Modern smartphones Samsung equipped with advanced wireless communication modules, but users rarely think about specific protocol versionsuntil they encounter connection problems. Finding out which one is installed on your device may be necessary when purchasing new headphones, smartwatches or car headsets, since compatibility directly depends on the specification number. Bluetooth installed on your device may be required when purchasing new headphones, smartwatches or car headsets, as compatibility directly depends on the specification number.
Unlike information about the processor or the amount of RAM, information about the Bluetooth version is often hidden deep in the system settings or require the use of special diagnostic tools. The standard interface One UI does not always bring this information to the fore, which forces owners Samsung Galaxy to look for workarounds. In this article, we will analyze all the available methods - from simple menus to engineering codes.
Understanding which version of communication is active on your gadget will help you avoid disappointment when using high-quality codecs such as aptX HD or LDAC. Often, old standards simply do not support sound transmission without delays, and knowledge of the technical characteristics of the device will save you time and money when choosing accessories.
Checking through standard system settings
The most obvious, but not always working method is to search for information in the “About phone” menu. Depending on the shell version One UI and the model of your smartphone, the path to the data may differ. Typically, manufacturers place technical specifications in the section Settings → About phone → Software information.
However, in most cases, only the Android version and security patch are displayed here. To find data about the radio module, sometimes you need to go to the menu Settings → Connections → Bluetooth and click on the three dots in the corner of the screen, selecting “Advanced” or “Software Version”. If it is empty, it means that the manufacturer has hidden this data from the average user.
On some series models Galaxy A i M information about the communication module can be encrypted in the firmware build number. In this case, a simple visual inspection of the menu will not be enough, and you will have to resort to more in-depth diagnostic methods, which we will discuss below.
If the settings menu does not explicitly indicate the Bluetooth version, try to find the model of your processor (SoC) in the "About phone" section - you can use it to accurately determine the supported communication standard.
Using the engineering menu for diagnostics
The engineering menu is a hidden section of the system intended for testing equipment by service centers. On smartphones Samsung it is often accessed through a special code in the Phone application. Enter the combination #0# or *#197328640# to enter debugging mode.
In the menu that opens, you need to find the section associated with Bluetooth. It is often designated as BT or located in a subsection Version Info. Here you will see not only the protocol version (for example, 5.0, 5.2), but also the device address, chip status and current signal level. This is the most reliable way to get data without installing third-party software.
⚠️ Attention: Be extremely careful in the engineering menu. Do not change settings whose meaning you do not know, as this may lead to incorrect operation of the communication module or complete failure of wireless functions.
If the code #0# does not work, your telecom operator or firmware region may be blocking access to diagnostics. In such situations, the interface may simply close after entering the pound sign. Then it’s worth trying an alternative code *#2263#, which opens a menu for selecting frequency ranges, where information about the chip version is also often duplicated.
Using third-party applications from Google Play
When the built-in tools do not provide an answer, specialized utilities come to the rescue. In the store Google Play there are many applications that read information directly from system files build.prop or through the system API. One of the most popular and reliable solutions is the application Device Info HW.
After installation, run the app and go to the System or Devicetab. Find the line Bluetooth Version. The application will automatically decipher the technical specification and show whether yours supports modern energy saving or data transfer standards. This is especially convenient for users who do not want to delve into complex menus. Samsung modern standards of energy saving or data transmission. This is especially convenient for users who don't want to delve into complex menus.
- 📱 Device Info HW —shows detailed information about the hardware, including the BT chip version.
- 🔍 AIDA64 —a comprehensive benchmark that displays all sensors and communication protocols in the "Bluetooth" section.
- ⚙️ CPU-Z —although it is processor-oriented, it often contains tabs with system data interfaces.
This is necessary for working with Bluetooth scanners, but is not always required for simply reading the protocol version. Carefully study the access rights before installation so as not to transfer unnecessary data.
Why do applications show different data?
Sometimes applications read the maximum supported version by the chip, and not the one activated by the current firmware. This may create a little confusion in the numbers.
Receiving data via computer and ADB
For advanced users with access to a computer, the exact method is to use debugging by ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method allows you to request “raw” data from the system that is not filtered by the interface. First, you need to activate the developer mode on your phone by clicking 7 times on Build number in the settings.
