Android 10, released in September 2019, has become one of the key versions of the operating system from Google. It brought a lot of changes to the interface, security and, of course, working with wireless technologies. The question often arises among users: what version of Bluetooth is supported in Android 10? The answer is not as clear-cut as it might seem. The fact is that the Bluetooth version depends not only on the firmware, but also on hardware platform your device.

In this article we will figure out which Bluetooth standards are compatible with Android 10, how to find the exact version on your smartphone, and why even on the same OS version devices can support different protocols. You will also find practical tips for diagnosing connection problems and a compatibility table for popular devices.

Why the Bluetooth version in Android 10 is not fixed

Many people mistakenly believe that the Android version directly determines the supported Bluetooth standard. Actually Android 10 is the software shellthat runs on top of the hardware. The real version of Bluetooth is set by:

  • 📱 Chipset (processor) of a smartphone - for example, Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 supports Bluetooth 5.0, and Mediatek Helio G90 only 4.2.
  • 🔄 Manufacturer firmware - some brands (for example, Samsung or Xiaomi) may limit functionality even with hardware support.
  • 🔧 Drivers —updates from Google or the vendor may add support for new profiles (for example, LE Audio in later patches).

Thus, Android 10 itself does not guarantee a specific version of Bluetooth - it depends on the hardware and customization of the manufacturer. For example, Google Pixel 4 on Android 10 it worked with Bluetooth 5.0, and on the same OS version - only with 4.2. Samsung Galaxy A50 on the same OS version - only with 4.2.

📊 What version of Bluetooth does your smartphone use?
Bluetooth 4.0 or lower
Bluetooth 4.1/4.2
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth 5.1 or later
I don’t know

How to find the Bluetooth version on Android 10: 3 reliable ways

If you want to determine exactly what version of Bluetooth is installed on your device, use one of the proven methods. Important: some manufacturers hide this information in standard settings, so you will have to use workarounds.

Method 1: Through the "Settings" menu (does not work on all devices)

The simplest, but not universal method:

  1. Open Settings → Connected devices (or Bluetooth).
  2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Advanced or About Bluetooth.
  3. Look for the line Bluetooth version or Protocol.

⚠️ Attention: On many devices (especially from Xiaomi, Realme, Oppo) this item may be missing. In this case, proceed to the following methods.

Method 2: through the app AIDA64 (recommended)

AIDA64 is a powerful tool for diagnosing the hardware of a smartphone. Using it, you can find out not only the Bluetooth version, but also the model of the chipset that supports it:

  1. Install AIDA64 from Google Play.
  2. Open the tab System.
  3. Go to section Bluetooth —the protocol version will be indicated there.

Display example: Bluetooth: 5.0 (Qualcomm WCN3990).

Method 3: Through the engineering menu (for advanced users)

This method requires caution, since incorrect actions can disrupt the operation of the device. Suitable for devices on chipsets Qualcomm:

##4636## → Service information → Information about Bluetooth

If this code does not work, try:

##232338## → Bluetooth Test

⚠️ Attention: Not all manufacturers provide access to the engineering menu. On some devices (Huawei, Honor), these codes may be blocked.

Try another diagnostic software (CPU-Z, DevCheck)

Check for firmware updates

Contact in support of the manufacturer, indicating the chipset model

Use alternative connection methods (for example, Bluetooth 5.0 adapter)

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So that you do not have to search for information on each smartphone separately, we have collected data on supported Bluetooth versions for popular models running on Android 10. Please note: some devices may have received an update to Android 11/12, but were originally shipped with "ten".

Manufacturer and model Chipset Bluetooth version Features
Google Pixel 4/4 XL Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 5.0 Support Dual Audio (simultaneous connection to two devices)
Samsung Galaxy S10 Exynos 9820 / Snapdragon 855 5.0 Proprietary protocol Samsung Scalable Codec for improved sound
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro Mediatek Helio G90T 4.2 Limited support BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy)
OnePlus 7T Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ 5.0 Support aptX HD i LDAC for high-quality sound
Huawei P30 Pro HiSilicon Kirin 980 5.0 Uses protocol HWA Audio for wireless headphones

⚠️ Attention: If your device is not listed in the table, check the chipset specifications on the manufacturer's website (for example Qualcomm or Mediatek). The Bluetooth version is determined by the hardware, not the Android version.

Bluetooth limitations in Android 10: what you need to know

Even if your smartphone supports Bluetooth 5.0, Android 10 has a number of software limitations that are worth remembering:

  • 🎧 Audio codecs: Not all devices support aptX, LDAC or AAC at the OS level. For example, Google Pixel did not support aptX until Android 11.
  • 🔗 Multiple connections: Function Dual Audio (connecting to two devices at the same time) worked unstable on many firmwares.
  • 🔋 Power consumption: Bluetooth 5.0 in theory should be more energy efficient, but in practice the savings depended on manufacturer optimization.
  • 📱 Compatibility with accessories: Some devices (for example, AirPods) could not work correctly due to lack of support LE Audio.

