Bluetooth devices can keep disconnecting from a Mac because of low battery power, interference, outdated software, corrupted pairing information, or a problem with the accessory itself. Start by charging the device, moving it closer to the Mac, and disconnecting unused Bluetooth accessories. If that does not help, remove and pair the device again, restart both devices, install available updates, and test the accessory with another computer.
Quick Answer
Try these fixes in order:
- Charge the Bluetooth accessory and turn it off and on.
- Restart the Mac.
- Move the accessory closer to the Mac and reduce wireless interference.
- Disconnect Bluetooth devices you are not using.
- Forget the problem device in System Settings > Bluetooth, then pair it again.
- Install macOS, firmware, and accessory updates.
- Test the accessory with another device to determine whether the problem is with the Mac or the accessory.
If only a mouse is disconnecting, see this more specific guide to fix a Bluetooth mouse that keeps disconnecting from a Mac.
1. Check the accessory before changing Mac settings
Simple power and connection problems are among the most common causes of repeated Bluetooth disconnections.
Charge or replace the battery
A device may appear connected while its battery is too low to maintain a reliable connection. Charge rechargeable accessories fully. For devices with replaceable batteries, install fresh batteries and confirm that they are inserted correctly.
Check the battery level on your Mac:
- Open System Settings.
- Select Bluetooth.
- Find the device in the list.
- Check whether a battery percentage is displayed.
Some accessories do not report their battery level to macOS. In that case, use the accessory’s indicator light or companion app.
Power-cycle the accessory
Turn the Bluetooth device off, wait about 10 seconds, and turn it on again. If it has a separate pairing or connection button, press it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If the accessory is connected to another phone, tablet, computer, or game console, disconnect it there. Some Bluetooth devices automatically switch between paired devices, which can look like a Mac connection problem.
Check for a physical range problem
Keep the accessory within a few feet of the Mac while testing it. Bluetooth usually works across a room, but walls, metal surfaces, furniture, and the position of the Mac can reduce signal quality.
If the connection improves when the device is close to the Mac, range or interference is likely involved.
2. Restart the Mac and the Bluetooth device
A restart clears temporary connection problems and reloads macOS services that manage Bluetooth.
- Save your work.
- Close any apps that may be using the Bluetooth device.
- Choose Apple menu > Restart.
- Restart the Bluetooth accessory after the Mac finishes starting.
- Try connecting again.
If the accessory is a keyboard or mouse, have another input method available before restarting or removing it. A wired keyboard, wired mouse, or built-in Mac trackpad can prevent you from becoming unable to control the Mac.
3. Reduce Bluetooth interference
Bluetooth shares the 2.4 GHz wireless spectrum with some Wi-Fi networks, cordless devices, wireless cameras, USB hubs, and other electronics. Interference can cause lag, brief dropouts, and repeated disconnections.
Try the following:
- Move the accessory closer to the Mac.
- Move USB 3 devices, hubs, and external drives farther from the Mac and its Bluetooth accessory.
- Disconnect unnecessary wireless accessories temporarily.
- Move the Mac away from a wireless router, large metal objects, or other electronics.
- If the problem occurs in only one location, test the device elsewhere.
- Disconnect unused Bluetooth devices from the Mac.
To disconnect an unused device:
- Open System Settings.
- Select Bluetooth.
- Find the device.
- Click the information button next to it.
- Choose Disconnect, if available.
Interference is more likely when several devices disconnect at once or when the connection becomes stable after moving the Mac or accessory.
4. Remove and pair the Bluetooth device again
The saved pairing record can become damaged or inconsistent. Removing the accessory and pairing it again creates a new connection record.
Warning: This step disconnects the device and may remove its saved Bluetooth connection from the Mac. If it is your only keyboard or mouse, connect a wired replacement or make sure the Mac’s built-in input devices are available first.
- Open Apple menu > System Settings.
- Select Bluetooth.
- Locate the problem accessory.
