Question Bluetooth for trusted devices only

[patches223]

I wish to connect a Moto G14 running Android 14 to a desktop computer via Bluetooth. The computer is already paired and specified as a trusted device. That's all done. That's all I want it for. No media, no phone calls. Just as a trusted device. But I must say I'm going to use it for media or phone or Bluetooth on the phone won't connect. The phone refuses connection attempts from the computer (running Ubuntu 22.04). Is there a way around this?

 

[VidJunky]

When you say refuses, is there a notification or message that pops up when you attempt this connection?

You say that you've paired the two devices and all of that but then go on to say that they won't connect, do you mean after the pairing they won't connect, the next time you try they won't connect but it does the first time, or do you mean that even after being paired it never connects?

Have you looked on YouTube for how-to videos for the exact thing you're attempting? You say that you're not connecting for calls, media, etc but then turn around and say that these are the things you're planning to do. Please describe in detail what you're plan with this is so that we fully understand.

If it has been done someone has likely made a how-to to show off how smart they are. My first step would be to Google what you're trying or wanting to do, which is exactly what I will do if you post back answers to my questions.

 

[patches223]

The screenshot is from the computer. At the bottom of the screenshot, please see the red band and the "connection failed" message. This is attempting to connect from the computer to the phone with neither phone nor media selected on the phone. Attempting the connection from the phone to the computer is just nothing. No messages, nothing with neither phone nor media selected. The computer is a trusted device so I don't have to log into the phone every time I turn around at home where I live alone. It is a trusted place also, so maybe that's the best I can do. If either phone or media are selected on the phone, the connection is successful. All I want is for the computer to be a trusted device when I'm home. I don't want to use the computer for phone or media. I don't want to play my audio book and have it come out of the computer speakers in the other room, and I don't want to have to adjust the audio output every single time because, this being Google, of course there is no way to set it once and forget it. That's all. Just a trusted device. But of course it won't work.

 

[VidJunky]

Ahhh, I see said the blind man. Not sure if it was how I read it or what but I didn't get that you're trying to use Smart Lock to keep the phone unlocked.

Just for fun I asked Google and got this reply.

To use your home PC as a Bluetooth device for your Android's "Smart Lock" feature, you need to ensure your PC's Bluetooth is turned on, then add your PC as a "Trusted Device" within your Android's Smart Lock settings, allowing your phone to stay unlocked when connected to your PC via Bluetooth. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
How to do it: [1, 2, 6]

• Enable PC Bluetooth: Make sure your PC's Bluetooth is turned on in your system settings. [1, 2, 6]
• Android Settings: Open your Android phone's settings and navigate to "Security" or "Security & Privacy". [1, 3, 5]
• Smart Lock: Select "Smart Lock" or "Extend Unlock" depending on your Android version. [1, 3, 5]
• Add Trusted Device: Choose "Trusted devices" and select "Add trusted device". [1, 3, 4]
• Pair with PC: Your phone will scan for nearby Bluetooth devices; select your PC from the list and pair it. [1, 2, 4]

I didn't know if there might be different or enhanced instructions to have this happen automatically so I searched that as well.

To automatically connect your home PC as a Bluetooth device on your Android phone, simply pair the two devices once through your Android's Bluetooth settings, and then ensure the "Always connect" or "Priority device" option is enabled for your PC in the device list; this will automatically attempt to connect to your PC whenever your phone is within Bluetooth range and has Bluetooth enabled. [1, 2, 3]
Here's how to do it: [1, 2, 4]

• On your Android phone:
  
  • Go to Settings > Bluetooth.
  • Turn on Bluetooth.
  • Search for available devices and select your PC from the list.
  • Once paired, tap the gear icon next to your PC's name in the list.
  • Depending on your Android version, look for an option like "Always connect", "Priority device", or "Connect automatically" and toggle it on. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]

Important points to consider: [1, 2, 8]

• Ensure your PC's Bluetooth is also turned on: Make sure your PC's Bluetooth settings are active and visible to other devices. [1, 2, 8]
• Check for updates: Sometimes, updating your Android software or PC drivers can improve Bluetooth connectivity and auto-connect features. [1, 2, 7]
• Distance and interference: Remember that Bluetooth range is limited, so make sure your phone is close enough to your PC for a stable connection. [1, 3, 5]

Looking at your screenshot that banner says, the connection is busy, could there be some other device connected to the PC when you're attempting to connect?

 

[VidJunky]

While I haven't tried in some time use location as a trusted condition I will say the last time I tried Smart Lock didn't like it too much. For me the device stayed unlocked when outside of my location. When this happened I dug into it a little and found that several others had also had issues when using location. I say all of this not to say don't try it but to say that this may give you trouble also. You may want to also try setting up an Assistant Routine to keep your phone unlocked.

To set up a routine with Google Assistant on Android, you can use the Google Home app or say "Hey Google, open Assistant settings". [1, 2]
Using the Google Home app [1]

1. Open the Google Home app
2. Tap Automations
3. Tap Add
4. Select Personal
5. Tap Untitled to name your routine
6. Add starters and actions
7. Tap Save

Using Assistant settings [2]

1. Say "Hey Google, open Assistant settings"
2. Tap Routines under "Popular settings"
3. Tap New at the top
4. Select Personal
5. Add at least one starter and one action
6. Tap Save

You can start a routine using a voice command, time, sunrise or sunset, or when an alarm is dismissed. For example, you can say "Hey Google, good morning" to turn on lights, play music, or get the weather. [2, 3]
You can edit a routine by tapping it, then tapping Add starter or Add action. [4]
This video can also teach you how to set up routines with Google Assistant:

 

[patches223]

Unfortunately, there is no option for high priority or automatic connect. There are no home commands for connecting specific bluetooth devices that I can see, only pairing. It just won't connect unless media player or phone are selected, so trusted devices by itself it worthless. Typical google. 2020s hardware with 1990s software.

 

[Laura Knotek]

Have you tried using a Windows PC?

 

[patches223]

I'm done with Windows & Mac. Ubuntu isn't great, but it's better than the alternatives.