my Mac mini freezes every so often when keyboard, mouse and pad stop working. If I sit there an just wait for 20 seconds or so the device becomes unfrozen on its own
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Mac mini freezes
- Thread starter inmnbob
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If I understand correctly, this is the second mini in a row that you are having significant, and similar, problems with. That could be really bad luck of the draw, or it could be an issue with your setup. Given that it's the second time in a row, maybe it's time to take a hard look at your setup.
Thanks F-train. Today I disconnected everything and it happened again. I am sure there is some interference but the device is so touchy
I am working on my second mini and I do believe that the Bluetooth is touchy. Initially, I thought that the issue was my eGPU, but today I had minor disconnect problems with the eGPU off despite the fact that I did not have disconnect issues with the eGPU off two days ago. A few people have said that this can be corrected by disconnecting external drives, and sure enough the issue stopped when I disconnected mine. But right now, I have an external drive connected, and there is no issue at all. At times, I have had the sense that Bluetooth is learning, if that makes any sense.
I haven't decided yet whether this is a real issue, but Bluetooth on the mini is definitely less reliable than on my late 2014 27" iMac. That said, my Trackpad and keyboard are within about a foot of my iMac, which is quite a bit closer than they are to where I have my mini.
I haven't decided yet whether this is a real issue, but Bluetooth on the mini is definitely less reliable than on my late 2014 27" iMac. That said, my Trackpad and keyboard are within about a foot of my iMac, which is quite a bit closer than they are to where I have my mini.
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I'm beginning to wonder whether there's anything to fix. It has now occurred to me that my Trackpad and keyboard are within about a foot of my iMac, but I have them quite a bit further away - about 1.5m/5' - from the mini.
Maybe this is just a question of range. Anyway, I'll be testing that tomorrow.
Maybe this is just a question of range. Anyway, I'll be testing that tomorrow.
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I had the opposite issues with my first MM. the keyboard and trackpad worked because I had them closer to the Mac when I leaned back and pushed away from the desk I was further away and the mouse wouldn’t work
I'm not following this.
I'm saying that I've been comparing my iMac and my Mac mini when it comes to Bluetooth, but I've now realised that my Trackpad and keyboard are much closer to my iMac when I'm using it than the Trackpad and keyboard are to the mini when I'm using it.
The next step for me is to have the Trackpad and keyboard the same distance from the mini that I use them with the iMac and find out if I still have a problem. Maybe a distance of 1.5m/5' from the mini, not to mention that my body is in the way because the mini is behind me and the screen, Trackpad and keyboard are in front of me, is what's causing the occasional disconnects.
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Have you tried a wired keyboard? I have the magic trackpad 2 but have it directly connected to the mac mini. I also use a wired keyboard. Haven’t had problems and I switch between 3 computers dozens of times a day. I did also have to disable sleep.
I can't remember the last time that I used a wired keyboard, certainly it was before I purchased the iMac four years ago and probably a long time before then.
If I have to use a wired keyboard or mouse with this computer, it's going back.
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As of this morning, I've placed my mini much closer to my Trackpad and Apple keyboard. I'm also running an external GPU and an audio interface. I'm not having any problem with Bluetooth disconnects. In my case, the whole issue seems to have been caused by an overly optimistic view on Bluetooth range.
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That's my experience. Most of the time (with the exception of the freeze that I started this thread about) the keyboard and trackpad always worked because they are really close to the Mac Mini. However, I use the mouse a lot at different locations on my desk when I am close and further away from the mini. If I go about 24" away from the Mac Mini (compared to the 10" distance with the keyboard and trackpad) the mouse starts to act erratic. I also noticed that the Bluetooth range on my wireless Beats studio headphones is significantly shorter. I used to be able to walk around the house with those on connected to my iMac. Now I only get about 10 feet away before I lose the BT connection.
Bottom line after playing with two of these MM is that there is a BlueTooth issue that makes it very susceptible to external interference beyond what any other Apple product experiences. It also has a very short range of reach. Considering the Freezing issue I raised (which isn't caused by any new device interference or distance) I hope this is a software fix and not a hardware problem. I refuse to buy a 2018 computer and have to use wired keyboards and mice to get them to work.
OP:
If you want to make your keyboard/mouse connection problems disappear, get a WIRED USB keyboard, preferably one that has USB ports on it as well.
Then, get either a wired mouse or a Logitech wireless mouse that comes with its own "receiver", and plug the Logitech receiver into the USB port on the keyboard.
You'll never be bothered by "connection problems" again.
It's WORTH having a wired keyboard to be rid of them!
If you want to make your keyboard/mouse connection problems disappear, get a WIRED USB keyboard, preferably one that has USB ports on it as well.
Then, get either a wired mouse or a Logitech wireless mouse that comes with its own "receiver", and plug the Logitech receiver into the USB port on the keyboard.
You'll never be bothered by "connection problems" again.
It's WORTH having a wired keyboard to be rid of them!
