Expand your reach with Bluetooth®.

Maybe you’ve heard the word ‘Bluetooth®’ when people are discussing their vehicles, stereos or cellphones, but what is it? Bluetooth allows phones, headsets, earpieces, tablets, computers and countless other devices to interact with other Bluetooth enabled devices—without wires or cables. While this technology isn’t new, we thought we’d explain what it is, how it works and how best to take advantage of all it offers.

Bluetooth technology is standard in millions of products today. A Bluetooth signal makes a reliable wireless connection and frees up your hands to do other things—like drive and talk at the same time. So, you’ll feel more mobile than ever with Bluetooth devices connected.

Many people like wearing a Bluetooth earpiece or headset simply for the freedom and comfort it provides. Like how you can talk hands-free while using a laptop. Or, walking and talking with a phone tucked inside their purse or pocket cellphone. And, of course when you’re in the car.

If you’ve ever overheard a phone conversation through a car’s speakers, it’s probably working through the Bluetooth systems now pre-equipped in the consoles of many modern vehicles. It’s no problem if yours doesn’t have one installed though. We offer easy-to-use Bluetooth headsets that let you make and receive calls and also converse hands-free during activities like toting the groceries into your home or walking the dog.

Setting up a cellphone to use Bluetooth is very simple:

  • Turn Bluetooth on (usually under your phone’s settings)
  • Sync with headset or car system (also called pairing)
  • Talk away!

Of course, if you ever need our assistance pairing your cellular devices to other Bluetooth devices, just give us a call. We’re always happy to help!

There are many fun uses for Bluetooth, too. Some vehicle or media systems allow you to play your music through the signal. Music stored on your phone or tablet can then be played across car speakers or a stereo without any wires or connections. Just see your car or stereo manual for step-by-step instructions.

You can also use Bluetooth to connect phones to other devices, so you can easily share information or a few photos between them. Many of us know too well the challenge of fitting both a printer and computer on a small desk. Bluetooth solves that issue, too, since many printers these days can connect wirelessly directly or through cloud storage—so you can print from your laptop, smartphone or tablet even when you’re a room away.

Just in case you’re wondering, Bluetooth won’t use your cellular plan’s minutes or data either. It doesn’t require internet or Wi-Fi because it create its own network. With Bluetooth, you can use your phone and other devices as never before, making life just a little bit easier. After all, who couldn’t use a little hands-free help?

39 Thoughts on "Expand your reach with Bluetooth®."

  1. C.J. Hafner says

    I am paying $40+ a month just for a basic no frills cell phone – and that’s all I want in a phone. However, I’m interested in finding the least expensive option for a WiFi connection for my computer use. What would the least expensive plan be for me if I were to do it through Consumer Cellular.

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      Thank you for posting, C.J. At this time, we don’t offer internet service for at-home use. We do offer a portable Hotspot, which uses creates a wireless network while using cellular data. While this is great for customers when they are on the go or away from home, it may not be the best fit for your exclusive internet service. Our largest data plan is 4GB, but you can see what option would be the best fit for your needs on our Plans page here. As always, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have about our service at 888-345-5509. We appreciate you taking the time to post today, and we hope you have a great day!

  2. Kathy says

    Thank you! That was helpful. So, where did the term “bluetooth” come from? And what is the source of that little icon?

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      We’re glad you found it helpful, Kathy. I did some digging, and it looks like it was named for a Danish king, Harold Bluetooth. He was known for uniting different countries. Since Bluetooth was designed to be connect different devices and types of technology, the name seems apt! As for the icon, it is “H” and “B” (Harold Bluetooth’s initials) written with Scandinavian runes. So there is some fun trivia for you as well! Thanks for posting today!

  3. Nadeem says

    lovely

  4. Liz Veness says

    Hello Ashley, I am looking for a cell phone that will work while I am in Florida (182 days annually) and Ontario, Canada (183 days annually).

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      Thank you for posting, Liz. Our phones and service are designed to work within the United States only, so you would not have service while in Ontario for that portion of time. If you like, you can always move down to our $10 plan or suspend your service while you are out of the country, but if you need cellular service while you’re there, we may not be the best fit. We can talk to you about your options and see if our service might work for your needs. Just give us a call at 888-345-5509, and we’ll be happy to discuss this with you. We appreciate you taking the time to post today!

