If Bluetooth devices are not connecting, keep disconnecting, or no longer appear on your Mac, resetting Bluetooth settings can often restore normal operation. A Bluetooth reset does not delete your documents, photos, apps, or other personal files. However, some reset methods remove saved Bluetooth pairings, so you may need to reconnect your keyboard, mouse, headphones, or other accessories afterward.
Start with the least disruptive steps: turn Bluetooth off and on, forget only the problem device, and restart your Mac. If those steps do not help, reset Bluetooth-related settings more thoroughly.
Quick Answer
To reset Bluetooth settings safely:
- Turn Bluetooth off in System Settings, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on.
- Remove and reconnect the device that is having problems.
- Restart your Mac and the Bluetooth accessory.
- If the issue continues, remove Bluetooth preference files in Finder or use a Terminal command to restart the Bluetooth service.
- Pair your devices again afterward.
These steps do not erase personal data, but removing Bluetooth preference files can delete saved pairings and custom Bluetooth settings.
Before You Reset Bluetooth
A reset may temporarily disconnect every Bluetooth accessory. Before proceeding:
- Save your work.
- Connect a wired keyboard or mouse if possible.
- Make sure your Bluetooth accessories are charged or have fresh batteries.
- Keep the accessories close to your Mac.
- Turn off Bluetooth on nearby devices that might connect automatically.
- If you use a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse as your only input device, avoid a reset that removes all pairings unless you have another way to control the Mac.
Bluetooth resets affect wireless connections, not your personal files. They do not delete items from folders such as Documents, Desktop, Downloads, or Pictures.
Method 1: Turn Bluetooth Off and On
Turning Bluetooth off and back on is the safest first step. It refreshes the wireless connection without removing paired devices.
- Open the Apple menu in the upper-left corner.
- Select System Settings.
- Click Bluetooth in the sidebar.
- Turn Bluetooth off.
- Wait about 10 seconds.
- Turn Bluetooth back on.
- Try connecting your accessory again.
On some Macs, Bluetooth controls may also be available from Control Center in the menu bar. Opening Control Center, selecting Bluetooth, and switching it off and on can provide the same basic refresh.
If the device does not reconnect automatically, select it in the Bluetooth settings and choose Connect.
Method 2: Forget and Re-Pair One Bluetooth Device
If only one accessory is malfunctioning, remove that device instead of resetting every Bluetooth pairing. This is usually the best option for a single mouse, keyboard, headset, speaker, or game controller.
Warning: Forgetting a device removes its saved pairing from your Mac. It does not erase data stored on the accessory, but you will need to pair it again.
- Open System Settings.
- Click Bluetooth.
- Locate the problem accessory under My Devices.
- Click the information button next to the device. It may appear as an i button or a details button.
- Choose Forget This Device or Remove, depending on the macOS interface.
- Confirm the removal.
- Put the accessory into pairing or discovery mode.
- Wait for it to appear under nearby Bluetooth devices.
- Click Connect and follow any instructions on screen.
If the accessory is still listed but will not connect, turn it off, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on before trying to pair it again.
For problems involving a mouse that repeatedly disconnects, see How to Fix a Bluetooth Mouse That Keeps Disconnecting from a Mac.
Method 3: Restart Your Mac and Bluetooth Accessory
A restart clears temporary system processes that may be preventing Bluetooth from working correctly.
- Save your work and close apps if necessary.
- Open the Apple menu.
- Select Restart.
- Wait for your Mac to start again.
- Turn the Bluetooth accessory off and back on.
- Open System Settings > Bluetooth.
- Select the accessory and click Connect if needed.
If you cannot use a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse, connect a wired input device before restarting. A Bluetooth accessory may not reconnect until macOS has fully loaded.
Method 4: Remove Bluetooth Preference Files in Finder
macOS stores Bluetooth configuration information in preference files. If those files become damaged, removing them can rebuild the Bluetooth configuration when the Mac starts again.
This method is more disruptive than forgetting one device because it can remove saved Bluetooth pairings and related preferences.
Warning: This procedure may disconnect all Bluetooth accessories and require you to pair them again. Save your work and connect a wired keyboard or mouse first if available.
- Open Finder.
- Click Go in the menu bar.
- Select Go to Folder.
- Enter:
text
/Library/Preferences/
- Press Return.
- Look for a Bluetooth preference file. Depending on the macOS version, its name may include
com.apple.Bluetooth. - Move the relevant Bluetooth preference file to the Trash.
- Empty the Trash only if you are certain you want to remove it permanently.
- Restart your Mac.
- Open System Settings > Bluetooth and pair your accessories again.
The exact preference-file name and location can vary between macOS versions. Do not delete unrelated files from the Preferences folder. If you cannot clearly identify a Bluetooth preference file, use the less disruptive methods above instead.
Removing the file does not affect personal documents or application data. It resets Bluetooth configuration information, including potentially saved pairings.
Method 5: Reset Bluetooth Using Terminal
Terminal can restart the Bluetooth background service without manually browsing system folders. This method is useful when Bluetooth settings are unresponsive or the normal controls do not resolve the problem.
Warning: Terminal commands can change system behavior immediately. The command below may disconnect Bluetooth devices and restart the Bluetooth service. Save your work first, and make sure you have a wired input device or another way to control your Mac.
- Open Finder.
- Select Applications in the sidebar.
- Open the Utilities folder.
- Open Terminal.
- Enter the following command:
bash
sudo pkill bluetoothd
- Press Return.
- Enter your Mac login password if Terminal asks for it. The password will not appear as you type.
