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How to Fix Bluetooth Not Available on Mac: 8 Best Ways

Easy ways to restore Bluetooth on Mac.

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Last updated: September 6, 2024

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TL;DR

To fix Bluetooth not available on Mac:

  1. Toggle Bluetooth off and on in the Control Center.
  2. Restart your Mac to fix Bluetooth issues.
  3. Disconnect USB devices, restart, and reconnect one by one.
  4. Update macOS to get the latest fixes.
  5. Ensure your Bluetooth device is discoverable and paired correctly.

Tried and Tested ✅: The methods and steps mentioned in this article have been tried and tested firsthand by Ojash Yadav on his MacBook Pro M3 and rechecked for errors on Hashir’s MacBook Air M2.

Bluetooth issues can pop up at the worst times, whether you’re in the middle of work or trying to relax. I’ve faced this problem often, and after some troubleshooting, I discovered easy ways to fix it.

How to Fix Bluetooth Not Available on Mac Error

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Solve your Mac’s Bluetooth problem with these eight simple solutions:

1. Turn Bluetooth Off and Back On

A simple fix to re-establish Bluetooth connectivity on your Mac is toggling Bluetooth off and then back on. Here is how to do it:

  1. Click the Control Center icon in the top-right corner of the menu bar.
click control center in the menu bar
  1. In the Control Center, click the Bluetooth icon to turn it off.
click bluetooth in control center
  1. Wait a few seconds, then click the Bluetooth icon again to turn it back on.

2. Restart Your Mac

A simple restart can resolve many issues, including Bluetooth connectivity problems. Here’s how to restart your Mac:

  1. Click the Apple menu.
  2. Select Restart.
click the apple icon and select restart

Wait for your Mac to boot up again.

3. Disconnect All USB Devices

USB devices can sometimes disrupt Bluetooth connections, especially on older Macs or when many devices are connected. To fix this, try disconnecting all USB devices.

Here’s how:

  1. Identify and eject any connected USB devices (external drives, printers, etc.). Properly eject external drives to avoid data loss (right-click and select “Eject”).
  2. Physically remove all USB devices from the ports.
  3. Restart your Mac by clicking the Apple menu and selecting Restart.
  4. After the restart, check Bluetooth. If it works, reconnect USB devices one by one, testing Bluetooth after each.

4. Update Your macOS

Keeping your macOS up to date can fix Bluetooth issues caused by software glitches. Here’s how to update your macOS on Mac:

  1. Click the Apple menu and select System Settings.
click the apple icon and select system settings
  1. Click General and select Software Update.
click general and select software update
  1. Install any available updates by clicking the Update Now button.
click the update now button

    5. Check Your Mac’s Bluetooth Device Settings

    If your Mac’s Bluetooth still isn’t working, checking your Bluetooth device settings is crucial. Follow the steps below to make sure your Bluetooth device is connected properly and has the correct settings:

    1. Make sure your Bluetooth device is set to discoverable mode, so your Mac can detect it.
    2. Confirm your Bluetooth device is powered on and has an adequate battery charge. If not, turn it on or charge it.
    3. Ensure your Bluetooth device is correctly paired with your Mac. If you haven’t paired it before, consult the device’s user manual for instructions.

    6. Delete the Bluetooth .plist Files

    Deleting corrupted Bluetooth configuration files resets Bluetooth settings and can resolve connectivity problems. Here’s how to delete the Bluetooth .plist files on Mac:

    1. Open Finder and press Command ⌘ + Shift ⇧ + G.
    macbook pro command shift g keys
    1. In the Go to Folder window, type the following path and press Enter:
    /Library/Preferences/
    type library preferences path in the window
    1. Find and delete the files named com.apple.Bluetooth.plist and com.apple.Bluetooth.plist.lockfile.
    delete the files com apple bluetooth plist and com apple bluetooth plist lockfile
    1. Restart your Mac.

    7. Reset the Bluetooth Module

    Resetting the Bluetooth module will restart Bluetooth hardware and resolve persistent issues. Here’s how to use Terminal to reset Bluetooth on your Mac:

    Please note that doing this will temporarily disconnect any Bluetooth devices you have connected.

    1. Open Terminal from Applications > Utilities.
    launch terminal from utilities
    1. Type the following command and press Enter:
    sudo pkill bluetoothd
    type the command sudo pkill bluetoothd and press enter
    1. Enter your admin password when prompted.

    8. Reset SMC and PRAM/NVRAM (Last Resort)

    If none of the previous solutions resolve your Bluetooth issue, resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) or PRAM/NVRAM can help fix hardware-related problems. These are advanced troubleshooting steps that can restore system settings to default. For detailed instructions on how to safely perform these resets, check out our comprehensive guide on Resetting SMC and PRAM/NVRAM.

    Before performing any troubleshooting steps that involve resetting hardware settings, it’s always a good idea to back up your data.

    Connect Bluetooth Devices With Your Mac

    Bluetooth issues on your Mac can be frustrating, but with these simple troubleshooting steps, you’ll be back to enjoying your wireless devices in no time. If one method doesn’t work, try the next, and you’ll likely find a solution quickly.

    Here are some more tips for you:

    • Check your Bluetooth settings and restart your Mac if it’s not turning on.
    • Use AirPlay as an alternative when Bluetooth doesn’t work.
    • Ensure your MacBook is charging, as low battery can impact Bluetooth connectivity.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why is Bluetooth not available on my Mac?

    Bluetooth may not be available on your Mac for various reasons, including software glitches, interference from other devices, or incorrect settings. Troubleshooting steps such as restarting your Mac, resetting the Bluetooth module, or updating macOS can help resolve Bluetooth connectivity issues.

    How to restart Bluetooth on Mac without using mouse or keyboard?

    To restart Bluetooth on a Mac without using a mouse or keyboard, you can use Voice Control. Enable Voice Control in System Settings, then give commands to navigate to the Bluetooth settings and toggle it off and on. This allows you to control Bluetooth using only your voice.

    Do I need to download Bluetooth drivers on Mac?

    You generally don’t need to download Bluetooth drivers on Mac, as macOS has built-in Bluetooth device support. However, you may need additional drivers or software for some third-party peripherals. Always check the device manufacturer’s website or documentation for specific installation instructions and driver requirements.

    Ojash

    Author

    Hi there! I'm Ojash, a tech journalist with over a decade of experience in the industry. I've had the privilege of contributing to some of the world's largest tech publications, making my mark as a respected Mac expert. My passion lies in exploring, using, and writing about MacBooks, and I enjoy sharing my expertise to help others make informed decisions and get the most out of their MacBook experience. Join me as we delve into the fascinating world of MacBooks together!

    Hashir Ibrahim

    Reviewer

    Hello! I'm Hashir, a seasoned tech journalist with a unique blend of academic expertise and hands-on experience. With a bachelor's in IT, a master's in cybersecurity, and over a decade in the industry, I've built a reputation for demystifying complex Apple hardware. My work has been featured in top tech outlets like MakeUseOf and MakeTechEasier. As the senior writer at MacBook Journal, I write guides that help you solve any issues you have with your mac.

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