If you’re like most people, you rely on your Chromebook to do your daily computing tasks. But if you’re having trouble connecting to Bluetooth devices, your Chromebook may not be able to keep up. Here are some tips on how to improve Bluetooth performance on your Chromebook.

  1. Make sure your Bluetooth device is compatible with your Chromebook. Many older devices don’t work with Chromebooks, and newer devices may not be compatible with older versions of Chrome OS. Check the compatibility list here: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647?hl=en&hlrm=en&pz=1&qid=yf8K3Nvxjn4C&ved=0ahUKEwi5-7a_QKHVAhWKHcAKHQ6AEIQFggEQMAI
  2. Update your firmware on the Bluetooth device and on your Chromebook if necessary. This will ensure that both devices are using the latest software and firmware updates.
  3. Disable power-saving features on the Bluetooth device if it’s causing problems connecting to your Chromebook. Some Bluetooth devices automatically turn off when they’re not in use, which can cause problems when trying to connect them to a Chromebook running Chrome OS. To disable power-saving features on a Bluetooth device: Open the Settings app On the main menu, click Device Under “Bluetooth,” click Advanced Turn off “Power saving” under “Bluetooth settings.”
  4. Try different connection methods If you’re having trouble connecting to a specific type of Bluetooth device or if you’re having trouble connecting at all, try using different connection methods: Try using a direct connection between the two devices instead of using a wireless network or an internet connection If you have an Ethernet cable handy, try plugging it into one of the ports on either device and trying again If you have a USB cable handy, try plugging it into one of the USB ..

I love Chromebooks, but I’m not blind to their faults. Despite partnering with Brydge to sell a Bluetooth keyboard for the new Pixel Slate, the Bluetooth stack on Chrome OS is still terrible. But it can be fixed.

The fact that this is fixable isn’t to excuse the sorry state of Bluetooth support that Chromebook users have to deal with though. Wired accessories are going to be more stable on any operating system, but on Chrome OS they’re almost a necessity. Trying to pair Bluetooth headphones, mice and other accessories leaves most users just staring at the Bluetooth page in frustration.

And when you do get your accessories paired, the experience isn’t much better. Headphone audio typically cuts in and out, while using a Bluetooth mouse will often leave you with a pointer that lags and bounces around. 

How to Make Your Chromebook’s Bluetooth Magically Better

Google is testing out a new Bluetooth stack for Chromebooks, and you should be able to use it now. Jump into your browser, open a new tab, and enter chrome://flags.

Type “newblue” into the Flags search box near the top. Select the drop-down menu next to Newblue, then select “Enabled.”

Save anything you’re working on, then select Restart Now.

That’s it! New Bluetooth devices should pair much easier and they’ll work much better. After changing this setting on my Chromebook, I didn’t have any issues with my Bluetooth keyboard mistyping, headphone audio being choppy or my mouse pointer being inconsistent.