Bluetooth Profiles

Overview of Bluetooth Profiles

The Bluetooth SIG states, "Bluetooth profiles are general behaviors through which Bluetooth enabled devices communicate with other devices."
In order to connect to one another, devices that use Bluetooth technology must support and understand certain Bluetooth profiles. Bluetooth profiles define the possible applications and describe how Bluetooth technology is to be used for each specific device.
For example, the File Transfer profile is used to define how devices like a PDA will use Bluetooth Technology to transfer files to other devices like another PDA, cell phone, or computer.
When a Bluetooth device is developed, the manufacturer assigns (In accordance with the Bluetooth SIG's requirements) specific Bluetooth profiles for that device to use in order to establish applications which will work with other Bluetooth devices.
In order for one Bluetooth device to connect to another, both devices must share at least one of the same Bluetooth profiles.
For example, if you want to use a Bluetooth headset with your Bluetooth enabled cell phone, both devices must use the Headset (HS) profile (Defines how headsets and cell phones use Bluetooth technology to connect to one another).
According to the Bluetooth SIG: At minimum, every Bluetooth profile includes information on the following issues:

• Dependencies on other profiles.
• Recommended user interface formats.
• Particular parts of the Bluetooth protocol stack used by the profile. To perform its functions, each profile uses particular options and parameters at each layer of the stack. This may include an outline of the required service record, if applicable.

Most Bluetooth devices are given just a few profiles. For example, a Bluetooth headset will use the Headset Profile, but not the LAN Access Profile (Defines how devices use Bluetooth technology to connect to local area networks).

Progression of Bluetooth Profiles

There are currently 25 Bluetooth profiles which have been officially adopted and are in use. Most of the Bluetooth profiles were introduced with the Bluetooth Core Specification version 1.1. The Bluetooth SIG governs the development of new Bluetooth profiles.
With the continual growth of Bluetooth technology, Bluetooth profiles will continue to be enhanced and expanded upon. As more profiles are developed, the overall Bluetooth specification is updated and reformatted so that the entire thing doesn’t have to be rewritten.

How are Bluetooth Profiles Important to Me?

Just because a product is advertised as a Bluetooth device, doesn't mean it's capable of connecting to every other Bluetooth device in existence. A device that is "Bluetooth-enabled" simply means it has at least one Bluetooth profile which would allow it to connect with another Bluetooth device that shares the same profile(s). However, if the other Bluetooth device does not share the same profile(s), the devices cannot connect
When buying a Bluetooth-enabled product you should find out what Bluetooth functions/services the device supports. These functions will usually spell out what Bluetooth profiles the product uses. Don’t worry, most of the time you don't even need to worry about profiles when buying a Bluetooth device.
The specifications on the manufacturer’s website, retailer’s website (i.e. Amazon) or on the retail box for a Bluetooth device should explain everything you need to know. Such as: what other devices it's compatible with, what it can do, and any system requirements (Our buying guides give you all this information).
Most of the time the specific Bluetooth profiles won't be of much importance to you. However, when you are trying to expand a device's functions or use it with another Bluetooth device that's not listed as compatible, then it is highly recommended that you find out what specific profiles are used.

What Profiles Does a Device Support?

Each Bluetooth profile has a specialized use. So, you can find out which Bluetooth devices are compatible by knowing what Bluetooth profile(s) they support. Finding out what profile(s) a device supports is usually an easy, quick process.
For example, you know a Bluetooth enabled printer is going to support the Basic Printing Profile. But, if you have a PDA with Bluetooth technology, things may be a little more complicated. A Bluetooth enabled PDA usually supports several profiles, such as the Synchronization Profile, LAN Access Profile, File Transfer Profile and others.
For a listing of every Bluetooth device and the profiles they support, please visit: the Bluetooth Qualification Website.