Frequently Asked Questions

General

Is my phone compatible?

If your phone has Bluetooth, then it more than likely supports either the Headset or Handsfree Bluetooth profile, and so will work with BlueAnt devices.

Check your phone's manual for up to date information.

I am prompted for a passcode/passkey during pairing. What is the code?

The passcode is "0000"(four zeros).

Do I need to pair the devices every time I use them together?

No. The pairing process is required only once for each phone. You will only need to pair the devices again if you delete the pairing information from your phone.

What is the best practice for taking care of my BlueAnt device?

To ensure continued use, please avoid leaving your BlueAnt device in direct sunglight or in areas where the temperature may exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), such as inside a car on a hot day.

What is included in the Interphone package?

Included in the box is the Interphone F4 main module, a speaker with anti-wind microphone, a stereo speaker, a removable control panel support with clips and screws, velcro and adhesive supports for the control panel, a clip adaptor, AC power adaptor, screwdriver, and user guide.

How does the Interphone use Bluetooth technology?

Bluetooth is used to send and receive voice signals over radio waves between your mobile phone and the Interphone or between 2 Interphones in intercom mode. It also allows the Interphone to control phone calls on your mobile phone remotely.

In addition, Bluetooth allows the Interphone to play music from any music player or phone that supports the A2DP profile, and to play audio directions from a Bluetooth GPS device.

How do I handle voice calls when the Interphone is connected?

To answer a call, simply press the Multi-Function Button (MFB) once. If you are listening to music, then the track will automatically pause when you answer the call and will restart when the call ends. If you are using the intercom function, then this will be interrupted when you take the call; intercom communication will resume automatically when the call ends.

To refuse a call simply hold down the MFB for approximately 4 seconds.

Can I answer calls with my voice?

Yes, if you have activated the interphone's voice answer feature (to activate the feature, hold down the Vol + button for approximately 5 seconds).

When voice answer is activated, you can answer calls by saying any word within 10 seconds of the phone ringing. To reject the call, simply say nothing for 10 seconds.

How many devices can I pair to the Interphone?

The Interphone can store pairing information for 8 different phones or Bluetooth devices. It can connect to up to 3 devices at a time (a maximum of 2 phones, and one stereo music device).

Can I use voice activated dialling if my phone supports it?

Yes. The Interphone supports voice activated dialling if your phone also supports it. Check your phone's user manual for information on setting up this feature. Depending on your phone model you may need to record voice tags on your phone.

Can I use the Interphone to listen to music from my mobile phone?

Yes, provided your mobile phone supports the A2DP Bluetooth profile you can stream stereo audio to the Interphone F4.

Can I connect more than 2 Interphones together for intercom mode?

No. The Interphone will only allow connection to 1 other Interphone for intercom mode.

Is the firmware upgradeable on the Interphone?

No. The Interphone does not support firmware upgrades.

Do I need to pair the interphone to a mobile phone if I just want to use intercom mode?

No. You do not need to pair the Interphone to a mobile phone. You can use the Interphone as just an intercom system if you wish.

What happens if it rains?

The Interphone F4 control unit is covered by a special protective skin making it fully waterproof. Its aerodynamics have been designed to avoid any disturbances generated by air turbulence and to allow any rain to simply slide away.

Can I fit the F4 to any helmet?

The Interphone F4 is designed to allow you to install it on any helmet without affecting the structure or finish. Once installed, you can remove the Interphone F4 at any time.

Can I remove the F4 if I am leaving my helmet on the motorcycle?

Yes. To avoid theft, the F4 is fitted with a quick release button to allow you to remove the external Bluetooth control unit and take it with you.

Bluetooth

What is Bluetooth Wireless Technology?

Bluetooth Wireless Technology is a short-range communications technology using encryption for high security data/voice transmission.

Is it safe to use Bluetooth devices? I have heard they can allow connections to my phone?

For Bluetooth security reasons, once you have set up your Bluetooth devices we recommend setting the visibility option in the Bluetooth menu of your phone to off so that other Bluetooth users cannot see the your phone.

This advice only applies to a few mainly older Bluetooth-enabled phones. Most new phones have better security.

Can somebody else take control of my BlueAnt device if they are in range?

No, your BlueAnt device can only connect to previously paired devices that have been authenticated. The pairing procedure generates an encrypted key that is known only to the two paired devices.

What is the difference between the Handsfree and Headset Bluetooth Profiles?

The Handsfree and Headset Profiles are specifications for communication between Bluetooth devices.

The Handsfree Profile is the one more commonly used to allow mobile phones to communicate with Bluetooth headsets and car kits. The Handsfree Profile provides the ability to carry out basic functions such as answering, rejecting and ending calls, and adjusting the call audio volume, as well as more advanced features like using the phone's voice dial functionality.

The Headset Profile is a more basic profile. It provides the ability to carry out basic functions such as answering, rejecting and ending calls, as well as adjusting the call audio volume.

How do I know if my devices are connected?

When Bluetooth is turned on, your phone will display a Bluetooth symbol on the main screen. When your phone is connected to a Bluetooth device, this symbol will change slightly to indicate that this is the case. Some phones show a headset or a car symbol to notify you that they are connected to a Bluetooth device.

How far can my mobile phone be from my BlueAnt device and still remain connected?

Your BlueAnt device will remain connected within a range of 10 metres (30 feet), although please note that the sound quality may start to deteriorate when your phone is more than about 7 metres (23 feet) away from the headset, depending on your environment.

Can other electrical devices cause interference with Bluetooth?

