Comprehensive list of Bluetooth profiles and services

Bluetooth profiles and services are the backbone of Bluetooth technology, enabling devices to communicate and exchange data. There are over 20 Bluetooth profiles and services, each designed for a specific purpose.

The most common Bluetooth profiles include the Hands-Free Profile, which allows for hands-free phone calls, and the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile, which enables wireless audio streaming. These profiles are widely supported by devices and are often the first ones to be implemented.

The Serial Port Profile is another essential profile that allows devices to communicate with each other as if they were connected by a physical cable. This profile is commonly used for file transfers and device configuration.

Bluetooth profiles are the backbone of wireless connectivity, and understanding them can make a big difference in your Bluetooth experience. A2DP, or Advanced Audio Distribution Profile, is one of the most widely used profiles, enabling stereo audio streaming between devices.

A2DP supports up to 2 channel stereo audio, and it's often used in conjunction with AVRCP, or Audio Visual Remote Control Profile, for remote control on devices. For example, a smartphone can stream music to a wireless headset or car audio system using A2DP.

The GAVDP, or Generic Audio/Video Distribution Profile, provides the basis for A2DP and VDP, and defines two roles: Initiator and Acceptor. These roles are not fixed to the devices, but are determined when a signaling procedure is initiated.

AVRCP is commonly used along with A2DP, and it allows speakers and headsets to control the playback of audio and video through Bluetooth. Some headsets and speakers use multi-functional buttons to perform media operations, such as Play/Pause, Next, and Previous.

Note: The roles of A2DP and AVRCP devices can be switched between two devices when a new procedure is initiated.

The Generic Audio/Video Distribution Profile (GAVDP) provides the foundation for other audio and video distribution profiles, including the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) and the Video Distribution Profile (VDP).

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GAVDP defines two roles: the Initiator (INT) and the Acceptor (ACP). The Initiator initiates a signaling procedure, while the Acceptor responds to the incoming request.

The roles are not fixed to the devices, but are determined when a signaling procedure is initiated and released when the procedure ends. This means that the roles can be switched between two devices when a new procedure is initiated.

The GAVDP relies on other Bluetooth protocols, including Baseband, LMP, L2CAP, and SDP. It also consists of a signaling entity for negotiating streaming parameters and a transport entity that handles the streaming.

Here's a summary of the GAVDP roles:

GAVDP provides the basis for other data profiles, such as the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), which is commonly used in Bluetooth speakers, soundbars, smartphones, and car music systems.

The HID profile is a crucial aspect of Bluetooth technology, allowing for seamless interaction between devices. It provides support for HID devices such as mice, joysticks, keyboards, and simple buttons and indicators on other types of devices.

The HID profile is designed to provide a low latency link with low power requirements, making it perfect for devices like the PlayStation 3 controllers and Wii remotes that use Bluetooth HID. This profile is also a lightweight wrapper of the human interface device protocol defined for USB.

Security is a top priority for keyboard and keypad devices, which must be secure by design. Other HID devices, however, have optional security features.

The HID profile is widely used in various devices, including Apple's Magic Keyboard and Mouse, Xbox Wireless Game controller, and PS4's Dualshock 4 Wireless Controller. These devices interact with their respective products using Bluetooth as the communication medium.

Manufacturers like Apple, Sony, and Microsoft have implemented the HID profile in their devices to enable Bluetooth connectivity. Amazon has also used the HID profile in its Fire TV remotes and Echo Remotes.

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Device and Access Profiles are the foundation of Bluetooth technology.

The Generic Access Profile (GAP) provides the basis for all other profiles. It defines how two Bluetooth units discover and establish a connection with each other.

The GAP profile is essential for any Bluetooth device to function properly.

The Generic Access Profile (GAP) is the foundation for all other Bluetooth profiles. It defines how two Bluetooth units discover and establish a connection with each other.

GAP is the starting point for any Bluetooth connection. It's like the first step in a conversation, where two devices say hello and start talking.