Connect your smartphone to the PC via USB cable and open the command line or terminal in the platform tools folder. Enter the command to get a complete log of system properties:
adb shell getprop | grep bluetoothIn the command output, look for lines containing ro.bluetooth.version or similar designations. If the system does not provide the version directly, you can try to request information about the chipset that is used in this model Galaxyand check it with the technical documentation of the processor manufacturer Qualcomm or Exynos.
| ADB command | Description of action | Complexity |
|---|---|---|
adb shell getprop |
Display all system properties | Medium |
adb shell dumpsys bluetooth_manager |
Detailed status of the Bluetooth manager | High |
adb shell pm list features |
List of supported functions (android.hardware.bluetooth) | Low |
Using ADB requires installing Samsung USB drivers on your computer. Without the correct drivers, the computer will not see the device in debug mode, and commands will not be executed. Make sure that permission for debugging from this particular computer is confirmed on the smartphone screen.
☑️ Preparing to work with ADB
Dependence of the version on the processor model
Often the Bluetooth version is strictly tied to the one installed in the smartphone system chip (SoC). For example, processors Exynos certain generations can only support Bluetooth 5.0, while newer models based on Snapdragon already work with the 5.2 or 5.3 standard. Knowing the processor model, you can indirectly determine the capabilities of the module
You can find out the chip model in the application CPU-Z in the SoCtab. If you have a flagship model Samsung Galaxy S from the last three years, most likely it has the current standard. Budget series Galaxy A can use simplified versions of chips to reduce the cost of design, which limits the functionality of wireless communication.
⚠️ Attention: Firmware update (One UI) usually does not increase the Bluetooth version, since this is a hardware characteristic. Don't expect Bluetooth 5.3 to appear after a software update if the physical chip only supports 5.0.
Here is a table of popular processors and Bluetooth versions for reference:
| Processor series | Typical BT version | Examples of devices Samsung |
|---|---|---|
| Exynos 9820 / 9825 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Galaxy S10, Note 10 |
| Snapdragon 865 / 888 | Bluetooth 5.1 / 5.2 | Galaxy S20, S21 |
| Exynos 2100 / 2200 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Galaxy S21, S22 |
| Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Galaxy S23 |
Bluetooth version is a physical characteristic of the chip that cannot be changed in software. It is determined during the production of the smartphone.
Possible problems and their solutions
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the phone shows one version, but the devices do not see each other or the connection is constantly interrupted. This may not be due to the protocol version, but to a profile conflict or outdated drivers within the system. Try resetting your network settings to update the Bluetooth stack configuration.
To do this, go to Settings → General settings → Reset → Reset network settings. Please note that this action will delete saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth pairs, but often solves module software glitches. After the reboot, check the connection again.
If the problem persists on a specific model, there may be a factory defect in the antenna module. In such cases, even the presence of the latest Bluetooth 5.3 does not guarantee stable operation. Contact a service center to diagnose the hardware, especially if the phone is under warranty.
Why doesn’t my Samsung see new headphones?
Often the problem lies in the headphone pairing mode. Make sure they are in search mode (flashing light) and not just turned on. Also check if the headphones are connected to another device nearby, as some models automatically reconnect to the last owner.
Does the Android version affect Bluetooth operation?
Yes, indirectly. New versions of Android contain updated driver stacks and improved power management algorithms. On an old Android, even with a new chip, operation may be less stable than on fresh firmware.
Is it possible to improve the Bluetooth signal programmatically?
There are booster applications, but their effectiveness is questionable. They only change the priorities of processes in the system. Real improvement of the signal is only possible by replacing the antenna or using external adapters (for PCs); this is not possible on a smartphone.
Where can I see the Bluetooth MAC address on Samsung?
The MAC address is usually listed in the same menu as the version, or in Settings → About phone → Status. It can also be found in the engineering menu by code #0# in the BT Address section.
Is it safe to use engineering menu codes?
View information (Read-only) in full safe. The only danger is changing the parameters (Write/Test), which can disrupt the calibration of the sensors or radio module. Just look at the data without pressing buttons to run tests unnecessarily.