Here’s how I installed an external USB Bluetooth adapter INSIDE my laptop and made it internal. My laptop wasn’t Bluetooth ready, it didn’t have internal Bluetooth connector and antenna but I needed it in order to access the cell phone without running a cable.
My first option was using the external USB Bluetooth adapter as is but it wasn’t very convenient. I decided to find a way to install this adapter inside the laptop.
Before I started hacking my laptop, I installed Bluetooth software and tested if the new adapter works fine. As you see on the picture below, the Bluetooth icon in the SysTray is active and the cell phone is detected.
For this modification you’ll need:
1. Laptop disassembly experience. Here are service manuals for some laptops.
2. Soldering skills and tools as I mentioned in the power jack repair post.
3. Inexpensive USB Bluetooth 2.0 adapter. I spent less than $8 for that thing and you can find it even cheaper.
This is only for experienced technicians. If you have no experience you can (and most likely will) damage your laptop. Proceed on your own risk!
This guide should works for all laptop brands: Toshiba, Dell, HP/Compaq, IBM, Lenovo, Gateway, etc… as long as you have enough space to mount the Bluetooth module inside the laptop.
OK, here’s how I did it.
First of all, I disassembled my laptop and found a place where I can install the Bluetooth adapter. In my guide I’m using a Toshiba Satellite A105 laptop. I found enough empty space in the top right corner of the laptop.
My idea was simple. Disassemble the Bluetooth adapter, remove the Bluetooth module and solder it to one of the USB ports. I decided to use one of the USB ports located in the lower right corner.
NOTE: After this modification is done, you will not be able to use that particular USB port with any other USB device, it will not work because it’s dedicated to the Bluetooth module. But I think it’s not a big deal because most laptops have 3-4 USB ports.
I found some thin wires laying around.
Make sure that wires are long enough for your project.
Now you’ll have to disassemble the adapter. I easily split the adapter case with a sharp knife and removed the Bluetooth module.
Unsolder the USB connector.
As you see on the picture below, the Bluetooth module easily fits into the empty place inside the laptop.
I soldered four wires to the Bluetooth module. I used terminals for the USB connector.
After that I soldered four wires to four contacts on the back of the USB connector. Be careful. Make sure all wires are connected correctly.
At the last step I installed the Bluetooth module into the place and routed wires from the module to the USB port. I had to reroute the wires a few times to make sure that I can install the top cover and it seats properly. I secured wires to the motherboard with electrical tape.
Finally, assembled the laptop and tested it. There is no on/off hardware switch for the Bluetooth module but I can turn it on and off through software.
The Bluetooth adapter has been installed INSIDE the laptop and works flawlessly!
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August 8th, 2009 at 5:41 am
that’s was a very simple way…., i challange anyone to make it perfect like using keybord shorcut combination to activate and deactivate it, so really like internal bluetooth
July 13th, 2009 at 5:32 am
Most laptops with 3 external USB ports have a 4th hidden somewhere. On most fujitsu laptops this is in a small recess next to the hard disk – just big enough to fit in a bluetooth USB adapter once you take off the plastic casing. No need for any soldering, just plug it in.
July 12th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
I agree with below, if you were to instead install a small usb hub, or some kind of splitter, then you could still be able to use the usb port.
July 10th, 2009 at 4:24 am
Why not install a usb hub instead, and then from it the Bluetooth adapter? Then it should give you more ports to plug more crap on it (not power hungry ones).
I’m not sure if enough but I think twisted pair cable should be enough to handle 5 volts
You could even try enhancing the antenna for maximum range, then use the bluetooth headset for skype calls.
a bluetooth mouse and/or a camera
dam,
good to know there is comming soon v 3.0, there is so much flexibility in the Bluetooth protocols.
June 10th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Bonus points if you install the board of a tiny USB hub so you can still have the port working.
May 17th, 2009 at 8:23 am
John,
You are correct. Using an external Bluetooth adapter is way easier. I installed mine inside the laptop just for fun.
May 17th, 2009 at 6:24 am
You can also buy really tiny BlueTooth adapters that only protrude about 1/4″ from the USB jack. I have one of these for my HP laptop that didn’t have BT internally, much easier to live with and a LOT easier to install. I got three of them for $24, so they fit the $8/ea criteria.
May 12th, 2009 at 7:06 am
obaid,
Why not? A desktop computer has same USB ports and this modification should work too.
May 12th, 2009 at 7:05 am
Steven B,
If you disable the bluetooth device in the device manager, the USB port still will not work.
That’s a good idean. I havent tried it myself but it might work.
May 12th, 2009 at 1:30 am
sir,I read this whole article is good to experiment it in in our homes but fortunately my laptop already have bluetooth, so i want to ask u that is that possible for me to try it on my desktop computer. reply plese