How do you pair a Bluetooth keyboard to a Mac during MacOS setup?

[mrochester]

I’ve just received a second hand Mac mini that I am trying to set up.

I have an existing Bluetooth keyboard I want to use with the Mac mini.

how do I connect this to the Mac during the MacOS setup screens? I can’t proceed through the setup process because it requires a keyboard, but I also can’t figure out how to connect the keyboard in the first place!

many thanks.

m.

 

[Plutonius]

I’ve just received a second hand Mac mini that I am trying to set up.

I have an existing Bluetooth keyboard I want to use with the Mac mini.

how do I connect this to the Mac during the MacOS setup screens?

many thanks.

m.

I'm not sure but I would probably buy a very cheap wired keyboard / mouse for use in the setup.

 

[mrochester]

I'm not sure but I would probably buy a very cheap wired keyboard / mouse for use in the setup.

i understand that Apple keyboards and mice use Bluetooth so it must be possible to pair a Bluetooth device at setup.

 

[mrochester]

Solved:


SOLVED!!! Mac Mini Setup Keyboard Fix

I just purchased a Mac Mini Server 2009 from Gumtree.
Plugged it in to my screen and usb wireless mouse, only to get to the Administrator Account page where I had to type info.

I couldn't connect my wireless keyboard, but eventually did this.


1. Right click in the 'Name' section
2. Select Substitutions -> 'Show Substitutions'
3. Click 'Text Preferences'
4. Up the top left click 'Show All'
5. This opens up the main System Preferences screen where you can then go to 'Keyboard'
6. Connect your bluetooth keyboard!

I hope this helps save some time for someone who struggled like me!


Good luck!

 

[Duncan68]

Apple Magic keyboards and mice/trackpads can be plugged in, used wired and are then automatically paired to the Mac.

 

[mrochester]

Apple Magic keyboards and mice/trackpads can be plugged in, used wired and are then automatically paired to the Mac.

shame the mac mini doesn’t come supplied with a keyboard and mouse 🤪

 

[wardie]

Apple Magic keyboards and mice/trackpads can be plugged in, used wired and are then automatically paired to the Mac.

I use the keyboard plugged in but how do you do the mouse? The lightning port is on its underbelly...

 

[Timothy Leo Crowley]

I use the keyboard plugged in but how do you do the mouse? The lightning port is on its underbelly...

Just plug it in for a moment, and it automatically pairs, then you only need to plug in to charge it.

 

[Duncan68]

I use the keyboard plugged in but how do you do the mouse? The lightning port is on its underbelly...

Woops, forgot about that (I use the Magic trackpad.). You can use the keyboard and trackpad plugged in at all times.

 

[rsmacleod]

Solved:


SOLVED!!! Mac Mini Setup Keyboard Fix

I just purchased a Mac Mini Server 2009 from Gumtree.
Plugged it in to my screen and usb wireless mouse, only to get to the Administrator Account page where I had to type info.

I couldn't connect my wireless keyboard, but eventually did this.


1. Right click in the 'Name' section
2. Select Substitutions -> 'Show Substitutions'
3. Click 'Text Preferences'
4. Up the top left click 'Show All'
5. This opens up the main System Preferences screen where you can then go to 'Keyboard'
6. Connect your bluetooth keyboard!

I hope this helps save some time for someone who struggled like me!


Good luck!

Beautiful trick. I just helped my son remotely with his new Mini and this saved his evening and made me look like a genius. Thanks so much!!

 

[lk400]

Apple Magic keyboards and mice/trackpads can be plugged in, used wired and are then automatically paired to the Mac.

Solved:


SOLVED!!! Mac Mini Setup Keyboard Fix

I just purchased a Mac Mini Server 2009 from Gumtree.
Plugged it in to my screen and usb wireless mouse, only to get to the Administrator Account page where I had to type info.

I couldn't connect my wireless keyboard, but eventually did this.


1. Right click in the 'Name' section
2. Select Substitutions -> 'Show Substitutions'
3. Click 'Text Preferences'
4. Up the top left click 'Show All'
5. This opens up the main System Preferences screen where you can then go to 'Keyboard'
6. Connect your bluetooth keyboard!

I hope this helps save some time for someone who struggled like me!


Good luck!

Setting up a new Mac mini in 2024 and this is still and issue (and this solved the issue). Thanks!!