Bluetooth not working on Mac: how to fix it? Many Mac devices use Bluetooth, so when Bluetooth stops working or malfunctions, it becomes an untidy problem. This article has collected tips and tricks for troubleshooting Bluetooth problems on Mac, including resetting the Bluetooth module and ways to eliminate interference.
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How to Fix Bluetooth Problems on Mac
Software update, power off, pair break
You have probably already tried these steps, but if not, then start with them:
- Check if macOS is up to date with the latest version available ( > About This Mac > Software Update… or System Preferences > Software Update)
- Make sure your Bluetooth device is charged
- Turn your Bluetooth device off and on again, you can do the same with Bluetooth on your Mac (click on the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar – in the top right corner of your Mac screen)
- Also try unpairing the device and re-pairing with it (Bluetooth icon in menu bar > Bluetooth Preferences/Settings > hover over the device > click the “x” icon (Disconnect in macOS Ventura) > select “Uninstall”)
- Restart your Mac
Eliminate interference
Apple’s support document notes that if you’re experiencing intermittent Bluetooth connectivity issues, you need to make sure there’s no interference:
- Bring Your Mac and Bluetooth Devices Together
- Put away other devices: phones, cameras, power cords, etc. that may be on your desk or nearby.
- Switch all your Wi-Fi devices to a 5GHz network as both Bluetooth and WiFi operate on 2.4GHz
- Move USB/Thunderbolt hubs away from Macs and Bluetooth devices (and don’t place them on top of Macs)
- Disconnect USB devices that are not in use
- There must be no metal or concrete obstructions between your Mac and Bluetooth devices
Reset your Mac’s Bluetooth settings
Keep in mind that this will disable all your Bluetooth accessories, including your mouse/keyboard. Make sure you have a wired Mac keyboard/mouse so you can control your computer.
On macOS Monterey and later
If you’re still having problems with Bluetooth, you can reset your Mac’s Bluetooth module:
This cannot be done through the standard Bluetooth management interface in the menu bar, so you will need to execute the command through the terminal.
- Open terminal
- Enter the command “sudo pkill bluetoothd”
- Press Return (Enter), then enter the password if prompted
- Restart Mac
On macOS Big Sur or earlier
- Hold down the Option + Shift keys on your keyboard and click on the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar
- Click “Reset Bluetooth Module”
- At the confirmation prompt, select “OK”
- All your Bluetooth devices will disconnect and then should automatically reconnect.
Delete all devices + reset bluetooth module
If that doesn’t work, you can remove all your Bluetooth devices and then reset the module (keep in mind that you will need to re-pair all Bluetooth devices after this):
- Hold Option + Shift on your keyboard and click on the Bluetooth icon again
- This time select “Remove all devices” > click “OK”.
- Hold Option + Shift click on Bluetooth in the menu bar > click “Reset Bluetooth Module”
- Try reconnecting your Bluetooth device.
Use a Bluetooth adapter
This is not a perfect solution, but Bluetooth mice and keyboards usually come with USB Bluetooth dongles, try connecting your device through that.
If you’re having trouble scrolling your mouse or Apple’s Magic Trackpad, try these solutions.
