If you’re having trouble connecting a Bluetooth device, there are several steps you can try to get your accessory paired and working correctly. This guide walks through several steps you can try.
⚠️ Before You Start
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Make sure your external device is fully charged or has fresh batteries, especially if you’re using a wireless keyboard or mouse.
Is your Bluetooth switched on?
Although this sounds very trivial it's worthwhile making sure that both your Bluetooth device and Bluetooth on your Mac is switched on. To do this:
- Make sure your Bluetooth device is switched on. For example, if you’re using an Apple Magic Keyboard, check that the power switch is on and the green on the switch is visible
- Navigate to System Settings > Bluetooth.
- Next to Bluetooth, press the slider to ensure it's on (showing as blue).
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If Bluetooth is switched on, your Mac should begin detecting nearby devices. Once your device appears under Nearby Devices, select it and click Connect.
💡Tip: The method for pairing or switching on a Bluetooth device can vary depending on the device itself. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific device to be sure.
Disconnect and Reconnect your Device
Removing and then repairing your external Bluetooth device is another step you could try. To do this:
- Navigate to System Settings > Bluetooth.
- Find your device in the list, click the (i) icon and choose Forget This Device.
- Switch off the Bluetooth device and then select Apple Menu > Shut Down.
- Leave your Mac off for a minute or so and switch it back on.
- Switch on your Bluetooth device and then navigate to System Settings > Bluetooth.
- Under Nearby Devices, select your Bluetooth device and click Connect.
💡Tip: Bluetooth devices can be sensitive to interference, so keep them away from Wi-Fi routers. Also, if your external device was previously paired with another device, make sure to disconnect it by following steps 1 and 2 above.
Update macOS
If your device is running outdated software, installing the latest update may resolve the connection issue. Updates often include improvements that enable compatibility with new devices or peripherals. Please follow our guide, linked here, to update your Mac.
Reinstall macOS
If you’ve tried all of the steps above and are still experiencing issues, it may be worth erasing your Mac and reinstalling macOS, following the steps outlined here. Be sure to set up your Mac as new without using Migration Assistant to transfer data from Time Machine, as migrating from an older device can sometimes cause problems.
💡Tip: Transferring data via Time Machine using Migration Assistant can sometimes cause issues. Erasing and reinstalling macOS returns your device to a clean slate, eliminating any data or problems that might be carried over during a Time Machine migration, allowing you to gradually reinstall only the software you need.
Checking Hardware
If you’re still experiencing issues, it may be worth checking your device for any hardware-related problems, following the steps linked here. If a hardware issue is detected, we recommend contacting an Apple Authorised Service Provider, or reaching out to us if you’re still within your 1-year hardware warranty.
