Bluetooth® pairing is a process in which two Bluetooth® devices, usually a cell phone and headset, communicate with each other through an established connection. This connection is made when a passkey is entered that both the headset and the cell phone agree upon. The passkey is usually found in the manual sold with the Bluetooth® device.

The process of Bluetooth® pairing between a cell phone and a headset is rather simple. It begins with placing your Bluetooth® device in discovery mode. When in this mode the Bluetooth® device is able to be detected by the cell phone. When your Bluetooth® headset isn't being used you can turn it off to prevent other Bluetooth® devices from detecting it and compromising your privacy.

Once the headset is in discovery mode, also known as Bluetooth® pairing mode, the cell phone is programmed to find the headset. When detected, the Bluetooth® device's name will appear on the cell phone. This will be the name it was originally programmed with or that you gave it.

After Bluetooth® pairing has occurred, you will be required to enter a passkey. As previously mentioned, this passkey is found in the manual that comes with the Bluetooth® headset. Often times this passkey is either a zero, or a series of zeros. A secure connection is established when the headset receives the the passkey and the two devices interact simultaneously.

Bluetooth® pairing can also occur between two computers. This is done to allow two computers to interact and share information. In order for Bluetooth® pairing to occur between the two computers, one of the computers must be discoverable. To place the computer in discover mode use the "Options" tab on the Bluetooth® device.

Several steps are then required to be completed on your computer to finish the Bluetooth® pairing. Click on the "Start" menu and select "Run." In the box, type "Bthprops.cpl" and select "Ok." Click "Add" in the "Bluetooth® Settings" box, then select "My device is set up and ready to be found."

Bluetooth® pairing will be completed after the computer has searched for and discovered the other Bluetooth® device. When the other computer is detected, select it on screen and click "Next." Enter your passkey on the dicovered Bluetooth® device and follow the prompts on the wizard. Bluetooth® pairing is now completed and the two computers can interact and share information.

Bluetooth® pairing can also be done between a computer and modem or a computer and printer. The steps taken for Bluetooth® pairing between these devices vary depending upon the model type. Instructions for how to pair these devices can be found in the manuals.