8 Fixes For Mac Bluetooth Not Working

Bluetooth is essential for accomplishing things from home in today’s work-from-home environment. You’ll need to connect attachments like a keyboard, mouse, microphone, and headphones for a flawless workflow.

It is, in general, a dependable technology. However, you’re likely to have trouble making a Bluetooth connection with one or more of your gadgets at some moment.

mac bluetooth not working

Unpairing and resetting the device from the blank is the easiest way to fix the Bluetooth connectivity issue. If your Bluetooth device is still behaving up with your mac, keep reading to figure out how to fix it.

Fix Mac Bluetooth Not Working? 

Bluetooth has been ingrained in our daily lives. It is trustworthy technology. Bluetooth issues are uncommon, but they do happen. Numerous Mac customers have complained that their Bluetooth capabilities are sometimes lost randomly.

I could refer to various issues when I say Bluetooth isn’t working. It’s not so common, but it might be due to hardware issues.

The Bluetooth menu also shows a Bluetooth: Not Available message, according to users. It’s possible that you won’t be capable of turning on Bluetooth at all times. 

Fix Mac Bluetooth Not Working?

Finally, you might experience difficulties creating a Network connection or using a Bluetooth device, resulting in your Bluetooth gadgets failing to connect or function. Moreover, several macOS and iOS services (such as AirDrop, Handoff, Continuity, Universal Clipboard, and others) will be unavailable.

By linking various gear (keyboard, mouse, trackpad, headset, etc.) with your Macbook, you can attach them remotely (also called pairing). If Bluetooth is enabled, your mac will link to these devices once they have been linked. This article discusses how to troubleshoot Bluetooth issues.

How to quickly fix the Mac Bluetooth not working problem

  1. Optimize and remove your system junk
  2. Turn Bluetooth off and back on
  3. Reset the Bluetooth module
  4. Try an alternative connection method
  5. Delete the Bluetooth .plist files
  6. Disconnect all USB devices
  7. Remove saved Bluetooth devices
  8. Update your macOS

Tip 1: Optimize and remove your system junk

Ultimately, it’s normal for your Macintosh hard disc to become clogged with the various user and system-generated garbage over time. Bluetooth connectivity is also a problem. So, the next moment your MacBook Pro Bluetooth isn’t working, try using CleanMyMac X to perform a thorough yet speedy system performance.

CleanMyMac X is a powerful and simple tool that will restore your mac to its original state, free of user and system cache items, language logs, malware, login items, and more. Scanning merely requires a single click:

  • Select System Junk from the drop-down menu.
Optimize and remove your system junk
8 Fixes For Mac Bluetooth Not Working 1
  • Pause for the procedure to complete after clicking Scan.
  • Examine the details and get rid of whatever you don’t need.

Tip 2: Turn Bluetooth off and back on

Rebooting the computer might sometimes fix the issues. Select Turn Bluetooth Off and turn Bluetooth On from the Bluetooth symbol in the toolbar at the upper side of your panel.

Tip 3: Reset the Bluetooth module

Rebooting the Bluetooth connection will seek to resolve any difficulties on a profound level even if none of the other troubleshooting methods have fixed the issue of Bluetooth not accessible on the Macbook. On a Macbook, this is how to re-enable Bluetooth:

  • While holding Shift + Option, go to the menu bar and tap on the Bluetooth symbol.
While holding Shift + Option, go to the menu bar and tap on the Bluetooth symbol.
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  • Choose “Remove all devices” under Debug.
  • Hit “Reset the Bluetooth module” from the Debug menu once more.
  • Reboot your mac and connect your Bluetooth devices again.
Reboot your mac and connect your Bluetooth devices again.
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Tip 4: Try an alternative connection method

If you can’t join your smartphone to Macs despite having Bluetooth activated, try an alternate Bluetooth application like AirBuddy or ToothFairy (these are both accessible with a Setapp subscription, so you may test them out for free and decide which one you like most). (Or combine the two!)

If you want to connect numerous Bluetooth devices to your Pc, such as your remote Magic Mouse, AirPods, and some non-Apple headphones, ToothFairy is the ideal option. The program can assist you in creating a separate menu bar option for these devices, linking with a single click.

AirBuddy features the cutest device connection page, which looks a lot like the one you have seen on iOS when you link your AirPods, and it functions with many other devices.

Tip 5: Delete the Bluetooth .plist files

Macintosh saves Bluetooth device data into two directories on your HDD: one for you and one for all other individuals on your Macbook. To resolve Bluetooth difficulties on Mac, erase those directories. Take the actions listed below to get started.

