Bluetooth is everywhere today.
We all use it with our headphones and other personal devices. It’s also very common in business devices.
Many VoIP desk phones now support Bluetooth either natively or using a USB dongle that you plug into the phone.
VoIP phones support Bluetooth to connect to your other communication devices: headsets and smartphones. By connecting to these devices, they enhance their utility for your workflow and productivity.
In this blog, we explore how Bluetooth is used by VoIP phone makers to expand a phone’s functionality.
Let’s get into it!
Bluetooth for VoIP Phones
Bluetooth is primarily used by VoIP phones to connect wirelessly to external devices like headsets and smartphones.
Before we talk about connecting to external devices, however, let’s touch on one special case: cordless handsets.
Some VoIP phones like Yealink SIP-T88W Pro also use Bluetooth to connect to their own handsets. In this case, Bluetooth “replaces” the classic corded phone cable. You still have the familiar phone handset — but now with cordless freedom.
Convenient!
Now let’s talk about connecting to external devices, starting with headsets.
(Feature support depends on device and firmware. Even if a phone supports Bluetooth, that doesn’t mean that it supports every feature we discuss below. Check the manufacturer’s support material for up-to-date information on what features your phone supports.)
Bluetooth Headsets
The primary use of Bluetooth with VoIP phones is for wireless Bluetooth headset connectivity.
Headsets are used to keep your hands free while you work, to make audio sound better, and to keep conversations private. Bluetooth headsets are very convenient: cordless freedom! For many people, headsets are a simple, effective solution to increase productivity and workplace satisfaction.
And Bluetooth headsets are as easy to use with a VoIP phone as they are to use with your other devices.
How do you connect a Bluetooth headset to a VoIP phone? The answer depends on what phone you’re using, but the general process goes like this: put the headset in pairing mode, then select it from the Bluetooth menu on the phone.
Bluetooth headsets usually have integrated call controls on one or both earphone: buttons for call answer/end, mic mute/unmute, and so on. Depending on the model of phone and headset, you might not get full feature integration. Some manufacturers list compatible or recommended Bluetooth headsets.
Now let’s talk about connecting your VoIP phone to your smartphone.
Bluetooth Smartphone Integration
Many VoIP phones also support wireless smartphone integration via Bluetooth.
Pairing a smartphone to your VoIP phone is a similar process to pairing headsets. Some phones, like HP Poly Edge E450, also support NFC fast pairing with compatible Android smartphones.
Why would you want to connect your desk phone to your mobile phone using Bluetooth? This connection enables several functions, depending on the VoIP phone model.
One of the common functions is to enable you to use your VoIP phone for calls being received by your smartphone.
This function lets you take calls from your smartphone with the professional audio quality and familiar user interface of a desk phone’s handset.
For many people, having an integrated workflow — all business calls are taken on the desk phone — can simplify their lives. Also using a desk phone can be a habitual, familiar act that feels more natural to do. This is all down to personal preference.
Another common function is to share contact lists from your mobile phone to your VoIP phone. This is another workflow simplification feature.
You don’t have to manually add contacts on your VoIP phone. They’re shared automatically. Simple.
Some Yealink phones support another function: photo, video, and audio file sharing via Bluetooth. You can both send and receive files from connected devices.
This feature is rather niche, but it does make it simple, for example, to change the background image on your VoIP phone to a photo you took with your smartphone.