- Click the information button next to it.
- Select Forget This Device or Remove, depending on the macOS version.
- Confirm the action.
- Turn the accessory off and on.
- Put it into pairing mode.
- Return to System Settings > Bluetooth.
- Select Connect next to the device.
Follow the accessory manufacturer’s instructions for pairing mode. A device that is merely turned on may not be discoverable.
If the device does not appear, turn Bluetooth off and on:
- Open System Settings > Bluetooth.
- Turn Bluetooth off.
- Wait several seconds.
- Turn Bluetooth on.
- Try pairing the accessory again.
For broader connection problems, see how to fix Bluetooth not working on a Mac.
5. Install macOS and accessory updates
Updates can fix bugs affecting Bluetooth connections, power management, and compatibility.
Update macOS
- Open Apple menu > System Settings.
- Select General.
- Choose Software Update.
- Install available updates.
- Restart the Mac if macOS requests it.
Save your work before installing an update. The Mac may restart, and open apps may close.
Update the accessory
Check the manufacturer’s app or support website for firmware updates. Firmware is the software built into the accessory. Many headphones, keyboards, mice, and game controllers require a companion app for updates.
Keep the accessory charged during a firmware update. Do not turn it off or disconnect it unless the manufacturer’s instructions specifically say to do so.
6. Check whether an app is causing the disconnections
Some apps manage Bluetooth devices, remap buttons, control audio, or switch accessories between devices. A faulty, outdated, or conflicting utility can interrupt the normal connection.
Test the accessory after quitting apps that control it, such as:
- Mouse or keyboard customization utilities
- Headset management software
- Device-switching tools
- Audio routing or recording apps
- Virtual machine or remote desktop software
To identify an app-related problem:
- Quit the suspected app.
- Disconnect and reconnect the Bluetooth accessory.
- Use the device for several minutes.
- If the connection remains stable, update or remove the utility.
- Check whether the manufacturer offers a newer version.
Avoid deleting an app’s support files unless the manufacturer provides specific instructions. Those files may contain profiles, button mappings, or other settings you want to keep.
7. Check audio-specific Bluetooth settings
If only Bluetooth headphones, earbuds, or speakers disconnect, the issue may involve audio switching rather than Bluetooth itself.
Try these checks:
- Open Control Center from the menu bar.
- Select Sound.
- Choose the Bluetooth audio device again.
- Close apps that are using the microphone, such as video-call or recording apps.
- Test the device with a different audio app.
If the disconnection happens when an app starts using the microphone, the headset may be switching Bluetooth audio modes. Test with another app and install any available firmware update for the headset.
Also check whether the accessory is simultaneously connected to a phone or tablet. Disable Bluetooth on the other device temporarily or disconnect the headset from it.
8. Reset the accessory
Many Bluetooth accessories have a reset procedure that clears pairing information and restores factory connection settings. The procedure varies by model.
Before resetting, check the manufacturer’s instructions. A reset may erase:
- Saved device pairings
- Custom button settings
- Equalizer or audio profiles
- User preferences
- Device-specific configuration
After resetting the accessory, remove its old entry from System Settings > Bluetooth, restart the Mac, and pair the device again.
Do not use an undocumented button combination if you are unsure what it does. Some devices have separate reset, firmware-update, and pairing modes.
9. Test the Mac and accessory separately
Testing helps identify which side is causing the problem.
Test the accessory with another device
Pair it with another Mac, iPhone, iPad, or compatible computer. If it disconnects there too, the accessory, its battery, firmware, or hardware may be at fault.
Test another Bluetooth accessory with the Mac
Connect a different keyboard, mouse, headset, or speaker to the Mac. If only one accessory disconnects, focus on that device. If several unrelated devices disconnect, the Mac, its software, or the surrounding wireless environment is more likely responsible.
Test without nearby wireless devices
Temporarily turn off or move other Bluetooth devices and nearby wireless equipment. If the problem disappears, reconnect devices one at a time to find the source of interference or connection competition.