Bluetooth technology employs a technique called frequency hopping. This means that Bluetooth devices constantly change the frequency at which they send data, reducing interference with wireless devices like wireless LANs and cordless landline phones.

Noise Interference can occur if the Bluetooth device is used in close proximity with a microwave. If you are experiencing problems with your BlueAnt device, check if there are any such devices in the surroundings, and if so keep the distance between the microwave and your BlueAnt device to at least 5 to 10 metres.

Any interference will usually only cause a slight crackling sound. The frequency of Bluetooth is much higher than that of radio station bands.

If I cup my hand over a Bluetooth device the signal strength and quality suffers. Why does this happen?

Bluetooth signals are radio waves and so do not need "line of sight" to operate. However, radio waves cannot travel through water and as the human body is made up of mostly water they cannot travel through it. Therefore, your hand will create a barrier causing slight interference and a loss of signal quality.

Troubleshooting

How do I connect two Interphones in intercom mode?

To use the intercom mode, you need to pair the two Interphones. To do this, turn both units off, then press and hold the Multi-Function Button (MFB) on each device for about 8 seconds, until the lights start to flash red and blue.

Then press and release the MFB on one of the Interphones. The lights on the Interphone F4 will turn solid blue.

You can also connect an Interphone F4 to the original Interphone in intercom mode. The pairing process is the same, except that the light on the original Interphone will rapidly flash blue to indicate that the pairing is complete.

Why doesn't the intercom work when I turn my Interphone back on?

When the Interphone is switched back on, it will attempt to reconnect back to your mobile phone by default. To switch back to intercom mode, press and hold the Multi-Function Button (MFB) on one of the Interphones for about 3 seconds until you hear the second beep.

Why does the battery life of my Interphone F4 not match the specifications?

The battery life listed in the device specifications is indicative, based on typical usage of the different features of the device. Some features use more power than others, so your actual usage may vary from the specification.

During intercom communication, one of the two Interphone devices has a greater battery consumption than the other, so will require charging more quickly. Due to the increased battery usage required in intercom mode, you are recommended to enable the intercom only when you want to communicate, with the devices in standby mode when you are not actually communicating.

Why is the sound on my BlueAnt device noisy and distorted?

You may have the volume too high. Turn the volume down on your BlueAnt device to a level that does not give echo or feedback. You should also turn the volume down on your phone.

This issue can also be caused by a low battery, so you should charge your BlueAnt device and see if this resolves the problem.

Another possible cause is if your phone's ringtone is set to play very loudly, as this can cause distortion when played through your BlueAnt device. In your phone, set up a profile with lower ringing volumes and keypad tones and activate this profile for use with your BlueAnt device. See your phone's user manual for instructions on setting up profiles.

Alternatively, you may have low antenna strength from your phone network which may cause signal drop outs or disruption.

Why can't I hear any sound from the Speaker?

The phone's memory may have become corrupt. This can be fixed by rebooting the phone (turn your phone off and remove the battery for a few seconds, then replace the battery and turn it back on again). If this does not resolve the issue, delete the pairing information for your BlueAnt device and pair it with your phone again.

My BlueAnt device worked great but now it won't connect. What can I do?

As newer phones are like small computers, they may become corrupt over time and you may need to reset them every so often.

Simply turn your phone off and remove the battery for a few seconds, then replace the battery and turn it back on again.

If this does not resolve the issue, delete the pairing information for your BlueAnt device and pair it with your phone again.

Why does the talk time and standby time not match the product specification?

The talk time and standby time will be affected by a number of factors. For example, different phone models draw different amounts of power.

Why does my phone's battery not last as long as it used to?

When you switch Bluetooth on, your phone searches for Bluetooth devices in the area. This will use more battery power than without Bluetooth on. Your BlueAnt device has a standby mode it enters when connected to your phone so that it minimises battery loss. This allows your BlueAnt device to have such outstanding battery life as well as reducing the power required by the phone.

My phone says "Bluetooth Module not found". What can I do?

This means that your phone cannot find its internal Bluetooth chip for some reason. Restarting your phone should fix this problem. If not please contact your phone manufacturer for assistance.

I am having trouble pairing a second phone. What can I do?

When Pairing a second mobile phone, make sure the first is off or out of range.

If you cannot connect to a previously paired and connected phone, go to the Bluetooth menu in the phone, select your BlueAnt device and press Connect. Some phones may require you to connect manually in this way if this is the second device used.

How can I stay near my BlueAnt device but not have calls diverted through it?

Your BlueAnt device will remain connected within a range of 10 metres. If you want to take calls through the phone simply switch your BlueAnt device off.

I have a PDA phone that pairs to my BlueAnt device but has trouble transferring calls. How can I fix this?

Go to the phone manufacturer's website and download and install the latest software for your device. Many new PDA phones are software upgradeable and fixes are made available for problems such as this. This is especially the case with newer devices.

Phone commands (the phone's inbuilt voice dialling feature) are not successful every time. What can I do?

Using your headset to record the voice tags can enhance the recognition rate. Please refer to your phone's manual for more information about recording voice tags.

Noisy environments can also affect the voice recognition. Record your voice commands in a quiet environment.

Can I purchase accessories and spare parts for the Interphone F4?

You can purchase spare parts for your Interphone F4 direct from BlueAnt. For full details or pricing, please see our list of spare parts and accessories for the Interphone F4.

I have read all the solutions in this document but I still cannot get my Interphone to work properly. What can I do?

If you need help getting your product to work, please contact us and we will help you through any difficulty you may have.

Please click here to visit our support centre for more information.