I'm setting up my new MBP. It will not connect to any bluetooth devices. Doesn't even see them. Trying to connect to my iPhone 16 pro. I restarted both devices, turned Bluetooth off and on. The iPhone sees other devices and connects but not to the laptop. What's the magic trick here?
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
MacBook Pro (M4)
I did that. Now th night mare begins. An hour of 'chatting' that got nowhere. Now waiting for a phone call so someone can take control of my machine. That will be another nightmare. It's just Bluetooth. Something is pr3eventing it from working. I just get this super new MBP today!!
I did that. Now th night mare begins. An hour of 'chatting' that got nowhere. Now waiting for a phone call so someone can take control of my machine. That will be another nightmare. It's just Bluetooth. Something is pr3eventing it from working. I just get this super new MBP today!!
Wow, I never heard of that before. I'm a very experienced Mac user. I airdrop regularly between my devices and those of others. I've never ween a MBP not show a bluetooth connection. Is this new to the current models? How do I know I will be able to connect with other devices when I am in a no network location? How can I 'be certain they are in pairing mode' when nothing shows it?
You're welcome.
You're correct about the wi-fi aspect of AirDrop being a requirement in addition to Bluetooth.
I was remiss earlier when I didn't include the link to Apple's guidance on AirDrop. It clearly mentions that both features must be enabled and also that the Personal Hotspot should be turned off.
How to use AirDrop on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support
It sounds like you've got a handle on this. Thanks for the update, my friend. 🙂
My iPhone 16 times out trying to connect to the MBP. Says it is 'not compatible' Huh?
Given them a day or so to get back to you. Perhaps they will find something obvious, or perhaps something needs additional explanation, but if they have reason to believe something is wrong with that Mac and they offer to repair it, refuse. Return that Mac for a full cash refund. You have that option, and you should not be so inconvenienced.
The Mac and the iPhone or iPad do not "pair" in the normal sense as you would headphones to a computer. They never have.
All that is required to use features such as AirDrop in most cases is that Bluetooth be enabled on both devices. Some feature may require also that they be connected to the same wi-fi network. The same Apple Account must be signed in on each device to enable iCloud syncing. Wi-Fi is not required for AirDrop.
Exactly what other devices are you trying to connect that the Mac doesn't see?
Thanks for hanging in there with me D.I. After trying over two days, it is clear that Bluetooth alone is not going to allow sharing thru airdrop. A wireless internet connection is required. My devices state that clearly when trying and failing. That's fine when I am at home or traveling with my phone and MBP, but when I'm with others and want to share photos from phone/MBP we may not be on the same network or there may be none at all. That's why I was hoping to get bluetooth working. I have a Genius Bar appointment today and am reasonably sure they will confirm all this.
UPDATE: My research has found that both bluetooth and wifi need to be turned on. The bluetooth system identifies the devices and creates a local wifi connection between the devices that does not require a wifi internet connection or router. It only works with Apple products. It's like magic. It will work remotely where there is no real wifi internet connection. That sounds good.
Since your Mac is new I would contact Apple: Official Apple Support.
It's not supposed to be this difficult. Perhaps something is wrong with that Mac's BT module. Just be sure to update macOS before contacting them, because that's the first thing they will want you to do: Update macOS on Mac - Apple Support
Yes, I airdrop regularly as well, but have yet to be required to pair my iPhone, iPad, MacBook Pro, or iMac with each other. They all work just fine
Probable because both devices are on the same wireless network. Disconnet from the wireless and see if bluetooth still allows an airdrop. Likely not if you don't see the devices listed in bluetooth prefs.
The fact that the Mac doesn’t connect to your phone via Bluetooth is not surprising, as it is not supported. If this is the only device that does not connect, it would appear to be a non issue. While many shared activities on your Mac and phone require Bluetooth to be activated, pairing in the traditional sense is not required. If it involves other Bluetooth devices, be certain they are in their respective pairing modes per manufacturer’s instructions.
MacBook Pro M4 won't connect to bluetooth devices