In addition, Android 10 lacked built-in support Bluetooth LE Audio (appeared only in Android 12). This meant that even on Bluetooth 5.0 you couldn't use new audio compression standards such as LC3.

💡

If you have problems connecting your headphones, try resetting your Bluetooth settings: go to Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.

How to update the Bluetooth version on Android 10

Unfortunately it is not possible to update the Bluetooth version programmatically —it is strictly tied to the hardware. However, there are several ways to improve compatibility and functionality:

1. Firmware update

Manufacturers sometimes add support for new Bluetooth profiles through software updates. For example, Samsung in one of the patches for Android 10 it added support LE Audio for its flagships. To check for updates:

  1. Go to Settings → System → System update.
  2. Install all available security patches and firmware updates.

2. Using an external Bluetooth adapter

If your device is limited to an outdated version of Bluetooth (for example, 4.0), you can connect an external adapter via USB-C or OTG. This is relevant for:

  • 🎮 Connecting gamepads (DualSense, Xbox Controller).
  • 🎧 Using headphones with support aptX Adaptive.
  • 🖱️ Working with peripherals (keyboards, mice) without delays.

Example adapters: 1Mii B06 Plus (Bluetooth 5.0) or Avantek USB Bluetooth Adapter.

3. Customization via firmware

Advanced users can install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), which sometimes add support for new standards. data-i="162">⚠️ Void the warranty.

  • ⚠️ voids warranty.
  • ⚠️ May lead to unstable operation.
  • ⚠️ Requires bootloader unlocking.
What happens if you flash an incompatible version of Bluetooth?

An attempt to force a new version of Bluetooth onto unsupported hardware will lead to connection errors, constant module reboots, or complete Bluetooth inoperability. You can restore operation only by resetting to factory settings or flashing the original software.

Frequent problems with Bluetooth in Android 10 and their solutions

Android 10 users have often encountered bugs related to Bluetooth. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them:

Problem Possible cause Solution
The device does not find the headphones/speaker Bluetooth cache conflict or outdated drivers Clear application cache Bluetooth in settings or reset network settings
Sound is interrupted or there is interference Low codec quality or Wi-Fi interference Enable Adaptive sound in the developer settings or disable Wi-Fi
Bluetooth turns off spontaneously Energy-saving settings or firmware bug Add the Bluetooth application to battery optimization exceptions
The microphone in the headset does not work Profile incompatibility HFP (Hands-Free Profile) Try another device or update the headphone firmware

⚠️ Attention: If the problem persists after all the manipulations, check whether it is a hardware issue. For example, on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 there was a common problem with the Bluetooth antenna that required repair.

💡

Most problems with Bluetooth in Android 10 can be resolved by resetting the module settings or updating the firmware. If the device is not visible in the list of available ones, try connecting it in search mode (usually activated by long pressing the button on the accessory).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about Bluetooth in Android 10

Is it possible to install Bluetooth 5.1 on a smartphone with Android 10 and Snapdragon 845 chipset?

No, Bluetooth version determined by hardware. Snapdragon 845 supports a maximum of Bluetooth 5.0, and update it is not possible in software. However, you can use an external Bluetooth 5.1 adapter via USB-C.

Why do my headphones Sony WH-1000XM3 perform worse on Android 10 than on iPhone?

Probable reason - lack of codec support LDAC at the firmware level. The iPhone uses AAC, which is better optimized. Try manually selecting the codec AAC or SBC in the Bluetooth settings (if such an option is available).

How to enable Dual Audio on Android 10?

The function is not available on all devices. To check:

  1. Connect the first device (for example, a speaker).
  2. Open Settings → Connected devices → Bluetooth.
  3. Click on the three dots at the top → Additional → Dual Audio.
  4. Enable the option and connect a second device.

If there is no item, your device or firmware does not support this function.

Is it possible to transfer files via Bluetooth to Android 10?

Yes, but this method is outdated and slower than Wi-Fi Direct or cloud services. To transfer a file:

  1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
  2. Select file → Share → Bluetooth.
  3. Select the target device from the list.

Transfer speed usually does not exceed 1-2 MB/s.

Why is there no support in Android 10 LE Audio?

LE Audio (including codec LC3) was introduced in the Bluetooth 5.2 specification, but Android 10 only supported Bluetooth 5.0/5.1 at the API level. Full support LE Audio appeared only in Android 12. However, some manufacturers (for example, Samsung) added partial support through proprietary solutions.