  • On your Mac, go to the Finder submenu.
On your Mac, go to the Finder submenu.
8 Fixes For Mac Bluetooth Not Working 4
  • Launch the menu bar and select “Open” from the drop-down menu. Go to Folder by selecting Go.
Launch the menu bar and select "Open" from the drop-down menu. Go to Folder by selecting Go
8 Fixes For Mac Bluetooth Not Working 5
  • In the search box, enter /Library/Preferences
In the search box, enter /Library/Preferences
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  • Drag ‘com.apple.Bluetooth.plist’ to the Trash.
  • Select Go > Go to Folder now, and in the search box, enter /Library/Preferences/ByHost.
  • Search for a com.apple file.
  • Drag the file to the Bin with Bluetooth, numbers, and letters (ending in.plist).
Drag the file to the Bin with Bluetooth, numbers, and letters (ending in.plist).
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  • Switch down your system after disconnecting any USB gadgets.

Tip 6: Disconnect all USB devices

If switching on and off your Mac’s Bluetooth didn’t work, try detaching and reconnecting all of your USB and Bluetooth gadgets:

  • You may find Bluetooth under System Preferences.
You may find Bluetooth under System Preferences.
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  • To unplug a device, hit the X next to it.
  • Reboot your computer.
Reboot your computer.
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  • Rejoin your gadgets after a few seconds.

It’s essential to remember that there can be an excessive number of Bluetooth devices connected simultaneously. The maximum number is seven; however, if you exceed three or four, you may run into issues because some devices require more bandwidth than others.

Tip 7: Remove saved Bluetooth devices

Switch your Bluetooth devices off and on if putting your Macbook off and on does not work.

One cause for unplugging gadgets is that having too many linked devices can lead to connectivity issues. Although six Bluetooth devices are considered the highest amount, you might run into problems if you have more than four or five since some gadgets require more information than others.

  • Select Bluetooth in System Preferences.
  • Erase the Bluetooth gadget list by clicking on the x icon beside each item.
  • Reconnect the Bluetooth device and check if it works.

Tip 8: Update your macOS

When I upgraded my MacBook Air to the current macOS Big Sur upgrade, I started experiencing Bluetooth connectivity troubles. Apple is known for quickly addressing such aggravations in future upgrades.

If you’re in a similar boat to me, you must download and install the most recently available patch from the System Preferences submenu.

macOS Monterey Bluetooth problems

If your Bluetooth isn’t working on your mac running macOS Monterey, test for Apple firmware upgrades by navigating to the Apple menu symbol in the upper left corner of your display > System Preferences… > Software Upgrade.

Before trying any additional remedies, ensure your Monterey is up to date. The bug you’re experiencing may have already been resolved.

Furthermore, the unified remedies discussed here include restarting your Mac and Bluetooth devices and verifying that all appliances have Bluetooth switched on. To fix such issues, we have found on the web the conventional NVRAM and (System Management Controller) SMC reset and the expulsion of .plist.

The latter has already been discussed in one of the previous parts, while the two earlier are as follows. To restore NVRAM, switch on your Macbook and immediately hold Option + Command + P + R for around 20 seconds.

For M1 Marcos, reboot; for Intel-based laptops with T2 chips, shut it down, pressing Ctrl + option + the right Shift key for 7 seconds without release, click the power switch and lock all the buttons for 7 seconds further, relax, and switch on your Macbook after a few moments. Visit Apple’s beginner rulebook for more information on the T2 chip and other Macintosh. 

Head to System Preferences… > Bluetooth > Advanced and check if you’re having trouble linking to a Bluetooth keypad and mouse.

As you’ve seen, turning Bluetooth on Mac isn’t always as straightforward as hitting the appropriate option in the menu bar.

How to fix Bluetooth problems on macOS Big Sur

You have a few choices if your mac is using macOS Big Sur and you’re having Bluetooth communication troubles.

To begin, consider the suggestions above. If you still can’t switch on Bluetooth on your Macbook, try restarting it if it simply froze due to a system fault or a lack of storage or processing capabilities.

If your Big Sur hasn’t been upgraded to the newest version, possibilities are a problem has been resolved with a software upgrade; therefore, install any advised Apple system upgrades for your macOS.

If your Laptop’s Bluetooth still doesn’t locate any devices, double-check that the systems are turned on and that Bluetooth is enabled (if it isn’t already). To restart the transmission, you can refresh the devices you’re attempting to connect. Check to see whether they’re within range.

If the problem persists, you may need to reset your gadget completely.

How to turn on Bluetooth on Mac?

