TL;DR
To fix Bluetooth not available on Mac:
- Toggle Bluetooth off and on in the Control Center.
- Restart your Mac to fix Bluetooth issues.
- Disconnect USB devices, restart, and reconnect one by one.
- Update macOS to get the latest fixes.
- 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
Why You Can Trust MacBook Journal We always conduct first-hand research and verify every method or solution we present, ensuring you receive reliable and effective advice. Learn more about our process.
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:
- Click the Control Center icon in the top-right corner of the menu bar.
- In the Control Center, click the Bluetooth icon to turn it off.
- 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:
- Click the Apple menu.
- 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:
- Identify and eject any connected USB devices (external drives, printers, etc.). Properly eject external drives to avoid data loss (right-click and select “Eject”).
- Physically remove all USB devices from the ports.
- Restart your Mac by clicking the Apple menu and selecting Restart.
- 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:
- Click the Apple menu and select System Settings.
- Click General and select Software Update.
- Install any available updates by clicking 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:
- Make sure your Bluetooth device is set to discoverable mode, so your Mac can detect it.
- Confirm your Bluetooth device is powered on and has an adequate battery charge. If not, turn it on or charge it.
- 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:
- Open Finder and press Command ⌘ + Shift ⇧ + G.
- In the Go to Folder window, type the following path and press Enter:
/Library/Preferences/
- Find and delete the files named com.apple.Bluetooth.plist and com.apple.Bluetooth.plist.lockfile.
- 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.
- Open Terminal from Applications > Utilities.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
sudo pkill bluetoothd
- 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.