Bluetooth stopped working properly after a macOS update

Why it happens

An update restarts the Bluetooth system and can leave a saved pairing in a muddled state. The device then drops out, connects without sound, or refuses to reconnect. A restart clears most of it, and forgetting and re-pairing gives the device a fresh, clean pairing.

How to fix it

1. Choose Apple menu > Restart. A full restart, not just sleep, starts Bluetooth fresh after the update.

   Apple menu›Restart…

2. Once you're back, try the device. If it works properly now, you're done.

3. Still misbehaving? If it's your only keyboard or mouse, plug in its cable, or a USB keyboard or mouse, first, so you can still click and type. Then open System Settings and click Bluetooth. Under My Devices, Control-click the device's name and click Forget, then confirm.

   Bluetooth

4. Put the device in pairing mode. For most headphones and speakers you hold the Bluetooth or power button until a light flashes. For most AirPods, open the case lid and hold the button on the back of the case until the light flashes white; on AirPods 4, double-tap the front of the case instead. An Apple keyboard, mouse or trackpad pairs again when you plug it into the Mac with its cable.

5. When the device shows under Nearby Devices, hold the pointer over it and click Connect. It moves up to My Devices.

Still not fixed?

1. Check for a newer update. Bluetooth bugs found after a release are often fixed in the next one. Open General > Software Update and install anything waiting.

   General›Software Update

2. Update the device too, if its maker has an app for that. AirPods update on their own while they charge near a paired iPhone, iPad or Mac.

3. If several devices still drop out, Control-click each one you no longer use in Bluetooth settings, choose Forget, and restart your Mac. A long list of old pairings can get in the way.

4. For a test, unplug USB 3 hubs and drives that sit close to the Mac. They can interfere with Bluetooth signals.

5. If no Bluetooth device works properly after all this, even right next to your Mac, contact Apple Support. Only one device failing points to that device, so contact its maker.