectivity.
What is Bluetooth and how is it different from WiFi?
Rick’s answer: Marvin, WiFi and Bluetooth are both wireless technologies, but they are completely different and serve completely different purposes.
WiFi is primarily used to wirelessly connect smart phones, computers and other devices to the Internet and/or a local network. In other words, a WiFi connection basically replaces the Ethernet cable that is used to connect a device to a router.
WiFi signal ranges vary widely depending on several factors, but under ideal circumstances a typical home WiFi signal can extend several hundred feet from the router.
If your home or place of business has a wireless router installed, you either already have a WiFi network in place or you can easily set one up by following the instructions in the router’s user manual.
Bluetooth is a short-distance (up to 33 feet for typical consumer-grade electronic devices) wireless technology that’s primarily used to connect a smart phone, a tablet or some other computing device to an external peripheral such as a Bluetooth headset, speaker or keyboard.
What’s more, most new vehicles also come with Bluetooth technology installed these days, allowing you to wirelessly integrate a wide variety of gadgets with your vehicle’s built-in computer system.
For example, you can pair your new phone with your car via Bluetooth and stream your favorite music from your phone and listen to it through your car’s awesome speakers. It’s also handy for hands-free calling.
If your car doesn’t have Bluetooth capability already, you can easily add it.
If you don’t use any Bluetooth peripherals with your iPhone, you can (and should) disable Bluetooth in the Settings menu in order to conserve the charge on your phone’s battery.
Smartphone users and users of other mobile devices that support cellular connections can choose to have their devices connect to the Internet either via WiFi or their cell carrier’s data network.
Whenever one is available I recommend always using a secure Wi-Fi connection (one that requires a password to access it) when using the Internet with your phone, tablet or other mobile device, for two reasons:
1 – In many situations a strong WiFi connection will be faster than your cellular carrier’s data connection, even when using 5G if the strength of the cellular signal at your location is poor to middling.
2 – The data that’s sent and received over WiFi doesn’t count toward a cellular plan’s monthly data allotment.
I hope this helps, Marvin. Good luck with your new iPhone!
Bonus tip: As I mentioned above, Bluetooth is a very handy technology to have in your car. If yours doesn’t already have Bluetooth capability you can easily add it with this.