To establish a connection, devices use GAP to exchange information and negotiate the terms of their relationship. This ensures a smooth and efficient transfer of data.

The GAP profile is essential for Bluetooth communication, and it's used by all other profiles to establish and maintain connections.

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The Headset Profile, also known as HSP, is the most commonly used profile.

It provides support for popular Bluetooth headsets to be used with mobile phones and gaming consoles.

HSP relies on SCO audio encoded in 64 kbit/s CVSD or PCM for audio transmission.

A subset of AT commands from GSM 07.07 is used for minimal controls, including the ability to ring, answer a call, hang up, and adjust the volume.

HSP supports mono audio only, which is a limitation of this profile.

The Headset Profile adds basic calling functionality to Bluetooth Speaker or Headset.

It allows users to engage in Cellular or Online calls through Bluetooth Speaker or Headset.

HSP is a basic profile that enables users to perform basic operations like attending and disconnecting calls.

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Phone Book Access allows exchange of Phone Book Objects between devices. It's a crucial feature for car kits and mobile phones to communicate seamlessly.

The Phone Book Access Profile, also known as PBAP or PBA, enables devices to share contact information. This is useful for a car kit to display the name of the incoming caller.

For instance, a car kit can download the phone book from a mobile phone. This way, the user can initiate a call from the car display.

The devices involved in this exchange are the Phone Book Server Equipment (PSE) and the Phone Book Client Equipment (PCE). The PSE is typically a mobile phone, while the PCE is often a personal navigation device (PND) or a car's hands-free system.

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Here's a breakdown of the devices involved:

This technology is used in various vehicles, including the Lexus LX and GS 2013 models, the Honda CRV 2012, Acura 2013 and ILX 2013, and BMW's iDrive systems.

HFP, or Hands-Free Profile, is a Bluetooth profile that allows for hands-free calling while driving or exercising. It's a game-changer for people who want to stay connected without having to fiddle with their phone.

HFP was first deployed in 2002, and it's been a staple in many car audio systems since then. It uses a synchronous SCO (Synchronous Connection-Oriented) channel to transmit audio, and a separate data channel to control the audio stream.

One of the key features of HFP is its support for mono audio, with sampling rates ranging from 8 kHz to 16 kHz. This means that you can enjoy clear and crisp audio while on a call. HFP also supports audio codecs like CVSD and mSBC, which ensure that your calls are stable and reliable.

But HFP is not just limited to car audio systems. It's also used in headsets that support redial and call waiting features. Some headsets, like Apple Airpods and Jabra Elite 65t, even allow you to initiate calls with voice user interface (VUI) commands, like "Hey Siri, call Mom".

Here are some of the key features of HFP:

Overall, HFP is an essential Bluetooth profile that makes it easy to stay connected while on the go. Whether you're driving, exercising, or just want to keep your hands free, HFP is the way to go.

Networking Profiles allow Bluetooth devices to connect and communicate with each other.

The Personal Area Networking Profile (PAN) enables devices to share network connections over Bluetooth. This can be done through Bluetooth tethering, where a user can share their network connection between a smartphone and laptop.

The LAN Access Profile (LAP) has been replaced by the PAN profile, but it used to allow devices to access LAN, WAN, or Internet via another device with a physical connection to the network.

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The LAN Access Profile, also known as LAP, allows a Bluetooth device to access a LAN, WAN, or Internet via another device with a physical connection to the network.

This profile uses PPP over RFCOMM to establish connections.

LAP makes it possible for a Bluetooth device to join an ad-hoc Bluetooth network.

The LAN Access Profile has been replaced by the Personal Area Networking Profile in the Bluetooth specification.

This means that PAN is now the recommended profile for sharing network connections over Bluetooth.

The MAP Bluetooth profile is a game-changer for car kit users. It enables the exchange of messages between a smartphone and a car kit.

This profile uses the data channel to transmit SMS and email notifications and messages over Bluetooth. The result is seamless communication on the go.

