Updated: 07-May-2022
Ubuntu MATE, like many Linux distributions, provides the software you need to support Bluetooth connections to headphones, mice, keyboards, or other computing devices. These illustrations are specific to Ubuntu MATE 22.04, but they apply to many other desktop Linux distributions.
The most common and easiest method of connecting (pairing) a Bluetooth device with a Linux desktop is to use the Bluetooth management utilities provided with your Linux distribution. Ubuntu MATE provides the blueman-applet that appears as an icon in the top panel and the blueman-manager software package for managing and pairing Bluetooth devices.
In order to use a Bluetooth device like a mouse or a headset, you first need to connect (pair) your computer and the device. Before you begin, make sure Bluetooth is enabled. Some computers allow you to disable Bluetooth from BIOS/UEFI. Check your BIOS settings to ensure that, if you have this setting, Bluetooth is enabled.
Some laptops have a function key or other button that toggles Bluetooth and/or Wifi on and off. If your computer has this capability, make sure that Bluetooth is enabled in that way as well.
Note: You need to finish your connection within about 20 seconds on most devices or the connection will not be successful. If that happens, return to the device list and start again.
If the graphical method doesn't work for your Bluetooth device, or if your device does not show up in the search results, there is another way to complete the pairing using the bluetoothctl command-line utility provided with Ubuntu MATE. In this example, we connect a Bluetooth 3.0 Keyboard.
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