I spent $3000 for this Mac Mini and the device I want to use for a few years. I will return this before I go back to 1980 technology to fix an Apple design problem and have to pay more money on top of the price I paid for the magic keyboard, mouse, and trackpad. I am am a big Apple fan with multiple products and make concessions here and there being an early adopter but this isn't one I am going to make. My same setup on my desk that worked with the previous Mac Mini and then my iMac fails with he late 2018 Mac Mini is crazy.
I agree with this. I can't believe that in 2018 people are suggesting the use of wired peripherals.
But for me the problem is solved. I'm OK with reducing the distance between the mini and the Trackpad/keyboard, and I only use wireless headphones with my phone and tablet.
I have a bluetooth smart bulb in a hall lamp as a night light, one of those Chinese deals. I operate it flawlessly on my Samsung phone through a wall from almost 20 feet away.
I'm using a Logitech MX Master 2S mouse via bluetooth with my Intel NUC that is 4 feet away and it works flawlessly.
Do your hall lamp, Samsung phone and NUC run Logic Pro X and Final Cut Pro X? You know, applications that @inmnbob and I happen to be using the mini to run? Because if they don't, your post falls into the completely irrelevant category.
I've noticed I get ridiculous amounts of interference (manifest as mouse 'stuttering') if I try to use the USB "3.0" Type-A ports for anything but the hub in the back of the Dell monitor.
I can get by using those hubs - but it's a shame, as the Type-A ports, despite what Apple claim, seem to actually be 3.1-Gen2 (10Gbps) ports
I can get by using those hubs - but it's a shame, as the Type-A ports, despite what Apple claim, seem to actually be 3.1-Gen2 (10Gbps) ports
When I use audio applications (e.g. Logic, iZotope) I'm also using an audio interface (Sound Devices USBPre 2) that is connected to one of the USB-A ports. I'm not getting any interference with my Trackpad or keyboard. Same when I'm using a browser with the audio interface, e.g. for watching YouTube videos.
I'm also using the Trackpad/keyboard with a flight simulator joystick (VKB Gladiator Mk. II) that is connected to a USB-A port and not experiencing interference.
It's clear now that the occasional issue that I was having with the Trackpad/keyboard was a Bluetooth range issue.
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If the freezing is happening when it's waking from sleep or standby mode then you will need to adjust your power saving settings under System Preferences. A device plugged into USB could be interrupting the system when the system tries to wake from power saving states.
If the freezing is happening while you are actively working on your computer then it's another problem. Check your USB cables to make sure they are fully shielded and compliant with USB 3.0 speeds. Low quality USB 3.0 cables can leak frequency interference and disrupt bluetooth and wireless devices in the same environment.
The problem could also be related to other bluetooth incompatibility or bluetooth frequency interference. Both bluetooth and 2.4Ghz Wifi use the same frequency range from your environment. I've seen interference happen in environments with crowded 2.4Ghz devices with phones, Wifi, etc.. I noticed this seems to effect input devices low on battery power the most but can effect fully charged devices.
If you have a wireless router broadcasting in the same room as your computer try moving the router away from your computer or to a different location... better still is if you turn off 2.4Ghz Wifi and use 5Ghz only which doesn't have as much range but won't interfere with your bluetooth devices.
I have noticed that using an Apple branded keyboard, trackpad or wireless mouse that is kept charged or with fresh batteries works better than other options. I like to use the newer Apple wireless keyboard that is kept plugged in and charged with a lightning cable. Of course you can disconnect it for use farther away from the monitor.
If the freezing is happening while you are actively working on your computer then it's another problem. Check your USB cables to make sure they are fully shielded and compliant with USB 3.0 speeds. Low quality USB 3.0 cables can leak frequency interference and disrupt bluetooth and wireless devices in the same environment.
The problem could also be related to other bluetooth incompatibility or bluetooth frequency interference. Both bluetooth and 2.4Ghz Wifi use the same frequency range from your environment. I've seen interference happen in environments with crowded 2.4Ghz devices with phones, Wifi, etc.. I noticed this seems to effect input devices low on battery power the most but can effect fully charged devices.
If you have a wireless router broadcasting in the same room as your computer try moving the router away from your computer or to a different location... better still is if you turn off 2.4Ghz Wifi and use 5Ghz only which doesn't have as much range but won't interfere with your bluetooth devices.
I have noticed that using an Apple branded keyboard, trackpad or wireless mouse that is kept charged or with fresh batteries works better than other options. I like to use the newer Apple wireless keyboard that is kept plugged in and charged with a lightning cable. Of course you can disconnect it for use farther away from the monitor.
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Good troubleshooting tips.
I had this sense as well when I was having an occasional disconnect issue. Indeed, with the first mini, which I exchanged for unrelated reasons, at one point the mini told me that the Trackpad battery was low when it showed 14% left, which was a first.
Recently, I changed to Panasonic's Eneloop AA rechargeable batteries. One of their advantages is that I don't bother with trying to use them until they're almost empty
I have that same Apple keyboard. Keeping it plugged in would drive me batty, but it sure is convenient when it comes to charging.
I am not sure the temporary freezing is Bluetooth related now. It happened again and his time I was hitting the back browser button as couple times. Then everything froze. 20 seconds later the back commands all went through like they were stuck.