Bluetooth Audio Device on OpenELEC

This Instructable will go through the few easy steps to activate Bluetooth audio devices on Kodi OpenELEC. All you need is a device running OpenELEC, e.g. a Raspberry Pi model B using on-board Bluetooth connectivity or by means of a USB Bluetooth dongle.

OpenELEC's build-in functionality makes it very easy to connect Bluetooth audio devices. The option of adding Bluetooth audio devices gives exciting new ways to connect wireless speakers or headphones to enhance the audio experience. Depending on the Bluetooth audio device, connectivity can be extended up to 10 meters.

Step 1: Establish the Bluetooth Connection

After activating "pairing mode" on the Bluetooth audio device and connecting a Bluetooth dongle (e.g. Raspberry Pi 2), the newest version of OpenELEC will automatically detect available Bluetooth devices.

To see the available Bluetooth audio devices go to System -> OpenELEC -> Bluetooth.

To establish a connection, select the desired Bluetooth audio device and choose Trust and Connect.

Step 2: Activate Bluetooth Audio Output

After the Bluetooth audio device has connected successfully, go to System -> System -> Audio output and choose PULSE Default, Bluetooth Audio.

Step 3: Conclusion

That's it! You should now hear audio from your connected Bluetooth audio device instead of the HDMI or audio jack speakers.

For more information & tips about Kodi and other electronic DIY projects, see my Blog.

Enjoy =)-~

Comments

[Makden]

Thanks for your reply. I simply missed to see the options down the line to see where Bluetooth was disabled by default. I used my Raspberry Pi previously as a Plex server and it was working great when transcoding wasn't needed. Since my Roku boxes were very picky regarding the codecs, it didn't work well for me since it needed a lot more power to transcode. It was also very lousy media player, either with a local player or via Plex client using Chromium. I am very impressed by Openelec Kodi when using dedicated image for media center, just something I needed since Raspberry Pi is a silent device comparing to noisy PC I used before. Thanks again for this Instructable.

[Makden]

My OpenElec Kodi installed on RaspberryPi 3 B+ (v 8.0.4) has Bluetooth Option disabled. What device your Instructable applies for?

[renierdelport]

Hi Makden

It should work the same with on-board Bluetooth with a Raspberry Pi 3. I have version 7.0.1 installed on a Pi3. To enable Bluetooth, go to System, Settings, System, Services. Bluetooth enable/disable button is at the bottom. It might also work to simple deactivating/activating it again before pairing.