Unable to connect Bluetooth on 2018 Mac mini

Question

Level 1

19 points

Unable to connect Bluetooth on 2018 Mac mini

Hey there,

On my 2018 Mac mini I have noticed that the bluetooth connection is very poor. While using my bluetooth keyboard, the inputs are delayed up to 5 seconds per key pressed, and with my AirPods, the audio cuts out randomly. I have tried to reset the bluetooth module multiple times, but that didn't help. Also, while trying to use unlock with Apple Watch, my watch never responds so I can't use that feature. Is there any way to fix this issue?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Mac mini, macOS 15.3

Posted on Feb 2, 2025 08:27 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

den.thed

Level 10

88,954 points

Feb 3, 2025 06:51 PM in response to Ian_tech

Ian_tech wrote:

I currently have a USB A hub connected to the Mac mini with a USB microphone and a USB power connecter connected to it. Also, I have a wireless mouse receiver on the other USB A port, and one external SSD connected to one thunderbolt port, a thunderbolt three cable connecting the Mac mini with an external graphics card, another USB hub connected to the third thunderbolt port, and finally a USB C to USB C cable that connects to my XBOX controller.

Should I remove or relocate some of these cables to somewhere else?

Yes.

First try relocating any USB cables and devices that are near or in-between the keyboard and the Mac mini.

Then if that doesn't help, continue troubleshooting by disconnecting one USB device and cable at a time.

Reply

Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

88,954 points

Feb 2, 2025 08:57 PM in response to Ian_tech

What USB-C drives, devices and display(s) are you using with the Mac mini...?

Poorly shielded USB-C cables, drives and devices including display(s) in close proximity to the Mac mini or the bluetooth device(s) can cause interference.

check out > Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference - Apple Support

Reply

Answer 3

Ian_tech Author

Level 1

19 points

Feb 4, 2025 06:09 PM in response to den.thed

Hey @den.thed,

Thanks a lot for the help. I have moved some of my cables out of the way and I also opened the computer to dust it out a bit, and now bluetooth works fine.

Thanks!

Reply

Answer 4

Ian_tech Author

Level 1

19 points

Feb 3, 2025 06:29 PM in response to den.thed

Hey @den.thed,

I currently have a USB A hub connected to the Mac mini with a USB microphone and a USB power connecter connected to it. Also, I have a wireless mouse receiver on the other USB A port, and one external SSD connected to one thunderbolt port, a thunderbolt three cable connecting the Mac mini with an external graphics card, another USB hub connected to the third thunderbolt port, and finally a USB C to USB C cable that connects to my XBOX controller.

Should I remove or relocate some of these cables to somewhere else?

Reply

Answer 5

den.thed

Level 10

88,954 points

Feb 4, 2025 07:30 PM in response to Ian_tech

👍 Good work!

You're welcome.

Reply

Unable to connect Bluetooth on 2018 Mac mini

Similar questions