10. Start the Mac in Safe Mode for an app or startup conflict
Safe Mode starts macOS with additional checks and prevents some software from loading normally. It can help determine whether a login item or third-party extension is contributing to the problem.
The steps depend on whether your Mac has Apple silicon or an Intel processor.
Apple silicon Mac
- Choose Apple menu > Shut Down.
- Press and hold the power button until Loading startup options appears.
- Select a startup volume.
- Press and hold the Shift key.
- Select Continue in Safe Mode.
Intel-based Mac
- Choose Apple menu > Shut Down.
- Turn on the Mac.
- Immediately press and hold the Shift key.
- Release the key when the login window appears.
Log in and test the Bluetooth device. If it remains connected in Safe Mode but disconnects during a normal startup, a login item, utility, or other third-party software may be involved.
Restart normally afterward. Then open System Settings > General > Login Items and temporarily disable nonessential items. Turn them back on one at a time to identify a possible conflict.
11. Check for hardware or service problems
If multiple Bluetooth devices disconnect after all software and interference checks, the Mac may have a hardware issue involving its wireless system, antenna, or logic board. Signs of a deeper problem include:
- Bluetooth disappears from System Settings.
- Several devices fail to pair.
- Devices disconnect even when close to the Mac.
- The problem continues after updates, restarts, and re-pairing.
- The same accessories work normally with other devices.
Make a note of which accessories are affected, how often they disconnect, and whether the problem changes by location. This information can help Apple Support or an authorized service provider troubleshoot the Mac more efficiently.
Troubleshooting
The Bluetooth device does not appear in System Settings
Make sure it is charged and in pairing mode. Turn it off and on, toggle Bluetooth off and on, and move it close to the Mac. If it is connected to another device, disconnect it there first.
The device connects but disconnects after a few minutes
Check battery level, interference, and automatic switching with another device. Quit companion utilities and test after removing nearby USB hubs or wireless equipment.
Only one device keeps disconnecting
Forget that device, reset it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, update its firmware, and test it with another computer. A problem limited to one accessory usually points to the accessory or its configuration.
Every Bluetooth device disconnects
Restart the Mac, install macOS updates, test in Safe Mode, and disconnect nearby wireless equipment. If Bluetooth disappears or remains unreliable with multiple accessories, contact Apple Support or a qualified service provider.
The Mac has no working keyboard or mouse after removing a device
Connect a wired keyboard or mouse before forgetting the Bluetooth accessory. If you are already disconnected, use the Mac’s built-in trackpad and keyboard if available, or reconnect a wired input device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Bluetooth device keep disconnecting from my Mac?
Common causes include low battery power, wireless interference, excessive distance, outdated firmware, damaged pairing information, and software conflicts. Testing the accessory with another device can help identify the cause.
Will forgetting a Bluetooth device delete my files?
No. Forgetting a Bluetooth accessory removes its saved connection from the Mac. It does not delete documents, photos, or other personal files. It may remove pairing-specific settings, so you will need to pair the device again.
Should I turn Bluetooth off when I am not using it?
You do not normally need to turn Bluetooth off. Disconnecting unused accessories can reduce connection competition and make troubleshooting easier, but it is not usually necessary for normal use.
Can Wi-Fi interfere with Bluetooth?
Yes. Bluetooth and some Wi-Fi connections use nearby radio frequencies. Interference may be more noticeable around crowded wireless networks, USB 3 equipment, routers, and other electronic devices.
How can I tell whether the Mac or the accessory is faulty?
Test the accessory with another compatible device and test another Bluetooth accessory with the Mac. If the original accessory fails everywhere, it likely needs service or replacement. If several accessories fail only with the Mac, investigate macOS, interference, or Mac hardware.
Final Thoughts
Start with the basics: charge the accessory, restart both devices, reduce interference, and disconnect unused Bluetooth equipment.