Nowadays, Bluetooth is the heart of every computer and laptop. The most common uses of Bluetooth in Mac are connecting wireless keyboards, Mouse, speakers, trackpads, and other devices. However, at some point, it can create difficulties in connecting Bluetooth devices. Usually, Bluetooth not working occurs when you update the macOS to the newest version or some malware attacks your MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or anything. There are a few common solutions to this headache, like rebooting the Mac, un-pairing and re-pairing the Bluetooth devices, and replacing the battery of the Bluetooth device or the SMC reset. In the worst case, if none of them work for you, you have to reset the Bluetooth hardware module on macOS.
Important Note: When resetting the Bluetooth hardware module in macOS, it will temporarily disconnect the wireless mouse, keyboard, or any other Bluetooth devices on your Mac.
Here’s how to Reset Bluetooth on Mac Ventura, Sonoma
Important Note: on MacOS Monterey & later Update, Reset Bluetooth Module Option from Bluetooth menu in top menu bar no longer available. Try to Reset using Terminal Command Line [Method 1] or Using Activity Monitor [Method 3], or Delete & Re-Generate Bluetooth Plist file [Method 4], Follow the below Methods,
Method 1: Using Terminal Reset Bluetooth on Mac [Ventura & Monterey compatible]
Use the below command line to Reload the Bluetooth Device module and fix the Bluetooth issue on Mac after Monterey is installed.
- Open Terminal command on your Mac. and Type Below command and Hit the return to run.
sudo pkill bluetoothd
2. Enter your Mac login password, Now, Wait for 5 seconds, and Start Using Bluetooth and set up the Bluetooth device.
3. That’s it.
Method 2: MacOS Big Sur & Earlier
- Step #1: Press and hold “Shift + Option(Alt)” and then click on the “Bluetooth” icon on the menubar.
- Hint: In case, Bluetooth icon missing in the top menu bar on your Mac then this trick will help you to get the bluetooth icon back.
- Step #2: Next, move the cursor to the “Debug” menu.
Step #3: Choose “Reset the Bluetooth module” from the list.
Step #4: So you will get a confirmation pop-up so click on OK to take the process terminate side.
Step #5: Once the process gets completed, restart your MacBook normally.
Now you have to connect the Bluetooth devices to Mac using the same typical method and check everything is working properly or not.
Method 3: Force Close Bluetooth Process from Activity Monitor
Find all Bluetooth processes manually Using the Activity monitor and Search Bluetooth process “Blue” in the Activity Monitor Search box. and Force close it.
- Launch Activity Monitor on your Mac, Search “Blue” in CPU process.
- Select Bluetooth Process and Use Force Close button given on top.
- Again Select Force Quit Process.
- That’s it.
Method 4: Delete Bluetooth Plist file from System Preferences
Mac users are found helpful to fix Bluetooth issues on Mac and then can’t Able to Reset Bluetooth Module on Mac with Ventura Update. So here are alternate suggestions to fix the Bluetooth hardware issue on Mac by Delete & Re-Create PLIST file on Mac. Follow the below steps,
- Open Finder on Mac, from top Menu Bar, Select Go > Go to Folder.
- next, Type, /Library/Preferences/ or /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/
- and Find Bluetooth file – use Search Box Type “Bluetooth” and See Bluetooth Plist file in Preferences folder.
- Right click on the file and Delete file “Move to bin“. Now, Restart your Mac and Re-Generate new Bluetooth file in Preferences folder.
- That’s it.
In the Debug menu, you will find more options such as Factory reset all connected Apple devices which will reset Apple-branded devices to default settings, Remove all devices, it will remove all the devices in one click, and Bluetooth logging. All of these options are used for different purposes. However, for troubleshooting anonymous issues resetting the Bluetooth hardware module is worth trying.
- Bluetooth Not Working on Mac
- Ever you facing Bluetooth not Available on Mac then try this fix and don’t worry, my this trick helps you to repair WiFi: No hardware installed Error on Mac.
Quick Handy Tips
- Create another Admin Account and Check Bluetooth is Worked on Not: Apple logo on Mac top menu > System Preferences > Users & Group > Unlock the Restriction [Remove lock] > Click on Plus to add a new Administrator account. That’ it.
- Reinstall macOS on Mac without Deleting the Data.
Note: Keep in mind that the connected Bluetooth device should be in range with Mac or else it can be one possible reason why Bluetooth not working on macOS Catalina, macOS Mojave.
Jaysukh Patel is the founder of howtoisolve. Also self Professional Developer, Techno lover mainly for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and iOS, Jaysukh is one of responsible person in his family. Contact On: jaysukh.pharma@gmail.com [OR] admin@howtoisolve.com
I followed your instructions, but “Debug” does not appear on the Bluetooth drop-down menu. All other choices are there. Any ideas? Do I have some other setting wrong? Do I have to enter my passcode somewhere? (Using Mojave.)
Please read carefully step #1 and go next:
Press and hold “Shift + Option(Alt)” and then click on “Bluetooth” icon on the menubar.
in case of You’ve Windows keyboard, then Use command: Press & Hold Shift + Alt key and then click on Bluetooth iCon on the top menu bar.
How will a hint that starts with Press and hold “Shift + Option(Alt)” and then click on the “Bluetooth” icon on the menubar” help anyone deal with the situation when the “Bluetooth icon missing in the top menu bar”?!?
This was very helpful. Thank you.
Thanks for reply.