One of the key features of the MAP profile is the ability to receive SMS and email notifications. This means you'll never miss an important message while driving.

The MAP profile also allows for the download of messages, making it easy to stay organized. You can browse through your message folders with ease.

Uploading messages is another convenient feature of the MAP profile.

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Service and Data Profiles provide the foundation for various Bluetooth applications. GAP, or Generic Access Profile, is the basis for all other profiles and defines how two Bluetooth units discover and establish a connection with each other.

The Message Access Profile (MAP) allows exchange of messages between devices, commonly used for automotive handsfree use. For example, Bluetooth MAP is used by HP to send and receive text (SMS) messages from a Palm/HP smartphone to an HP TouchPad tablet.

PBAP, or Phone Book Access Profile, enables the transfer of a cellphone's contact list to a car's hands-free system, as seen in various car models such as the Lexus LX and GS 2013 models.

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The Health Device Profile (HDP) is a crucial layer in the Service and Data Profiles. It's designed to facilitate the transmission and reception of Medical Device data.

The HDP layer interacts with the lower level Multi-Channel Adaptation Protocol (MCAP) layer, which is responsible for adapting data to different communication channels. This allows for seamless data exchange between devices.

The HTP and HRP profiles are examples of Health Device Profiles. Health Thermometer Profile (HTP) and Heart Rate Profile (HRP) are specific types of HDP profiles.

The APIs of the HDP layer perform SDP behavior to connect to remote HDP devices, making it easier to establish connections between devices. This is done using the Device ID Profile (DIP).

Serial Port profiles are based on ETSI 07.10 and the RFCOMM protocol, which emulates a serial cable to provide a simple substitute for existing RS-232, including the familiar control signals.

Serial Port Profile is the basis for several other profiles, including DUN, FAX, HSP, and AVRCP.

The Serial Port Profile defines how to set up virtual serial ports and connect two Bluetooth-enabled devices.

The maximum payload capacity of a Serial Port Profile is 128 bytes.

Service Discovery Application is a crucial aspect of Bluetooth technology. It helps applications find out what services are available on any Bluetooth enabled device they connect to.

SDAP, or Service Discovery Application Profile, is the standard for this process. It requires applications to be able to discover services on a remote device.

To establish a connection, two Bluetooth units must first discover each other. This is where the Generic Access Profile, or GAP, comes in. GAP defines how two Bluetooth units discover and establish a connection with each other.

SDAP builds upon GAP's foundation, providing a more specific framework for service discovery. This enables applications to find the services they need to function properly.

The process of service discovery is essential for many Bluetooth applications. Without it, devices wouldn't be able to find the services they need to communicate effectively.

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Message Access is a crucial aspect of Bluetooth technology, allowing devices to exchange messages with each other. This profile is commonly used in automotive hands-free systems.

The Message Access Profile (MAP) specification enables the exchange of messages between devices, including text messages and other types of messages. It's a versatile profile that can be used in various scenarios beyond automotive hands-free use.

Bluetooth MAP is used by several car manufacturers, including Ford, BMW, Lexus, Honda, and Acura, in their SYNC Generation 1-equipped vehicles and iDrive systems. This allows drivers to receive and send messages from their mobile phones to their car's infotainment systems.

The profile is also used by popular devices like the iPhone and iPad, with Apple introducing Bluetooth MAP in iOS 6. Android support was introduced in version 4.4 (KitKat). This means that users of these devices can seamlessly exchange messages with their car's hands-free system or other Bluetooth-enabled devices.

Here are some examples of how Bluetooth MAP is used in various devices:

By using Bluetooth MAP, users can enjoy a more seamless and connected experience when using their devices in their cars.

Future profiles are being proposed within the Bluetooth SIG, but they're not yet finalized.

One of the proposed profiles is Unrestricted Digital Information (UDI), which is still in the works.

Another proposed profile is Extended Service Discovery Profile (ESDP), which aims to make it easier to discover services.