- Press Return again.
- Wait several seconds for macOS to restart the Bluetooth service.
- Open System Settings > Bluetooth and test your devices.
What the command changes
sudo runs the command with administrator permission. pkill bluetoothd stops the Bluetooth background service, called bluetoothd. macOS should automatically launch the service again, refreshing Bluetooth without deleting personal files.
This command does not remove documents or applications. It may, however, temporarily disconnect Bluetooth accessories. If a device does not reconnect automatically, pair it again from System Settings > Bluetooth.
How to reverse the change
There is no separate undo command because the command only stops the service. macOS normally restarts it automatically. If Bluetooth does not return:
- Restart your Mac.
- Open System Settings > Bluetooth.
- Turn Bluetooth off and on.
- Reconnect or re-pair your accessories.
Do not repeatedly run the command if Bluetooth remains unavailable. Continue with the troubleshooting steps below.
Method 6: Reset the Accessory, Not the Mac
Sometimes the problem is stored in the Bluetooth accessory rather than macOS. Many headphones, speakers, keyboards, and mice have a manufacturer-specific reset procedure.
Before resetting the accessory, check its manual or the manufacturer’s support instructions. An accessory reset may:
- Remove all saved computers and phones
- Clear custom settings
- Restore factory defaults
- Require you to pair the accessory again
This does not erase files from your Mac, but it can erase connection information stored on the accessory. After resetting it, charge the device, place it in pairing mode, and connect it again through System Settings > Bluetooth.
Troubleshooting Bluetooth After the Reset
The Bluetooth device does not appear
Make sure the accessory is turned on and in pairing mode. Move it closer to the Mac and disconnect it from other computers, tablets, or phones. Some accessories connect to only one device at a time.
Also check whether Bluetooth is enabled in System Settings > Bluetooth. If Bluetooth itself is missing, unavailable, or stuck loading, restart the Mac and test again.
For broader connection problems, see How to Fix Bluetooth Not Working on a Mac.
The device appears but will not connect
Forget the device, restart both the Mac and accessory, and pair them again. If the accessory has been paired with several devices, remove old connections from those devices or place the accessory into a fresh pairing mode.
For headphones and speakers, verify that the correct output device is selected in System Settings > Sound after connecting.
Bluetooth keeps disconnecting
Check the accessory’s battery, reduce the distance between it and the Mac, and move it away from potential sources of wireless interference. USB devices, hubs, and other wireless equipment can sometimes affect connection stability.
If only one accessory disconnects, update or reset that accessory according to its manufacturer’s instructions. If every Bluetooth device disconnects, restart the Bluetooth service or remove the Bluetooth preference file as described earlier.
Your keyboard or mouse stopped working after the reset
The reset may have removed its pairing. Connect a wired keyboard or mouse, or use the Mac’s built-in input options if available. Then open System Settings > Bluetooth and pair the accessory again.
If you do not have another input device, restart the Mac and wait for the Bluetooth accessory to reconnect. Some accessories reconnect automatically after startup, while others must be placed into pairing mode again.
Bluetooth works, but AirDrop or other wireless features do not
Bluetooth is only one part of some wireless features. AirDrop and many continuity features also depend on Wi-Fi and account or device settings. If Bluetooth is working but AirDrop is not, check Wi-Fi, device visibility, and whether both devices meet the feature’s requirements.
For network problems unrelated to Bluetooth, see How to Fix Wi-Fi Problems on a Mac.
Nothing fixes the problem
Install available macOS updates from System Settings > General > Software Update, then restart the Mac. Test with a different Bluetooth accessory if possible. If another device works normally, the original accessory may be defective or incompatible.
If no Bluetooth accessory works and Bluetooth repeatedly disappears from System Settings, the issue may involve hardware, system corruption, or a deeper configuration problem. At that point, contact Apple Support or an authorized service provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will resetting Bluetooth delete files from my Mac?
No. Resetting Bluetooth does not delete documents, photos, applications, or other personal data. Some reset methods remove saved Bluetooth pairings and preferences, so you may need to reconnect your accessories.
Will I need to pair my Bluetooth devices again?
Not always. Turning Bluetooth off and on or restarting the Mac usually preserves pairings. Forgetting a device, deleting Bluetooth preference files, or resetting the accessory can require you to pair it again.
Is it safe to delete Bluetooth preference files?
It is generally safe when you remove only the appropriate Bluetooth preference file. However, doing so can disconnect every paired accessory and reset Bluetooth-related settings. Do not delete unrelated files from the Preferences folder.
Can I reset Bluetooth without a mouse or keyboard?
You can, but it is safer to connect a wired input device first. A reset may disconnect your only Bluetooth keyboard or mouse, leaving you unable to navigate macOS until the accessory reconnects.
Does resetting Bluetooth improve battery life?
A reset may resolve repeated connection attempts or malfunctioning devices, but it is not a general battery-saving procedure. If battery drain continues, check the accessory’s battery condition, connected devices, and macOS power settings.
Should I reset Bluetooth or Wi-Fi?
Reset Bluetooth when wireless accessories have pairing or connection problems. Reset Wi-Fi when the Mac cannot join networks or the internet connection is unstable. AirDrop and other features may require troubleshooting both services.
Final Thoughts
Begin with the least disruptive option: turn Bluetooth off and on, restart the Mac, or forget only the affected device. If those steps fail, restarting the Bluetooth service or rebuilding its preference file can resolve deeper configuration problems. These procedures do not erase personal data, but broader resets may remove saved pairings, so keep a wired input device available and be prepared to reconnect your accessories.