Updating to the latest version of Mojave and resetting SMC and VRAM seems to have resolved the issue for me
EDIT: nope, problem is still here
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Mac mini 2018 Bluetooth issues?
- Thread starter jclardy
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Updating to the latest version of Mojave and resetting SMC and VRAM seems to have resolved the issue for me
EDIT: nope, problem is still here
receiving my replacement unit next week. I'll keep you guys up to date on the bluetooth / coil whine issues.
In my case it's not that bad. I Only hear it when connecting a USB device with it's own DC powersupply.
Same issue here. When I plug my usb 3.0 external hub my BT Magic Mouse 2 and Mathias Keyboards fails.
Very very disappointed with Apple. I own a the 3.2 ghz version. I called apple and they are aware of the issue and my case has scalled to a higher level. I will keep you updated If I have new info.
Thanx for the thread!
Very very disappointed with Apple. I own a the 3.2 ghz version. I called apple and they are aware of the issue and my case has scalled to a higher level. I will keep you updated If I have new info.
Thanx for the thread!
Both my 1st gen Magic Trackpad and Logitech MX Ergo Wireless Trackball were exhibiting jerkiness/tracking issues while using them with my Mac Mini 2018. Something like 40% of the time, they would stop tracking movements smoothly and experience lag/jumpiness.
This pissed me off to no end. Then I discovered a clumsy workaround which is to have a wired mouse plugged in to the Mini and when the lagginess issue occurs, I just move it a bit, and then the tracking becomes smooth again, for a while... before it returns again.
Then just today, I had the idea to move my Trackpad to the same level of my table(*) as the Mac mini.
(*) I have a custom built two level table with a glass layer at the top where the Mac Mini sits while the (wired) keyboard and Trackpad are on the wooden layer around 4 inches below the glass layer (see pics).
Voila, the issue disappeared! Using the Bluetooth Explorer diagnostic app, it showed that the mere 4 inches differences in elevation, coupled with, I suppose the glass layer, resulted in a difference of over -10dBm in Raw RSSI while Link Quality went from 80-100% down to as low as 30+%.
As you can see from the pics (left - Trackpad above the glass, right - Trackpad underneath the glass) the difference in distance should essentially be negligible. I can't believe the glass layer seems to be effectively blocking the Bluetooth signals?
This problem never arises when using my Asus ROG-GR8 Windows machine (which used to sit in the exact same area where the Mac Mini is right now) with the trackball/trackpad device in the same area underneath the glass. So the Mac Mini BT module seems to be the culprit.
Anybody know of anyway to perhaps adjust the BT signal strength of the Mac Mini?
This pissed me off to no end. Then I discovered a clumsy workaround which is to have a wired mouse plugged in to the Mini and when the lagginess issue occurs, I just move it a bit, and then the tracking becomes smooth again, for a while... before it returns again.
Then just today, I had the idea to move my Trackpad to the same level of my table(*) as the Mac mini.
(*) I have a custom built two level table with a glass layer at the top where the Mac Mini sits while the (wired) keyboard and Trackpad are on the wooden layer around 4 inches below the glass layer (see pics).
Voila, the issue disappeared! Using the Bluetooth Explorer diagnostic app, it showed that the mere 4 inches differences in elevation, coupled with, I suppose the glass layer, resulted in a difference of over -10dBm in Raw RSSI while Link Quality went from 80-100% down to as low as 30+%.
As you can see from the pics (left - Trackpad above the glass, right - Trackpad underneath the glass) the difference in distance should essentially be negligible. I can't believe the glass layer seems to be effectively blocking the Bluetooth signals?
This problem never arises when using my Asus ROG-GR8 Windows machine (which used to sit in the exact same area where the Mac Mini is right now) with the trackball/trackpad device in the same area underneath the glass. So the Mac Mini BT module seems to be the culprit.
Anybody know of anyway to perhaps adjust the BT signal strength of the Mac Mini?