The Video Conferencing Profile (VCP) is also being proposed, and it's designed to be compatible with 3G-324M and support video conferencing over a 3G high-speed connection.

The Tempow Audio Profile (TAP) is a new audio profile that was presented at Bluetooth World 2017 in Santa Clara, and it enables new audio functions that upgrade the current A2DP profile.

You can verify the compatibility of products with these profiles on the Bluetooth Qualification Program website.

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The Human Interface Device Profile, or HID, is used for devices like keyboards, mice, and game controllers. This profile allows users to interact with laptops, desktops, tablets, smartphones, smart TVs, and console games using Bluetooth.

Manufacturers like Apple, Sony, and Microsoft have implemented HID profiles in their products. Apple's Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse, for example, use HID profiles to interact with Mac devices.

Popular devices that use HID profiles include the Xbox Wireless Game controller, PS4's Dualshock 4 Wireless Controller, Amazon Fire TV Remote, and Echo Remote.

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The Generic Attribute Profile, or GATT for short, is a crucial part of the Bluetooth Low Energy protocol.

GATT provides profile discovery and description services, making it easier for devices to find and interact with each other.

It defines how Attribute Profile (ATT) attributes are grouped together into sets to form services, essentially creating a blueprint for how devices can communicate with each other.

This profile is closely related to the Generic Access Profile (GAP), which provides the foundation for all other Bluetooth profiles, including GATT.

In practical terms, GATT enables devices to discover and describe each other's services, allowing for seamless interactions between devices with Bluetooth Low Energy capabilities.

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Proximity (PXP) is a Bluetooth profile that enables proximity monitoring between two devices, making it especially useful for unlocking devices like a PC when a connected Bluetooth smartphone is nearby.

This feature allows for seamless device pairing and unlocking, making it a convenient option for users who want to streamline their workflow.

The Proximity profile is designed to detect the presence of a connected device, such as a smartphone, and automatically unlock the PC when the two devices are in close proximity.

This can be a huge time-saver for users who frequently switch between devices, allowing them to quickly access their PC without having to manually enter a password or PIN.

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The Object Push Profile is a basic profile for sending objects like pictures, virtual business cards, or appointment details. It's called push because the sender initiates the transfer, not the receiver.

This profile uses the APIs of OBEX and the OBEX operations, which include connect, disconnect, put, get, and abort. By using these APIs, the OPP layer resides over OBEX and follows the Bluetooth stack specifications.

Object Push Profile is commonly used in Classic Mobile Phones and latest Smartphones, allowing users to transfer files between devices.

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Bluetooth profiles are standards that define the specifications of devices to be connected and the communication protocols used between them. This means that for devices to communicate using Bluetooth wireless technology, they must have the same profile.

A standard is a set of rules and guidelines that devices must follow to ensure compatibility and effective communication. This standardization is crucial for Bluetooth profiles to work seamlessly.

To establish a connection, devices must have the same profile, which includes the specifications of the devices and the communication protocols used between them.

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The Av Remote Control profile, also known as AVRCP, is a game-changer for controlling your audio and video equipment.

AVRCP allows you to control multiple devices with a single remote control, making it a convenient feature for home theaters and car navigation systems.

You can use AVRCP in conjunction with other profiles like A2DP and VDP to control your TV, Hi-Fi equipment, and other audiovisual devices.

AVRCP has several versions, with the latest being 1.6, which adds features like browsing data and track information.

Here are the different versions of AVRCP:

AVRCP also supports vendor-dependent extensions, which means manufacturers can add their own features to the profile.

Some devices, like Google Home Mini and Amazon Echo, can act as both AVRCP-CT and AVRCP-TG devices, depending on the situation.

When connected to a smartphone or laptop, these devices act as AVRCP-CT, controlling media playback with voice commands.

When connected to a Bluetooth speaker, they act as AVRCP-TG, responding to media control buttons on the speaker.

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