How to Connect Your iPod Touch to Bluetooth Speakers

Support for Bluetooth speakers on the iPod touch is now a reality. When released the second generation of Apple’s iPod touch platform replaced the Wi-Fi chip used with one that supports Bluetooth. Out of the box Apple did not enable Bluetooth. With the release of OS version 3.0 the Bluetooth chip has been enabled for pairing with Bluetooth speakers or headphones.

The second generation of iPod Touch was released September 9, 2009. The second generation iPod touch’s came with OS Version 2.1.1 originally. Currently the latest released OS is version 3.1.2. For a small fee (currently about five dollars) you can upgrade your touch to the latest and greatest OS release. Along with many other features the latest release includes the Bluetooth A2DP profile (The Advanced Audio Distribution Profile is a Bluetooth profile that allows for the wireless transmission of stereo audio.) to be enabled.

There are a few things to verify before attempting to connect to your Bluetooth wireless speaker or headphones. First check your serial number and the apple website to verify that you do actually have a second generation or newer touch. Once you have verified that you have the required hardware, verify that your software version is correct. To determine your software version first tap the settings icon, then tap general, then tab about to see the version number. You need at least version 3.0 to be able to be able to connect to Bluetooth stereo speakers. If you are not at the very latest version I would strongly recommend that you upgrade to version 3.1.2 (at the time of this writing this is the latest version and can be purchased from iTunes for about 5 dollars).

Once you have determined that your iPod is capable and has the appropriate software it is time to pair with your Bluetooth wireless speaker. Follow the instructions that came with the headset or car kit to make it discoverable or to set it to search for other Bluetooth devices. This may involve entering a passkey or PIN number. Choose Settings > General > Bluetooth and turn Bluetooth on. The touch will begin searching for nearby Bluetooth devices. Choose the wireless Bluetooth speaker. The touch may prompt you to enter a passkey or PIN number. The instructions that came with your wireless speakers should contain this information.

Connecting to your wireless speakers from a touch is now very easy. Just make sure that you have a second generation or newer touch. Be sure to get the latest version of the OS. Turn on Bluetooth and search for your speakers or headphones. You will be enjoying your new wireless freedom in no time at all.