One question that often comes up is whether Bluetooth signals can go through walls. The answer is a bit more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
Bluetooth operates on a 2.4 GHz ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) radio frequency band. This frequency is also shared by other wireless technologies like Wi-Fi. Bluetooth signals are designed to be robust but are generally short-range, typically extending up to 50 metres. As it uses the same frequency as Wi-Fi which most people have a knowledge of range of, a very rough approximation is to think of Bluetooth as being similar to Wi-Fi.
The material of the wall plays a significant role in how well a Bluetooth signal can pass through it. Materials like drywall, glass and wood are generally more permeable to Bluetooth signals. In contrast, concrete, brick and metal can severely limit or block the signal altogether.
The strength of the Bluetooth signal also matters. Higher-powered Bluetooth devices can transmit signals that are more likely to pass through walls. However, even with a strong signal, the quality may degrade as it passes through obstacles.
The distance between the transmitting and receiving devices will also impact the signal’s ability to pass through walls. The closer the devices are to each other, the more likely it is that the signal will successfully penetrate the wall.
In practical terms, while it’s possible for Bluetooth signals to go through walls, the quality and reliability of the connection can be compromised.
So, does Bluetooth signal go through walls? The answer is yes, but with caveats. The type of wall, the strength of the signal, interference from other devices, and the distance between the connected devices all play a role in determining how well a Bluetooth signal can penetrate walls.