Resolve Mac Bluetooth Issues

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction: MacBook: Resolve Bluetooth Issues

This guide will walk you though troubleshooting Bluetooth issues with your Mac.

Before your start:

• Make sure the Bluetooth accessory you are using is compatible with the device you're attempting to use it with.
• Make sure your device is charged.

Some Bluetooth devices will not work while charging. Please refer to your user manual for more information.

2. Bluetooth: Power Cycle

1. Turn off both your Bluetooth accessory and the device you are pairing it with.
2. Leave them powered off for 10 seconds.
3. Turn both devices back on.

3. Bluetooth: Enable Pairing Mode

Please place your device into pairing mode.

This process will vary depending on what kind of device you have. Refer to your device's documentation for specifics on how to accomplish this.

4. macOS: Connect Bluetooth

Depending on the device you are attempting to add, the screens you see may be slightly different than the ones depicted here.

1. Set the Bluetooth accessory in pairing/discovery mode.
   This process will vary depending on what kind of device you have. Refer to your device's documentation for specifics on how to accomplish this.
2. Click the System Preferences icon.
   

1. Click the Bluetooth icon.
   

1. Bluetooth properties will open.
2. Ensure that Bluetooth status reads Bluetooth: On. If it is off, click Turn Bluetooth On to enable it.
   

1. Available Bluetooth devices will begin to appear in the list.
2. Locate the device you wish to pair in the list and click Pair.
   

1. Once connected, the device will display Connected within the device list. It is now available to your Mac to output audio to.
   

5. Bluetooth: Range Check

The device needs to be within a reasonable range in order to connect.

• In general, to pair and use a Bluetooth device (like a speaker, headset or smartwatch), the device needs to be within 10 feet of your computer or other device.
• Some medium and higher-power devices can be farther, up to about 30 feet, but this tends to be for larger devices that plug in or have very large batteries, such as another computer, media streaming device, or a plug-in speaker system.

Try moving the Bluetooth device closer if you have trouble.

6. Bluetooth: Try another device

Try using another device that has worked in the past (if available).

7. What's next?

8. macOS: Disable Bluetooth

1. Open the Apple menu and then click on System Preferences.
   

1. Click on Bluetooth.
   

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2. Click Turn Bluetooth Off.
   

9. macOS: Enable Bluetooth

1. Open the Apple menu and then click on System Preferences.
   

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2. Click on Bluetooth.
   

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2. Click Turn Bluetooth On.
   

10. macOS: Reset Bluetooth Module

1. Open the Apple menu and then click on System Preferences.
   

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2. Click on Bluetooth.
   

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2. Verify that the Show Bluetooth in menu bar has a check next to it.
   

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2. Click on the Bluetooth icon on the top right of your screen while holding Shift and Option keys down on your keyboard. Now, go to the Debug Menu and select Reset the Bluetooth module.
   

11. What's next?