ciptool

ciptool [-i hciX] connect|trust|untrust|list|dial [bdaddr]

-i hciX
    Select HCI device (e.g., hci0)

connect [bdaddr]
    Connect to specified or interactive headset

trust [bdaddr]
    Add headset to trusted list

untrust [bdaddr]
    Remove headset from trusted list

list
    List known headsets

dial number
    Dial phone number on connected headset

ciptool is a command-line tool from the BlueZ Linux Bluetooth protocol stack, designed for managing Bluetooth headsets and hands-free devices. It supports operations like connecting to a device by its Bluetooth Device Address (BDADDR), marking devices as trusted or untrusted, listing available headsets, and initiating phone calls via the dial command.

ciptool interacts primarily with the Headset Profile (HSP) and Hands-Free Profile (HFP), enabling basic audio routing and control over Bluetooth audio gateways. Users specify the HCI (Host Controller Interface) device with -i if multiple adapters are present. For example, ciptool connect AA:BB:CC:DD:EE:FF establishes a connection.

While functional, ciptool is an older utility and may not support advanced features in modern Bluetooth stacks. It requires BlueZ libraries and kernel Bluetooth modules. Always ensure the target device is discoverable and paired if necessary.

Legacy tool; deprecated in favor of bluetoothctl. May not work with Bluetooth 5.0+ devices or require manual pairing via other tools.

ciptool -i hci0 connect AA:BB:CC:DD:EE:FF
ciptool dial 1234567890

BlueZ utils package; Bluetooth kernel modules (btusb, bluetooth); device must support HSP/HFP.

Part of BlueZ since early versions (pre-4.x). Developed for simple HSP/HFP control; largely replaced by interactive bluetoothctl in BlueZ 5.x (2012+). Still available in many distros for compatibility.

hcitool(1), hciconfig(1), bluetoothctl(1), rfcomm(1)