How to fix unavailable Bluetooth on iMac 27 inch 2017 running Ventura?

I'm sorry to hear that you are still experiencing Bluetooth issues with your iMac. Given the steps already attempted, here are some additional troubleshooting methods that might help resolve the problem:

1. Reset the Bluetooth Module:

Open Terminal from Applications > Utilities.

Type the following command and press Return:

sudo pkill bluetoothd

You may be prompted to enter your administrator password.

After executing the command, restart your Mac.

Delete Bluetooth PLIST Files:

Corrupted preference files can cause Bluetooth issues. Deleting these files allows macOS to recreate them:

Open Finder and press Command + Shift + G to open the "Go to Folder" window.

Enter the following path and click Go

/Library/Preferences/

Locate the file named com.apple.Bluetooth.plist and move it to the Trash.

Repeat the process for the following path:

~/Library/Preferences/

Locate and move the com.apple.Bluetooth.plist file to the Trash.

Restart your Mac to allow the system to recreate these files.

Worth a try - not much to lose!

Good luck!

RY1974 wrote:

Got an old wired mouse, can click on the button in the top right menu but the button won't stay clicked on.

That's great that you've got a wired mouse! Can you click on the button in System Settings? Any different result?

Have you started up your iMac in Safe Boot mode? If not, please humour me and do so!

Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support (IE)

Then start up in 'normal' mode and report if your Blutooth is any different.

Thanks

"If you're trying to figure out whether the Bluetooth hardware in your iMac is physically working — and not just a macOS issue — you might want to try booting into a Linux Mint Live USB. It won't install anything or change your Mac. You can use it just to check if Bluetooth shows up and works. If it does, then your hardware is fine, and it’s likely a macOS software problem. If it doesn’t, it might suggest a hardware issue."

"Linux Mint usually supports Bluetooth out of the box. If you need help creating a USB stick or booting into it, I’m happy to help!"

That's a response I got from ChatGPT when I asked if this would be a good way to check if you had a hardware fault with your Bluetooth! If you have the time, it might be worth trying.

What do YOU think?

Okay, let's look for anything obvious. Please do the following....

It will help us get a good idea of what is causing your problem if you provide a report of your system, that way we do not have to play 20 questions with you. The report we are requesting does NOT provide any personal information and is extremely safe to use. Please navigate towww.Etrecheck.com and download the free version of EtreCheck. Once you have you downloaded the app and installed it, please run the report and save it. This report will help us get a good idea what has been installed on your system and help us be able to diagnose what may be wrong.

When you have your report, you can attach it when you reply to this message and we can then review it and help you determine what is needed to get your system running well again. 

For instructions on how to download your EtreCheck report and attach it to your reply to this message please click How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community It is helpful to us if you download the report to your Desktop.

Suggest follow the previous advise - First

Though, should this Bluetooth issue be a Hardware issue ?

You may consider checking in the System Information applet

Finder >> Go >> Utilities

Below is from macOS 15.4 Sequoia so may look different in Ventura

What is showing up regarding the Bluetooth Module itself

In your System Settings > Bluetooth > Advanced ......... are these buttons 'on' or 'off'?

I'm afraid that I'm out of ideas. May I suggest that you go here and ask for help? Official Apple Support

I've always found the Apple support staff to be really helpful, even if you don't have 'cover'!

Try this link too:- https://getsupport.apple.com/solutions

Please advise what transpired if you do go that route now.

Thanks.

By chance is there any of the following types of third party apps installed:

• Antivirus
• Security
• VPN
• Cleaning
• Maintenance

Please will you confirm that your macOS is 13.7.5

If not, please update to that version.

Frustrating! 😢

If you can lay your hands on a wired/USB mouse (any one should do) can you move your mouse pointer over to the button in the top right corner of your screen and and 'click' it?

Alternatively, here in System Settings:-

RY1974 wrote:

maybe, not got time at the moment due to backlog of work I need to clear thanks to the bluetooth issue. Thanks again for your help.

You are most welcome. 🙂

I had high hopes that using Terminal to reset the Bluetooth module would have cracked it! 😢

Don't work TOO hard!

Meow!

RY1974 wrote:

This is interesting, I ran apple diagnostics to test hardware and NO ISSUES were found which means its software related. the way it's dropped in the past but then come back may support this.

Hmmm! Did you actually run the command I posted yesterday in your Terminal?

Are you using the same 'problem' iMac to post your responses here?

RY1974 wrote:

Hi, ran the command in terminal a few times but no joy. using the imac to reply plus my iphone.thanks

Now you'll think I'm nagging!

Did you restart your iMac after running the Terminal command?

RY1974 wrote:

you have been brilliant in your support thank you. i will no doubt work around it. on the plus side been looking at a new mac as this one is7 years old. take care

That is most kind! 😄

Tell me, though - why didn't you follow the advice of "rkaufmann87" and install and run EtreCheck?

Just curious!