Many Macs models have Bluetooth constructed, so all you have to do is ensure it’s set on:

  • In the Top Menu, select System Preferences.
  • Choose Bluetooth in the menu bar. You should turn Bluetooth on.
Choose Bluetooth in the menu bar. You should turn Bluetooth on.
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Check the box next to “Show Bluetooth in menu bar” at the down of the panel while you’re at it. The Bluetooth symbol in the menu bar will act as a shorthand to show if Bluetooth is turned on, if some devices are added, and even if the battery of a specific device is down.

Meanwhile, this symbol in the menu bar isn’t necessary if you use a different Bluetooth client. In that vein, let’s figure out how to link Bluetooth devices to a Macbook in the most straightforward method possible.

Connecting Bluetooth devices to Mac

Your Macbook is ready to establish communication now that you know how to link to Bluetooth on it. Partnering is the procedure for connecting a gadget to your mac. Partnering enables your mac to recognize and link to other devices automatically.

The great news is that your MacBook’s Bluetooth devices are already pre-paired and must join instantly when powered on. Here’s how to link an Apple Bluetooth gadget with your Pc if you purchased one individually:

  • Using a cord, attach the device to your mac (if available)
  • Activate the gadget
  • Switch Bluetooth on in System Preferences.
  • The system will display the list of accessible devices once paired with your Macbook. Link by clicking the connect button.
  • Remove the device when it is fully charged to use it wirelessly.

The issue with such automated pairing is that there is no sign that your gadget has been linked. You might notice that your Earbuds have been connected, but it often takes too long and doesn’t function with all devices (especially non-Apple ones), not to add that You may well turn off your alerts. And then there is the annoyance of AirPods moving between platforms (say, iPhone and Mac).

How to connect Bluetooth headphones to Mac?

Bluetooth headphones are similar to other Bluetooth-enabled products in terms of functionality. Ensure your Bluetooth headphones are charged up and in active mode before beginning. Afterward, connecting them to your mac is as simple as clicking a few buttons. You have two options for connecting to Apple’s servers:

  • Select System Preferences from the menu bar on the left.
  • Click Turn Bluetooth off.
  • You can find a list of devices to the right. Select Connect once your headphones appear.
  • Alternatively, link your headphones to a floating screen using AirBuddy.

Follow the instructions to connect your mac to a Bluetooth speaker.

Solve Magic Mouse not connecting to Mac Bluetooth

Pairing your Magic Mouse to your Mac through Bluetooth is the same as pairing Bluetooth headphones. It should all work out nicely if you follow the instructions outlined above. However, your Bluetooth mouse may sometimes misbehave: before concluding that it isn’t connected correctly, try waking it up:

  • Check to see whether it’s turned on, and try resuming it.
  • To see whether there is any reaction, press the mouse button.
  • Check to see if the battery is still alive.

When none of the following works and your mic still doesn’t appear in the Bluetooth list of devices, consider the following steps:

  • Connect your mouse with the Lightning connector by going to System Preferences Bluetooth and ensuring it’s turned on.
  • Go to the Mouse section of System Preferences. Pause for your mac to find the gadget and attach it to it after setting up the Bluetooth mouse.

Final Thoughts

This article offers a comprehensive guide to resolving the issue of Bluetooth not functioning on Mac PCs quickly and easily. One can find the best solutions to this problem in the abovementioned article.

FAQs

Why Is My Mac Bluetooth Not Working?

> About This Mac > Software Update.) to see if the mac is upgraded. Check to see if your Bluetooth gadget is fully charged. You could do the same with Bluetooth on your Macintosh (select the Bluetooth symbol in the navigation pane – top right of your mac’s display) by turning it off and on.

How Do I Reset My Bluetooth In Monterey Mac?

– Disconnect all devices and re-enable Bluetooth.
– Hit the Bluetooth icon again while holding option + shift on your keyboard.
– Select “Remove all devices” this time, then hit OK.
– Return to the menu bar and select option + shift on Bluetooth > “Reset the Mac’s Bluetooth module.”
– Re-establish a connection between your Bluetooth device and your computer(s).

How Do You Reset The Bluetooth Module On A Mac?

– Select the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar when pressing option + shift on your keypad.
– “Restore the Mac’s Bluetooth module” is a button you can click.
– Select “OK” from the verification menu.
– As the module restarts, it will disconnect your Bluetooth devices briefly before reconnecting.

How Do I Force My Mac To Restart Bluetooth?

One can access the Debugging submenu by pressing Shift-Option on the Bluetooth side menu. However, there is only a Reset option there, not a reboot.