5 Bluetooth Problems You Encounter on MacBook
BlueTooth is a significant feature that keeps you connected to a plethora of wireless devices including a mouse, keyboard, speakers, and more.
Usually, you do not face problems connecting to these devices via your MacBook, but sometimes it becomes difficult to connect as the device is not available.
Most of the time, the BlueTooth problem you face is a common one, but you aren’t able to crack it because of a lack of knowledge or troubleshooting skills.
In this article, we will learn about the most common BlueTooth problems on MacBook and how you can resolve them. Let’s now learn the ways to troubleshoot BlueTooth connectivity errors on Mac computers.
Restart Your MacBook
Just like any other technical issue, the best way to deal with the BlueTooth problem on MacBook is restarting the devices. These devices include your laptop as well as the BlueTooth device you are trying to connect with.
When your Mac displays an error ‘BlueTooth device is not available’ restart is probably the best solution. Restart is certainly the quickest way to fix technical problems on Apple, Windows, Android, or any other digital devices.
Debug BlueTooth Connections
Almost all professionals from IT executives to graphic designers, to copy editors and video creators need to connect some kind of BlueTooth device to their computers. For example, video editors need to connect BlueTooth cameras such as GoPro to their laptops for editing videos or images, so learning how to connect GoPro to Mac is necessary.
Now follow the instructions and check if the camera is connected to the MacBook, or else debug BlueTooth connection options. On MacOS Big Sur and Catalina, you can use the Debug menu while you need to go to the Terminal in macOS Monterey.
Turn BlueTooth On and Off on Mac
If the restart doesn’t help solve the problem, tweak the BlueTooth Settings on the MacBook. The steps to change BlueTooth Settings differ based on the version of macOS you’re using. Check your macOS version before proceeding.
In macOS Monterey and Big Sur, go to the menu bar and click Control Center, then click on the BlueTooth icon to turn it on or off. In macOS Catalina or previous versions, navigate to System Preferences, click BlueTooth, and tap Turn BlueTooth Off.
Delete BlueTooth Preferences
Check if deleting the BlueTooth Preferences can help solve relevant issues and make it work properly. The PLIST files on MacBook can crash frequently and cause functionality errors with wireless devices.
- Open Finder, select Go and tap on the Go to Folder option available on the menu bar.
- In the Go to the folder: type in /Library/Preferences/
- Now find the files names ‘com.apple.Bluetooth.plist’ and ‘com.Apple.Bluetooth.plist.lockfile’
- Click and drag these files into a folder on the Desktop to create a copy. It will help you restore these files in case you need them later.
- Now, go back to the Finder and move the BlueTooth preferences files to the Trash
- Type in your administrator password to confirm your action
- Restart your MacBook to allow it to generate a new preference list
Reconnect BlueTooth Device
More often, users start to face BlueTooth problems after upgrading macOS to the latest version. Other than that, such problems arise after you replace the battery in the BlueTooth device. To troubleshoot these errors, disconnect the BlueTooth device from your MacBook.
Now, try to pair your BlueTooth speaker, microphone, mouse, or keyboard again with the MacBook. When your laptop forgets the devices connected via BlueTooth, it will reestablish the connection. You can do it by navigating to the BlueTooth option under System Preferences.
Why Do Bluetooth Problems Occur?
Usually, software errors or outdated firmware are the major reasons why users face BlueTooth connectivity issues on their computers. Updating the operating system can be a potential way to fix connectivity issues on desktops and laptops.
But how would you know that your device is not connecting to a BlueTooth device? The following symptoms will help you detect BlueTooth problems.
- Bluetooth device is not available
- Failure to detect the device
- Failing to pair with the device
- Not responding to connected devices
- Frequently disconnecting wireless devices
Before you implement a troubleshooting method to get rid of the BlueTooth connectivity issue, make sure to back up your Mac. In some cases, the connectivity errors are the result of malware attacks. If this is the problem, run an antivirus to scan your devices.
More often, you find BlueTooth connectivity errors while connecting your smartphone or tablet to the computer. In that case, either of the devices can be infected with a virus.
So, scan the device and then pair it with the laptop. When downloading an antivirus app, make sure to get it from a legitimate source. These are general tips that apply to Mac as well as Windows users.