Fixing Bluetooth Connection Issues on macOS

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Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 15/4/2026

Content

1. Is Bluetooth enabled on both devices?

On the target device

2. Does your peripheral device have enough battery?

3. Other settings

4. Issue from the Bluetooth list?

5. Reset NVRAM

6. Reset Bluetooth module

Bluetooth offers a fast and convenient way to transfer files between your Mac and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. It's frustrating when Bluetooth doesn't work on your Mac. This guide includes some tricks to help you troubleshoot Bluetooth connection issues in macOS.

1. Is Bluetooth enabled on both devices?

You may have accidentally turned off Bluetooth on your Mac or the target device. It sounds obvious, but you should double-check to see if Bluetooth is actually turned on!

If you've added the Bluetooth icon to your Mac's menu bar, you can quickly check if it's turned on.

If the Bluetooth icon on the menu bar is gray, it means it's not turned on. To turn on Bluetooth, simply click the gray icon and select Turn Bluetooth On.

If the Bluetooth icon doesn't appear here, you'll need to access:

Click on the Apple icon >> System Preferences…

Select Bluetooth.

If you see Bluetooth Off, press Turn Bluetooth On to activate it.

Here you can also check the box for Show Bluetooth in menu bar.

On the target device

If the device you need to connect is a peripheral device like a mouse or keyboard, try checking its power switch. If it's a smartphone, tablet, or another computer, you should check the settings to ensure Bluetooth is enabled.

2. Does your peripheral device have enough battery?

For peripheral devices like computer mice and keyboards, it's possible they may not have enough power to operate. Your Mac cannot connect to a device that is turned off, so check if the peripheral device has enough battery or is connected to power. If you suspect your device is running out of battery, try connecting it to a power outlet, replace the battery, or charge it.

3. Other settings

If you're attempting to connect a device for the first time, there's always a pairing process to follow:

Select the Apple logo on the Mac's menu bar >> System Preferences…

Choose the corresponding setup area for the device you're having trouble with, such as Mouse or Keyboard.

Here you'll find some settings you can use to connect the device to your Mac, try “Set Up Bluetooth Keyboard|Mouse…”.

Even if you've previously connected this device to your Mac, you may need to repeat this setup process if you've recently updated MacOS or performed a reset.

4. Issue from the Bluetooth list?

If you've tried all the troubleshooting steps above and MacOS still refuses to connect via Bluetooth, the issue may lie with your Bluetooth preferences list. The Bluetooth.plist file may have unexpectedly become corrupted. So, delete Bluetooth.plist and let macOS recreate this file, which could be a solution for some Bluetooth-related issues.

To delete the Bluetooth list, type Terminal in the search bar and open this application.

Copy and paste the following command into the Terminal window:

sudo rm -R /Library/Preferences/com.apple.Bluetooth.plist

Press Enter, when prompted, enter your user password.

Restart your Mac and check if Bluetooth is working properly.

5. Reset NVRAM

NVRAM is a small amount of memory where macOS stores essential settings for quick access, including some Bluetooth-related settings. If these settings get corrupted, it can cause technical issues, so resetting NVRAM also helps resolve your Bluetooth connection problem.

Before you begin, just note that resetting NVRAM will also reset your system preferences and settings, so you'll need to spend some time setting things up again.

To reset NVRAM:

Shut down your Mac as usual.
Turn on your Mac and immediately press Option + Command + P + R. Keep holding these keys until your Mac restarts.

You have successfully reset NVRAM.

6. Reset Bluetooth module

On your screen, hold down the Shift + Option keys.
Continue holding the keys and click on the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar.

Select Debug.

Now you have the power to use two debugging options:

Reset the Bluetooth module: This action will erase all settings of the Bluetooth hardware module. Resetting the module will disconnect any devices and peripherals currently connected to your Mac via Bluetooth.
Factory reset all connected Apple devices: This action will restore the default settings for all Apple-branded devices currently connected to your Mac.

Hopefully one of the solutions above has helped you resolve the Bluetooth connection issue in macOS. Good luck!

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I check if Bluetooth is not working on my Mac?

First, ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on both your Mac and the target device. You can check this by looking for the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar. If the icon is gray, it means Bluetooth is off. Access System Preferences to turn it on if necessary.

How can I determine if my Bluetooth device has enough battery?

To check if your peripheral device has sufficient battery, look for any battery indicator lights or notifications on the device. If it's running low, consider connecting it to a power source, replacing the batteries, or charging it to ensure proper connectivity.

What steps should I follow to reset the Bluetooth preferences on my Mac?

To reset your Bluetooth preferences, open Terminal and enter the command 'sudo rm -R /Library/Preferences/com.apple.Bluetooth.plist'. This will delete the preferences file, allowing macOS to recreate it. Restart your Mac after this process to see if Bluetooth connectivity improves.

Is it necessary to reset NVRAM when experiencing Bluetooth issues?

Yes, resetting NVRAM can help resolve Bluetooth connection problems, as it clears out potentially corrupted settings. To reset, shut down your Mac, then turn it on while holding Option + Command + P + R until it restarts.

How do I reset the Bluetooth module on my Mac?

To reset the Bluetooth module, hold down the Shift + Option keys and click on the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar. From there, select 'Debug' and choose 'Reset the Bluetooth module' to clear all Bluetooth settings.

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