Change Bluetooth Peripheral's Broadcast Name On Peripheral, Not Just Alias On Computer
Introduction
Are you tired of having multiple Bluetooth peripherals with the same broadcast name, making it difficult to identify which one is which? If you're like me, you might have multiple devices with the same name, and it can be frustrating to figure out which one is connected to your computer. In this article, we'll explore how to change the broadcast name of your Bluetooth peripherals, so you can easily identify them from the list.
Understanding Bluetooth Peripherals
Before we dive into the process of changing the broadcast name, let's understand how Bluetooth peripherals work. Bluetooth is a wireless personal area network (PAN) technology that allows devices to communicate with each other over short distances. Bluetooth peripherals, such as keyboards, mice, and headphones, use Bluetooth technology to connect to computers and other devices.
The Problem with Default Broadcast Names
When you pair a Bluetooth peripheral with your computer, it will automatically broadcast its name to the surrounding devices. However, the default broadcast name is often the manufacturer's name or a generic name, which can make it difficult to identify the device. For example, if you have multiple Lenovo Thinkpad Trackpoint Keyboards, they will all broadcast the same name, making it hard to tell which one is which.
Changing the Broadcast Name on the Peripheral
Fortunately, it is possible to change the broadcast name of your Bluetooth peripherals, so you can easily identify them from the list. Here's how to do it:
Lenovo Thinkpad Trackpoint Keyboard II
If you have a Lenovo Thinkpad Trackpoint Keyboard II, you can change the broadcast name by following these steps:
- Go to the Bluetooth settings: On your computer, go to the Bluetooth settings and look for the Lenovo Thinkpad Trackpoint Keyboard II.
- Right-click on the device: Right-click on the device and select "Properties" or "Details".
- Change the name: In the properties or details window, you will see the current name of the device. Click on the "Name" field and enter a new name for the device.
- Save the changes: Click "OK" to save the changes.
However, this will only change the alias on the computer, not the broadcast name on the peripheral. To change the broadcast name on the peripheral, you need to use a different method.
Using the Lenovo Vantage App
To change the broadcast name on the Lenovo Thinkpad Trackpoint Keyboard II, you need to use the Lenovo Vantage app. Here's how to do it:
- Download and install the Lenovo Vantage app: Download and install the Lenovo Vantage app from the Lenovo website.
- Launch the app: Launch the Lenovo Vantage app and sign in with your Lenovo account.
- Select the device: Select the Lenovo Thinkpad Trackpoint Keyboard II from the list of devices.
- Change the name: Click on the "Name" field and enter a new name for the device.
- Save the changes: Click "OK" to save the changes.
This will change the broadcast name on the peripheral, so you can easily identify it from the list.
Changing the Broadcast Name on Other Devices
If you have other Bluetooth peripherals, such as mice or headphones, the process of changing the broadcast name may vary. Here are some general steps you can follow:
- Check the user manual: Check the user manual of your device to see if it has a built-in feature to change the broadcast name.
- Use a third-party app: Use a third-party app to change the broadcast name. Some popular apps include Bluetooth Manager and Device Manager.
- Contact the manufacturer: Contact the manufacturer of your device to see if they have a solution to change the broadcast name.
Conclusion
Changing the broadcast name of your Bluetooth peripherals is a simple process that can help you easily identify which device is which. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can change the broadcast name on your Lenovo Thinkpad Trackpoint Keyboard II and other devices. Remember to always check the user manual or contact the manufacturer if you're unsure about the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why can't I change the broadcast name on my device?
A: The broadcast name is a setting on the device itself, and changing it requires access to the device's settings. If you're unable to change the broadcast name, it may be because the device doesn't have a built-in feature to change it.
Q: How do I reset the broadcast name on my device?
A: To reset the broadcast name on your device, you need to reset the device to its factory settings. This will erase all settings, including the broadcast name. You can usually find the reset option in the device's settings or user manual.
Q: Can I change the broadcast name on multiple devices at once?
A: It depends on the device and the method you're using to change the broadcast name. Some devices may allow you to change the broadcast name on multiple devices at once, while others may require you to change it individually.
Q: Why is it important to change the broadcast name on my device?
Q: Why can't I change the broadcast name on my device?
A: The broadcast name is a setting on the device itself, and changing it requires access to the device's settings. If you're unable to change the broadcast name, it may be because the device doesn't have a built-in feature to change it.
Q: How do I reset the broadcast name on my device?
A: To reset the broadcast name on your device, you need to reset the device to its factory settings. This will erase all settings, including the broadcast name. You can usually find the reset option in the device's settings or user manual.
Q: Can I change the broadcast name on multiple devices at once?
A: It depends on the device and the method you're using to change the broadcast name. Some devices may allow you to change the broadcast name on multiple devices at once, while others may require you to change it individually.
Q: Why is it important to change the broadcast name on my device?
A: Changing the broadcast name on your device can help you easily identify which device is which, especially if you have multiple devices with the same name. It can also help you keep track of which device is connected to your computer.
Q: Can I change the broadcast name on a device that is already paired with my computer?
A: Yes, you can change the broadcast name on a device that is already paired with your computer. However, you may need to unpair the device and then pair it again to see the new broadcast name.
Q: How do I know if my device supports changing the broadcast name?
A: You can check your device's user manual or online documentation to see if it supports changing the broadcast name. You can also contact the manufacturer's customer support to ask about this feature.
Q: Can I change the broadcast name on a device that is connected to a network?
A: It depends on the device and the network settings. Some devices may allow you to change the broadcast name even when connected to a network, while others may not.
Q: How do I change the broadcast name on a device that is not listed in the Bluetooth settings?
A: If the device is not listed in the Bluetooth settings, it may be because it is not paired with your computer or it is not turned on. Try turning on the device and pairing it with your computer to see if it appears in the Bluetooth settings.
Q: Can I change the broadcast name on a device that is paired with multiple computers?
A: It depends on the device and the pairing settings. Some devices may allow you to change the broadcast name even when paired with multiple computers, while others may not.
Q: How do I know if my device is broadcasting its name correctly?
A: You can check the Bluetooth settings on your computer to see if the device is broadcasting its name correctly. You can also try connecting to the device from another device to see if it appears with the correct name.
Q: Can I change the broadcast name on a device that is connected to a Bluetooth speaker or headphones?
A: It depends on the device and the Bluetooth settings. Some devices may allow you to change the broadcast name even when connected to a Bluetooth speaker or headphones, while others may not.
Q: How do I reset the broadcast name on a device that is connected to a network?
A: To reset the broadcast name on a device that is connected to a network, you may need to unpair the device and then pair it again to see the new broadcast name. You can also try restarting the device or the network to see if it resolves the issue.
Q: Can I change the broadcast name on a device that is paired with a smartphone or tablet?
A: It depends on the device and the pairing settings. Some devices may allow you to change the broadcast name even when paired with a smartphone or tablet, while others may not.
Q: How do I know if my device is compatible with changing the broadcast name?
A: You can check your device's user manual or online documentation to see if it is compatible with changing the broadcast name. You can also contact the manufacturer's customer support to ask about this feature.