Archived - Bluetooth: About Encrypted Communication (Key Icon)

Some devices allow you to encrypt the data that is exchanged with your computer. Encrypted communication makes it more difficult for others to eavesdrop on the information exchanged between your computer and the Bluetooth device. When you pair such a device with your computer, you may be prompted to create a passkey. Some devices automatically generate a random passkey.

When a paired device uses encrypted communication, its icon in the device list of Bluetooth preferences looks like a key (Figure 1).



Figure 1 A paired device with encrypted communication.

For a list of other Bluetooth icons, see technical document 107679, "Bluetooth: About Bluetooth Icons".