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I am not an RF expert, but this issue does seem to be interference/positioning related. I remember on my 2008 MacPro having to make changes to the internal BT antenna, and then eventually having to go to a separate BT dongle to get reliable headphone connection(s).
Is the antenna in the new Mini different and/or is the placement different than prior Mini's?
Is the antenna in the new Mini different and/or is the placement different than prior Mini's?
Yes, on the first sentence.
As to the 2nd one, I'm not sure if it is just coincidence but my issue described above seems to be triggered when I move my cursor over a busy application (not always, but seems to happen fairly often), so not sure if increased CPU activity contributes to triggering the issue.
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As mentioned in my story above, 3rd party peripherals, eg. my Logitech MX Ergo Trackball experiences exactly the same issue, and only with the Mac Mini 2018, not with the Asus ROG-GR8 I used to use it with.
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Thanks for replying. For the Logitech, one solution is to use the little USB dongle that it comes with (instead of connecting it to the mini via BT).
Yes, for the Logitech device, I naturally used the Unifying receiver rather than Bluetooth (BT pairing is way inferior to Unfiying) but the same issue occurred.
That's odd - I'm using the receiver with my MX Ergo trackball and it's been rock solid (compared to the extremely flakey BT connection)
I have this issue as well. Have a Logitech M720 mouse, and noticed stutter / lag with it. The Mini (2018 i7/256/8 (but now 32GB via self install)) is under my desk (almost at floor level) to the left, and the mouse to the right, at first it was connected via the Unfiying dongle that was plugged into one of the USB A ports on the Mini, so (to eliminate distance, despite all working ok with my last PC at this distance) I then connected my Dell monitor up via one of the Mini's USB A ports, and plugged the Unfiying dongle into that, but the problem still persisted. The M720 can also be paired via Bluetooth, so I also tried that, and I still get the stutter / lag with it. I had the Logitech software installed (so I can use the mouse side buttons), and read somewhere that it could cause issues, so I un-installed it and installed USB Overdrive, but that doesn't recognise the mouse and the stutter / lag persists (but that may be because the Logitech driver is somehow still being used).
I have a Magic Trackpad 2, and that is to the left of my keyboard (so almost above the Mini), and as far as I can tell (I use it mainly for the gestors rather then to move the mouse pointer) that doesn't seem to have any issues / disconnects, but with all the issues people are having here I'm not sure if my mouse issue is with the mouse, or interference from the Mini (as a side note, the keyboard I am using is also a Logitech and connected via the Unfiying dongle, and I haven't had any issues with that such as key presses being missed as I type).
I am on 10.14.3, and some people have sorted issues out with a re-install of that, so may try that (and that should also mean any drivers are reset, so maybe the USB Overdrive software will pick up the mouse) Otherwise I may have to try another mouse.
i thought this thread is about random dropouts and poor connection mostly due to USB3.0
this is USB3.0 free and random freezes of bluetooth
Sample problem with random dropouts here using a brand new mac mini 2018 with a brandnew magic mouse 2 and a brandnew magic keyboard! Apple should do something about it...
ran into the same problem with my airpods if my usb hub is connected
I ended up connecting a usb-c to usb adapter to the to usb hub and this seems to fix my bluetooth problems
not ideal
I ended up connecting a usb-c to usb adapter to the to usb hub and this seems to fix my bluetooth problems
not ideal
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Today I had an answer from Apple's technical service. The engineers say that the problem is with the Usb hub or its cable, which is probably not well insulated. They say to try a product verified by apple, a shame. I think apple will isolate us. This would have to reach the press.
Btw, I notice that DISABLING HANDOFF - as per this article https://www.forbes.com/sites/bradmo...solve-your-mac-bluetooth-connectivity-issues/ - helps to minimise the issue. Perhaps there is a saturation of the 2.4Ghz bandwidth that manifests more easily with Handoff on.