  5. ron bradley says

    I just signed up.. needed to speak with you for clarification…very pleased with your response system…thanks much for your services

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      Thank you so much for those kind words, Ron. I know that Margie, your account advisor, enjoyed helping you with your Envoy. If we can assist you with anything else at this time, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 888-345-5509. We appreciate you taking the time to post, and we hope you have a wonderful day!

  6. Herb Phelan says

    Can I block unwanted calls to me cell phone.

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      Thank you for asking, Herb. While we can’t block individual numbers from calling your phone, there are a variety of apps out there that can help you block unwanted calls. We even detailed one in our blog here. We also recommend that you register your phone number with the Do Not Call registry to lessen the number of unwanted calls. If we can help you install any apps or if we can answer any other questions you may have, please give us a call at 888-345-5509. We appreciate you reaching out to us here, and we hope you have a great day!

  7. Lare Poucher says

    I have a Huawei envoy phone. It’s not user friendly when using Bluetooth. I’m able to pair the phone with my Lincoln, but must leave the phone open so that voice sound will come through the speakers. Also, voice recognition on the phone is very poor. I can’t place a call to my wife at home even though it’s in the phone’s phone book. Keeps telling me there is no listing and do “I want to call other” (WHICH IS MY WIFE’S CELL PHONE). Customer service is very good, but I wouldn’t buy this phone again, too much trouble.

    • Bob Varone says

      I am having the same problem. In coming calls work but out going calls the audio will only come through the phone and not the cars audio system. No help from Consumer. Car is a 2012 Toyota Highlander. Other phone work fine but the problem seems to be with the Envoy phone.

      • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

        Thanks for posting, Bob. I was able to take a look at your account, and I see that Dillon, our account advisor, was able to assist you. If we can be of any further help at this time, please don’t hesitate to call us at 888-345-5509. We appreciate you taking the time to reach out to us, and we hope you have a great day!

        • Bob Varone says

          Dillon was very nice but did not have a answer why it does not have internal audio and MIC working in my car on dialed out calls. The only audio is heard on my phone. incoming calls work great. Worked ok wen a friend paired his pone in my car so the problem is definitely the Envoy. Have you had any other complaints with this phone used with Bluetooth in the car?

          • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

            Thanks for posting, Bob. We can provide you with some additional troubleshooting if you like at 888-345-5509. If you can, please use a different device so that we can work with you to change some settings and try different options. We appreciate you posting, and we hope to speak with you soon!

  8. Barbara Jameson says

    I am so confused. I am paying for phone talk that I don’t use. I have been told by several representatives I can change my plan and then change it back. Well, I did that like they said and I got charged extra for the 1500 minutes. My phone bill is always a surprise each month. I thought I would love Consumer Cellular but I am having my doubts.

    • Dominic at Consumer Cellular says

      Thanks for the post, Barbara. I was just reviewing your account and noticed that Sonia, from our customer service team spoke with you earlier about the details of your cellphone plan. If you’re still in need of assistance, please don’t hesitate to ask and we’ll be more than happy to assist you. Thank you!

  9. Russell D Harrison says

    What is included in “Data”?

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      Thank you for asking, Russell. Your phone will use cellular data when you’re trying to access the internet, such as when you check Facebook, send an email or use certain apps. If you would like to get a better idea of how your phone uses data, check out our blog here. And of course, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have at 888-345-5509. Thank you for posting!

  10. Richard Nelson says

    Just started using my new CC Moto E phone. I tried Bluetooth and it is not recognized by my Honda CRV. Is there any solution possible here or is this common with a small carrier like CC?

    Rich

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      Thank you for asking, Rich. Your phone comes complete with Bluetooth, which doesn’t relate to your cellular signal or service. While most cars connect via Bluetooth right away, you may want to consult your vehicle’s manual to see if any additional steps are needed to connect. We’re also happy to help you troubleshoot at 888-345-5509 if this continues to be an issue. We appreciate you reaching out to us today!

  11. Charlene Ives says

    Have a Consumer Cellular Envoy (flip phone) – my Toyota Rava4 has bluetooth capabilities and Envoy phone shows bluetooth symbol at the top of phone screen; however, do not see Bluetooth in the Settings features?
    Many thanks in advance for your assistance.

