Smartphone owners Samsung Galaxy often face the need to find out the exact specifications of the wireless module. This is required if there are problems connecting headphones, smart watches or car multimedia systems. The protocol version directly affects the communication range, data transfer speed and power consumption of the device.
Standard Android settings often hide this technical information from the average user. In the About Phone menu you will find the processor model and Android version, but the number Bluetooth usually missing. However, there are several proven methods that allow you to obtain this data without root access and complex equipment.
We will consider both software and hardware diagnostic methods. You'll learn how to use hidden engineering menus, third-party utilities, and even MAC address analysis to identify the chip. This will help you understand whether yours Galaxy S21 or A52 supports the latest codecs like aptX HD or LDAC.
Checking through the Service Mode engineering menu
The fastest way to access technical information is to use the built-in diagnostic interface. On smartphones Samsung this menu is called Service Mode. It provides detailed information about radios, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
To log in, you need to open the standard “Phone” application and enter a special code. The interface may differ depending on the shell One UIversion, but the basic structure remains the same. If the code does not work, your telecom operator may have blocked this function in your firmware.
Enter the following combination of characters when dialing:
*#0011#After entering the last character, the screen will automatically switch to the service information display mode. You will need to find the section dedicated to wireless interfaces. Look for the tab named BT or Bluetooth.
⚠️ Attention: Do not change any settings inside the engineering menu. Accidental changes in radio frequency parameters can lead to unstable communication or complete loss of signal.
In the window that opens, find the line Chipset or Version. The chip identifier will be indicated there, by which you can determine the generation of the protocol. For example, the presence of marking CSR or Broadcom with a specific lot number often corresponds to Bluetooth 5.0 and higher on modern models.
If the code #0011# does not work, try an alternative option #197328640# to enter the general Samsung service menu.
Using third-party applications for diagnostics
When the built-in tools do not give a clear answer, specialized utilities from Google Playcome to the rescue. Developers create applications that read system logs and Android kernel configuration files, displaying clear information to the user.
One of the most reliable tools is the application Device Info HW. It analyzes the smartphone hardware and provides comprehensive data about sensors, camera and wireless modules. Installation does not require special permissions, except access to the system.
After starting the app, go to the System or Device. Find the section Bluetooth. Not only the protocol version will be displayed here, but also a list of supported profiles (A2DP, AVRCP, HID).
- 📱 Device Info HW —shows the exact version of the chipset and protocol.
- 🔍 AIDA64 —comprehensive hardware analysis, including the Bluetooth version in the “Network” section.
- ⚙️ CPU-Z —a popular tool that displays data about SOCs and connected interfaces.
Another useful application is AIDA64. It provides information in a more structured way. Open the section Network (Network) and find the subsection Bluetooth. The version will be indicated there, for example 5.2 or 4.2, as well as the inclusion status.
Analysis of the kernel version and configuration files
For advanced users who do not want to install unnecessary applications, there is a method for analyzing system files. Bluetooth version information is often hardcoded into kernel logs or system properties files. They can be accessed through the terminal or ADB.
If you have USB debugging enabled, connect your phone to your computer and run the command through the console. This will allow you to display the Bluetooth daemon startup logs, where the initialized version is always indicated.
adb logcat -s BluetoothInitIn the output lines, look for a mention bluetooth.version or the name of the chipset. For example, the line init: version 5.1 will indicate the current standard. This method is the most accurate, since the data is taken directly from the drivers.
You can also use a file manager with access to system partitions (Root required). Follow the path /system/build.prop and find the lines starting with ro.bluetooth. However, on modern Samsung devices with encryption, this file may not be accessible without unlocking the bootloader.
What to do if there is no version in the logs?
Sometimes drivers hide the version number. In this case, focus on the processor model (SoC). For example, Snapdragon 888 always has Bluetooth 5.2, and Exynos 2100 - 5.0.
Determination of the version by processor model
The Bluetooth version is strictly tied to the system on a chip (SoC) installed in your smartphone. Processor manufacturers integrate the Bluetooth module directly into the chip. Knowing the processor model, you can determine the version of the wireless module with 100% accuracy.
