Your Magic Mouse is dead, your headphones will not pair, or your keyboard keeps dropping. Bluetooth problems feel serious because they cut off your main way of controlling the Mac, but the fixes are usually simple. The steps below start with what Apple recommends, then move to common extras.
1. Make sure Bluetooth is on
Apple’s first step is to open System Settings and click Bluetooth to confirm it is switched on. If your wireless keyboard and mouse are both dead, use the built-in trackpad on a MacBook or plug in a USB mouse. Apple also gives a trick for the case where only your keyboard works: press Command-Space bar, type “Bluetooth File Exchange”, press Return, then press Return again to turn Bluetooth on.
2. Restart your Mac
If Bluetooth will not turn on, Apple says to restart your computer and try again.
3. Plug the accessory in
For Apple’s Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad, connect the accessory to your Mac with its cable, wait one minute, then unplug it. Apple says this pairs the accessory with your Mac and charges its built-in battery. You can check the charge level from Control Center, then Bluetooth.
4. Check the battery or charge
For a headset, Apple’s advice is to make sure it is turned on, in range and charged, or that it has fresh batteries. A low battery is the most common reason for flaky connections.
5. See if the device is in the Bluetooth list
In System Settings, open Bluetooth and check whether your device appears. If your headset is not in the list, Apple says to try connecting with it again, following the headset’s own instructions to put it in pairing mode.
6. Look for interference
If the accessory will not stay connected, Apple points to interference from other wireless devices. Move USB hubs, external drives and other wireless gadgets away from the Mac and the accessory to see if the problem goes away. Apple has a separate article on resolving Wi-Fi and Bluetooth interference.
7. Update macOS
If Bluetooth stopped working after an update, install any newer macOS release from System Settings, General, Software Update. Our Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting guide also helps, since Wi-Fi and Bluetooth often share trouble spots.
When to stop troubleshooting
If a device does not work with any Mac or phone, the device is likely the problem. If everything fails only on one Mac, try a different accessory. If all of your accessories fail on one Mac, contact Apple Support or an Apple-authorized service provider.
Frequently asked questions
How do I turn on Bluetooth if I have no mouse?
On a MacBook, use the trackpad. If only the keyboard works, use Apple’s Spotlight method: Command-Space bar, type Bluetooth File Exchange, then press Return twice.
Why does my Bluetooth keep disconnecting?
Interference and low battery are the two most common causes Apple points to.
Sources
- If you can’t connect your Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, or Magic Trackpad to your Mac (Apple Support)
- If a Bluetooth headset doesn’t work with Mac (Apple Support)
Last checked November 3, 2026. Apple changes its instructions between updates, so if a menu looks different on your Mac, check the linked Apple page.
