The macOS Big Sur update was just released, much to the delight of Mac users all over the world. Big Sur comes with some new functions and an appearance that brings the world of macOS and mobile iOS ever closer together.
But because the update is so recent, some common glitches are occurring upon downloading and/or installing Big Sur. One of these issues is problems with the Bluetooth connection.
Let’s take a look at that here with some easy fixes you can use to get Bluetooth to function correctly on your computer.
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Bluetooth Problems After Installing macOS Big Sur
There is no one exact reason why Bluetooth isn’t working for everyone after installing macOS Big Sur.
It could be caused by internal system problems that have been affected or altered after the update or an incompatibility with your Bluetooth device.
Either way, it’s a problem that you will want to fix quickly as many of us use one type of Bluetooth device or another almost every day.
Fix #1: Make Sure Your Bluetooth Device is Turned On and Paired to Your Mac
We will start things off with the easy and obvious fix. The update may have caused your computer to forget a Bluetooth device that you had been using, and if so, you will need to pair it with the computer again.
The first step is to make sure that the Bluetooth device you want to use is turned on and within range of the Mac running Big Sur.
You’ll also want to make sure that the device is in discoverable mode, meaning other devices can recognize it.
To connect your Bluetooth device to your Mac, follow these steps:
- Click on the Apple menu
- Select System Preferences
- Select Bluetooth
- You should then see a list of available Bluetooth devices. Select your device from this list.
- Select Connect
- Your device will be connected to Bluetooth.
Your device should always be connected to your Mac after you go through the steps above the first time.
Meaning you won’t need to go through the steps above each time you want to connect. You can also connect by means of the Bluetooth icon from the menu bar on the top right of your screen.
Fix #2: Restart Your Mac
Another quick fix to attempt if you can’t connect after following the steps above is simply resetting your computer.
You can go to the Apple menu and then select Restart from the drop-down menu.
This can fix some small glitches and is recommended whenever you are experiencing any minor technical difficulties such as problems with Bluetooth.
Fix #3: Reset the Bluetooth Module
You can also reset the Bluetooth module on your computer to fix connection problems associated with the Big Sur update. This is another easy action that might help you resolve the issue.
To reset the Bluetooth module on your Mac, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Hold down both the Shift and Option keys and then click on the Bluetooth icon on the top right side of your screen.
- Step 2: Select Debug.
- Step 3: Select Reset the Bluetooth module.
- Step 4: Select OK.
- Step 5: Restart your Mac and your Bluetooth connection issues should be fixed.
Fix #4: Move or Delete Bluetooth Extension File
If none of the above has worked, there is one more fix to attempt. This one involves going into your finder and locating a Bluetooth extension file and then moving or deleting it.
This has helped resolve problems associated with Bluetooth connection issues on Big Sur for some people.
It seems a little more complicated than the other fixes, but it really is another easy attempt.
To perform this fix, follow these steps:
- Open your Finder
- From the top menu bar, click on Go
- Select Go to folder from the Go dropdown menu
- Type in this text – /Library/Preferences
- Click the return key
- Locate this file – com.apple.Bluetooth.plist
- Delete that file or move it to a different location
- Restart your computer
- Attempt to connect to your Bluetooth device again
Final Thoughts
A properly working Bluetooth connection is a must for many of us. If you experience problems with your Bluetooth connection after installing macOS Big Sur, run through all of the steps above, and you should be able to fix the problem quickly.
If none of the above fixes work, you can reach out to Apple customer support or explore their discussion board for other possible fixes.
Remember that a new operating system sometimes has a few glitches and issues that exist within early versions. Keep an eye out for any additional updates to Big Sur, as this might help you resolve any small issues as well.
Jen
I tried all 4 with 2 different wifi earphones, none works 🙁
after #4, cannot even pair. FYI.
Gary S Bonner
1st. There is NO ‘DEBUG’selection on the menu “RESET THE Bluetooth MODULE”
There is only a warning that pops up reading: ARE YOU SURE?
That is a little OMINOUS
Then If my keyboard and mouse are both Bluetooth connected, will they be ‘Disconnected’so that they are inoperable until I run through some kind of connection protocol?? If they become temporarily inoperable, how then do I navigate menus for set up??
OK
Dude… my bluetooth mouse won’t connect – how do you ‘select’ the bluetooth without a mouse? The only answer I have found so far is: buy a USB mouse. Sadly this is needed after you buy $110 Magic Mouse.
Dee
The 3rd step worked for me, thanks so much. I’m glad I wasn’t the only one having this issue, and this was a common problem. Thanks again.
Neil Yoder
Clearly Big Sur is not turning the Wifi or Bluetooth on until after login after a restart or power cycle. This happens for me 100% of the time. Having Bluetooth Mouse and Keyboard is a nightmare because of this.
Barnaby Beech
Saved my day! Thank you So much!
Oracularman
BS. Please visit the Apple community forums on Bluetooth before writing all this. You will get a better story there.
Carine
Hi I tried all your fixes but still doesn’t work, I can’t connect my android phone via bluetooth to my mac Big sur. It seems I don’t have the file com.apple.Bluetooth.plist. I disconnected/reconnected wifi, blue tooth..and still not connected, it stays 10 seconds on and that’s it….that’s the only device around connected with bluetooth. Help!! That’s the only way I have to transfer my pictures from my phone to the computer.
Patrick Crotty
Thanks for this but fixes 1 2 and 3 didn’t work. I would like to try fix number 4 but I can’t find the file named exactly as your advice, ie “com.apple.Bluetooth.plist”. I have however found 3 files in the “preferences” location named:
“com.apple.Bluetooth.39EDC977-6C56-585E-AD57-3FE14F7EA38D.plist” and:
“com.apple.Bluetooth.8F86B295-6DC9-5E05-9791-876C8E52E1D8.plist”
I also found another another named:
“com.apple.BluetoothFileExchange.plist”
Are any of these relevant?
Oracularman
Nothing works on 2017 MacBook Pro MacOS Sur. I don’t see the Debug or the plist file.
Chris
I have a i-Max, and have just updated to Big Sur. It has Bluetooth mouse and keyboard, but neither is connecting – so I cant follow the steps you outline above – Im simply cant log in! And after I turn on the computer , I cant sign in , so it shuts down after about 5 mins – Any suggestions?
Ingo
I tried all, every Step.
Unfortunately, the problems with bluetooth – mouse and keyboard – continue.
In my opinion, the bluetooth-stack in Big Sur is totally broken 🙁
Madhav JK
None of the above steps worked on macOS Big Sur