No updates have provided any improvements. I personally don't think this can be fixed in software/firmware. Apple really screwed up with this antenna design/power management.
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Mac mini 2018 Bluetooth issues?
- Thread starter jclardy
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Added a powered 7 port USB 3.0 Hub instead of having a TerraMaster DAS and a Matias wired keyboard attached directly to USB on Mac mini 2018 has solved all of my bluetooth issues. The Power Light on the front of the Mac mini would also stop working. Also, I was experiencing very slow transfer speeds with the storage unit that was connected directly to the USB port, now connected through USB Hub, speeds have dramatically increased. I am now able to connect a Matias Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard, AirPods and Magic Mouse with no lag. Definitely appears that it is power related as others have already indicated. No more issues with the power light going out as well.
I had my first bluetooth failure on 10.4.3 today. I don't know it's it's actually the bluetooth hardware itself, but I did notice the ''SystemUIServer'' process was stalling. When I forced that process to quit bluetooth went back to normal.
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Yes. Just called Apple support and they made me capture my system reports which they will analyze over the weekend.
If it's the Mac mini they'll send me a new one no questions asked. (just hope it's not this time, as I'll have to wait another week for it to arrive.)
I am in a similar boat and would have to wait on a CTO machine. Very frustrating as I honestly do not know that this is something that can even be fixed in firmware/software. We might be wasting our time.
Yeah I have a CTO too. It's frustrating because Apple technicians do recognize the problem, but there simply isn't a solution yet, neither have they found what causes it. Maybe the production process has improved though, so it might still be worth it to get a replacement while you still can.
I hope that behind the scenes adjustments are taking place as well. Sad to think they may be dropping machines on us like a test market though.
You aren't alone my friend. I sit on the fence between building a PC or continuing to role the dice on Apple. These past few years have been extremely disappointing to be an Apple customer.
Update: After the 10.14.3 came out I updated using the Recovery mode full Mojave overwrite. Touch wood, the 2018 mini has been rock solid with all peripherals attached for two days, both wifi Internet and Bluetooth.
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After updating I still have the same issues. I’m thinking more & more of replacing it, before traveling abroad in 2 weeks.
Just to clarify, you suggest to use only the USB Type-C and avoid the old & classic USB Type-A port?
Mine stlill occasionally loses all BT connectivity. If I turn my mouse off and on I can get the connection back. There is no Initial notification of the BT devices losing connectivity until just before they connect again
Update: I did a Mojave reinstall using Recovery mode a week ago after the 14.3 update was released and the Internet connection has been flawless since. Only one Trackpad BlueTooth disconnect/reconnect. And that’s with all the peripherals connected to the mini as before. Suggests a software issue.
I was having trouble with constant losing Bluetooth on magic mouse as well as track pan, I turned off wireless and have had no problems since. My i3 mini is hard wired. Tom
Mine would start to get disconnected/stutter once I start watching youtube for sometime or downloading something. I suspect it has something to do with Wifi overheating or Wifi interference.
I'm assuming Wifi and Bluetooth is built into a single chip?
I'm assuming Wifi and Bluetooth is built into a single chip?
IOGEAR Bluetooth 4.0 USB Micro Adapter, GBU521 - works well for me. I extend mine with a short USB2 extension cable.
Pepe wrote:
"This is sad. People have to get a separate Bluetooth adapter on a computer that’s already 30% more expensive than its predecessor. I hope you are all involved with Apple support so they can sort this out."
Sad, it may be.
But... what works, works.
It's a "cheap fix" -- about $13.
For anyone buying a bluetooth adapter, I suggest you also consider one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Extension-Cable-Male-Female/dp/B00NH12O5I
Connect the bluetooth adapter to it.
Then, "curve it around", so the end of it "hangs free" beyond the front of the Mini, closer to your keyboard and mouse.
Again... what works, works.
"This is sad. People have to get a separate Bluetooth adapter on a computer that’s already 30% more expensive than its predecessor. I hope you are all involved with Apple support so they can sort this out."
Sad, it may be.
But... what works, works.
It's a "cheap fix" -- about $13.
For anyone buying a bluetooth adapter, I suggest you also consider one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Extension-Cable-Male-Female/dp/B00NH12O5I
Connect the bluetooth adapter to it.
Then, "curve it around", so the end of it "hangs free" beyond the front of the Mini, closer to your keyboard and mouse.
Again... what works, works.
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I think that's what he meant. I have tried this, but it seems to make zero difference in my case. my bluetooth only fails about every two days so it's hard to say what really causes it.
I definitely saw much worse BT interference when I tried to use the Type-A ports - but with my Dell monitor's 3.0 hub plugged in to one of them I had no interference (until yesterday, but nothing changed yesterday). Of note the Dell cable is a lot thicker than the ones I was trying in when I saw major interference.