Stop Bluetooth devices dropping off your Mac

Why it happens

Bluetooth is a short-range radio, so walls, distance and other gadgets weaken it. USB 3 hubs, drives and Wi-Fi routers are common sources of interference. A pairing that's gone stale after an update can also make a device drop and reconnect.

How to fix it

1. Move the device closer to your Mac, ideally with nothing solid in between.

2. Move USB 3 hubs, external drives and the Wi-Fi router away from the Mac and the device, or plug USB 3 gear into a port on the far side of the Mac.

3. Charge the device. Low batteries often cause dropouts before they run out.

4. Open Bluetooth settings, Control-click the device and choose Forget.

   Bluetooth

5. Put the device in pairing mode (see its manual), then hold the pointer over it under Nearby Devices and click Connect.

Still not fixed?

1. If your AirPods jump to your iPhone, click your AirPods in the System Settings sidebar while they're connected, and under Connect to This Mac choose When Last Connected to This Mac.

2. Turn Bluetooth off and on again in Bluetooth settings, or restart your Mac.

   Bluetooth

3. Disconnect the device from other phones, tablets or computers nearby. Some devices hop to whichever one asks last.

4. Install any macOS update in Software Update, and update the device using its maker's app if it has one.

   General›Software Update

5. If only one device drops, contact its maker. If every device drops even right next to your Mac, contact Apple Support, as the Mac's Bluetooth hardware may need checking.