It is easy to find out the processor model: go to Settings → About phone → Software information or use the CPU-Z application. Compare the found model with the table below.
| Processor (SoC) | Samsung models | Bluetooth version | Year release |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exynos 2200 / Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra | 5.2 | 2022 |
| Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 | Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra | 5.0 / 5.2 | 2021 |
| Exynos 990 / Snapdragon 865 | Galaxy S20, Note 20 | 5.0 | 2020 |
| Exynos 9820 / Snapdragon 855 | Galaxy S10, Note 10 | 5.0 | 2019 |
| Exynos 8895 / Snapdragon 835 | Galaxy S8, Note 8 | 4.2 | 2017 |
This method is especially useful if the phone does not turn on completely, but you know its model. The architecture of the chips does not change within the same series. For example, all devices based on Snapdragon 865 support Bluetooth 5.1, regardless of the smartphone manufacturer.
⚠️ Attention: In rare cases, manufacturers may use different chip revisions for the same model range in different regions. Always check the specific labeling of the device.
Knowing the processor model is the most reliable way to find out the Bluetooth version if you do not have access to the phone's software settings.
Checking support for codecs and profiles
Bluetooth version is not the only important characteristic. For high-quality sound in headphones, support for specific codecsis critical. Even with Bluetooth 5.0, the lack of an aptX or LDAC codec may limit the quality of audio transmission.
To check supported codecs on Samsung, you can use the developer's engineering menu. Activate it by tapping the build number 7 times in the About Phone menu. Then go to Settings → System → For Developers.
Find the section Bluetooth audio codec. By clicking on it, you will see a list of available options. If there are LDAC, aptX HD or LC3in the list, then your hardware module supports modern audio compression standards.
- 🎧 SBC — basic codec, available on all devices, low quality.
- 🎵 AAC — standard for Apple and many Android devices, good quality.
- 🔥 aptX / LDAC —high-resolution codecs, require support from headphones.
The absence of the required codec in the list means that either the chip does not support it, or the manufacturer has blocked it at the software level. In the case of Samsung, flagship models usually have a full set, while the budget series Galaxy A may be limited to SBC and AAC.
☑️ Checking the sound quality
Common problems and solutions
Users often confuse the Bluetooth version with pairing problems. If the phone sees devices but does not connect, the problem may not be with the protocol version, but with the service cache or profile conflict.
Try clearing the Bluetooth services data. Go to Settings → Applications, click on the three dots in the corner and select Show system applications. Find in the list Bluetooth and click Storage → Clear data.
This action will reset all saved pairings, so you will have to reconnect your watch and headphones. However, this often solves problems with an unstable connection on older versions of Android.
⚠️ Attention: The menu interface and item names may vary slightly depending on the version of One UI (1.5, 2.5, 3.1, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0). If you do not find the item, use the search in the settings.
It is also worth considering that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi antennas often (use a common path). If your Wi-Fi is not working well, this can also negatively affect the stability of the Bluetooth connection, creating the illusion of an outdated module.
Why do the headphones turn off?
A common reason is interference from USB 3.0. If you use a USB 3.0 cable to charge or transfer data near your phone, it may jam the 2.4 GHz Bluetooth signal.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to update the Bluetooth version on Samsung software?
No, the Bluetooth version is determined by a hardware chip soldered into the board. A firmware update can improve stability or add support for new codecs, but will not change the physical version of the protocol (for example, from 4.2 to 5.0).
Why is the Bluetooth version not written in the settings?
Google and Samsung deliberately hide this information in the regular menu so as not to overload the user with technical details. This data is intended for engineers and service centers.
Does the Bluetooth version affect the Internet speed?
No, Bluetooth is used to transfer data over short distances (headphones, files). The speed of mobile data (4G/5G) or Wi-Fi depends on other modules and is not related to the Bluetooth version.
Does Bluetooth 5.0 work with devices version 4.0?
Yes, the Bluetooth standard is fully backward compatible. A device with version 5.0 will connect without problems to a gadget with version 4.0, 4.2 or even 2.1, but the speed and functions will be limited by the capabilities of the older device.
Where can I find the Bluetooth MAC address on Samsung?
MAC address is in the menu Settings → About phone → General information or in the section Connections → Bluetooth → menu (three dots) → Bluetooth address. It is needed to identify the device in networks.