Even with Kernel-compatible devices and custom BlueZ configuration, the UX for bluetooth devices on Linux is simple terrible. Even on Steam Deck, which is quite optimized and less-prone to errors, it is not the same as in other platforms. So I was wondering if nowadays it is possible to have a software and hardware setup where the things just works?
Ask HN: Is possible to have a Linux setup where Bluetooth just works?
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Re: Ask HN: Is possible to have a Linux setup where Bluetooth just works?
#2Bluetooth doesn't “just work” anywhere. It’s ranges of tolerable and Linux is just in the lowest extreme.
Re: Ask HN: Is possible to have a Linux setup where Bluetooth just works?
#3I have Xubuntu on a PC and a laptop. While I don't use it often, bluetooth seems to work just fine. Never had a problem.
Maybe you need to be more specific: what problems do you have?
Re: Ask HN: Is possible to have a Linux setup where Bluetooth just works?
#4Bluetooth is generally terrible, Apple had to build on top of it to make it a tolerable experience.
Re: Ask HN: Is possible to have a Linux setup where Bluetooth just works?
#5I use Bluetooth earphones daily with my desktop running manjaro KDE. the only problems I have encountered relate to the hardwsre, not linux.
Re: Ask HN: Is possible to have a Linux setup where Bluetooth just works?
#6Bluetooth has "just worked" for me for nearly four years using KDE Plasma on Ubuntu and then openSUSE Tumbleweed.
Re: Ask HN: Is possible to have a Linux setup where Bluetooth just works?
#7I used to have a lot of BT problems, but haven't in a couple of years.
Ubuntu, ZorinOS, and Debian all work out of the box on a couple machines from the past few years.
Re: Ask HN: Is possible to have a Linux setup where Bluetooth just works?
#8It "just worked" on Fedora for me but nothing but problems on Mint
Re: Ask HN: Is possible to have a Linux setup where Bluetooth just works?
#9It could just be bluetooth itself? I know I've had lots of problems with bluetooth UX on Android devices.
Re: Ask HN: Is possible to have a Linux setup where Bluetooth just works?
#10Im currently typing this on a fresh Fedora install, on an XPS 7390 using a an Logitech MX Master 3S mouse, a K380 keyboard and Teams with Bose QC35 headphones. I also use a BT Polycom on the same laptop, didnt have to do anything other than repairing. Its 100% your hardware, bluetooth has been solid for a few years now.