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      We’re happy to help you with that, Charlene. Go ahead and go to your Menu, then select “Settings”. Use the keypad to scroll to the right, and Connectivity will be the fourth tab shown. Select that, then Bluetooth. Select the option for Bluetooth, and select “On”. Then choose the option for “Search for Bluetooth Devices”. This will allow you to search for the connection in your car. Once you find your car among the list, select it, and you should be connected. Of course, we’re happy to walk you through it if you run into any issues. Just call us at 888-345-5509, and we can assist you. Thank you for posting, and we hope you have a great day!

  12. Joanne says

    My parents are interested in your phone. They don’t need internet but would like blue tooth for hands free use in the car. Do you offer this?

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      Thank you for posting, Joanne! If your parents are looking for a simple, easy-to-use phone, both of our flip phone options have Bluetooth so that they can go hands free in the car. You can view them here on our website. We’re happy to tell you more about them and answer any other questions you may have at 888-345-5509. We appreciate you taking the time to post today, and we look forward to assisting you!

  13. Ann Powell says

    I have an old bluetooth unit from a previous phone. Will I be able to use it with my ZTE Consumer Cellular 828 in our pre-bluetooth vehicle?

    • Hi Ann! You should be able to use most Bluetooth devices with your ZTE 828, but if the device is very old it may not work. Pairing the device with your phone is a little different on every phone and every Bluetooth device. Start by turning on the “pairing mode” on your Bluetooth device. Then, go to your phone settings, select “Bluetooth” and finish the pairing process. Please visit the Videos & Manuals Page for your specific model of phone. There you can find additional instructions in the phone manual. You can also contact our Customer Support team at (888) 345-5509, and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

  14. Voyne Boggs says

    Having trouble pairing my apple iPhone to my Lincoln MKZ voice activated sync system!!!

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      Thanks for reaching out to us, Voyne. If you’re connecting via Bluetooth, you may check your vehicle’s manual to see if there is a verification code that is needed. When connecting for the first time, you may be prompted for this code. It’s often something along the lines of “1-2-3-4” or similar. We’re happy to help you if you continue to have difficulty connecting, so please don’t hesitate to call us at 888-345-5509. We appreciate you posting today!

  15. Michelka says

    Nice article. Its much informative. Thanks for posting…

  16. Joe says

    I am having trouble pairing my new phone a 6-s plus to my 2012 Mazda. I sit in the car and push the talk button, it says to enter the code it gives me on my device. But the phone doesn’t show me anyway to do that. I went car play and the phone just keeps searching for a lit of cars that it works with. I guess I wondering if only Andriod phones work with the Bluetooth? I really want to be able to use the hands free system

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      We’re happy to assist you, Joe. Both Android devices and iPhone are designed to connect via Bluetooth. We recommend checking your device’s manual to see if there is a process required to pair your phone. Often, you will need to enter a code when prompted upon connecting for the first time. If we can be of any further assistance, please call us at 888-345-5509. Thanks for posting, and we hope you have a great day!

  17. Joyce Irby says

    I have phone and it permits Bluetooth sometimes and sometimes not. Why?

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      Thanks for posting, Joyce. First, try powering your phone off, then back on again when you’re experiencing issues with Bluetooth connections. If that doesn’t resolve the problem, please give us a call at 888-345-5509 and we will be happy to perform additional troubleshooting. We appreciate you posting, and we hope you have a lovely day!

  18. Dixie Burge says

    I have a Hyundai Elantra 2017. I have the Android Auto app installed on the car so I can use a phone’s Google Maps app for navigation on the car’s screen. Do Consumer Cellular phones have the capability to use Android Auto for that purpose? I am currently with Verizon, but I want to cut down on my cellphone bill, and am considering Consumer Cellular. But I want that one feature. Can you help? Thanks!

    • Nicole at Consumer Cellular says

      Thank you for the question, Dixie. Compatibility between our smartphones and third-party applications will be dependent on the app. Compatibility requirements for the Android Auto app can be found in the Google Play Store directly. Most of our smartphones start with Android 8.0, and you can also confirm this on our website here by clicking “View Details” under the device.

      Alternatively, if you want to use your own phone from Verizon that is already working with the app, it will need to be unlocked and able to use a SIM card. We cannot guarantee compatibility, but our agents will do all they can to get it working.

  19. Judy says

    Why doesn’t uconnect show anymore on my consumer cellular setting?