Software Fix for M1 Mac Bluetooth Connectivity Issues Reportedly On the Way

[MacRumors]

Apple is reportedly working on a fix for the Bluetooth connectivity problems that some M1 Mac users have experienced since the new machines were launched back in November.

When the M1‌ MacBook Air, ‌M1‌ MacBook Pro 13-inch, and ‌M1‌ Mac mini models arrived in customers' hands, a number of owners almost immediately began reporting various Bluetooth problems ranging from intermittent disconnects of wireless peripherals to completely non-functional Bluetooth connections.

Until recently, there was no consensus on whether the issues were due to a software problem or something more deep-seated, since Apple has not commented on the issues. However, The 8-Bit notes that The Atlantic writer Ian Bogost, who has personally run into Bluetooth problems, tweeted on Sunday that Apple told him "a fix is in progress and forthcoming just about anytime."

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1348379942690689025

The development will be welcomed by anyone whose use of an M1 Mac has been blighted with the issues, which reportedly affect third-party accessories like Bluetooth mice, keyboards, and headphones, as well as Apple products such as AirPods, Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboard.

Mac mini‌ owners have been worst affected, with the problems compounded by the fact that many rely on wireless peripherals to interact with their Mac in order to free up available ports. Some MacRumors staff members have also experienced similar problems.

Apple hasn't specified what's included in the coming ‌‌macOS Big Sur‌‌ 11.2 update, a beta of which is already in the hands of developers and public testers, but it likely includes performance improvements, security updates, and fixes for bugs that weren't able to be addressed in the release version of ‌‌‌macOS Big Sur‌.

Article Link: Software Fix for M1 Mac Bluetooth Connectivity Issues Reportedly On the Way

 

[Morod]

I have this same problem with my 2017 Intel iMac since upgrading to Bg Sur 11.1

 

[mobilemario]

Had daily issues with my Mac keyboard and trackpad randomly disconnecting.
Unplugged the Logitech MX mouse and it's fine since.

Also I don't think the issue relates to M1 Macs only. Had same problems with my 2018 Mac mini.

 

[Squuiid]

Would be awesome if they also addressed the longstanding Mac mini 2018 Bluetooth issues when using any of the USB ports. Like a repair program to install shielding or some other fix.
Here's hoping.

 

[tillathenun]

It can't come soon enough. The M1 Mac mini is an amazing machine but this - and not waking up Thunderbolt Display from sleep - has made me want to throw it out the window.

 

[kazmac]

Ongoing Bluetooth issues is partly why I skipped the M1 Mac Mini. Really hope Apple fixes this soon.

 

[peytn]

Lol when will that org get cleaned up

 

[Kazgarth]

While at it, it would be great if they implement a system UI scaling for monitors. As right now, the scaling is horrible (not HiDPI) if you set the screen resolution to anything that is not native, and there is no slider for UI scaling like in Windows.

There used to be a work-around using SwitchResX application, but the M1 stopped supporting custom resolution configurations.

Also the screen wake up time is quite long compared to anything on Windows.

 

[JayPeg]

Mac Mini 2018 here, have daily issues and looking online it's pretty widespread if using any of the USB-C ports on the back

 

[Squuiid]

Mac Mini 2018 here, have daily issues and looking online it's pretty widespread if using any of the USB-C ports on the back

It's not if using the USB-C ports, the issue transpires if you use either of the two USB 3.0 ports.

 

[JayPeg]

It's not if using the USB-C ports, the issue transpires if you use either of the two USB 3.0 ports.

interesting, that's the opposite to everything I've read! thank you though, have just swapped everything back around to see what the outcome is ?

 

[Zzzoom]

Good news. Just got my new M1 Mac mini this week and it definitely has significant bluetooth issues, too. Mouse and keyboard connect/disconnect all the time. Got it a bit more stable with careful placing of the mini but it is still not 100% reliable. The bluetooth solution in the mini has to become more robust.

 

[NewUsername]

Yes please! Bluetooth is unusable here (M1 MacBook Air), connection drops for a few seconds about every 1-2 minutes. Difficult to listen to music that way.

The good part is, the audio cable of my Beats Studio3, which had been in a box for almost two years, now finally got used every day.

 

[MRrainer]

At least, they can't blame Intel with this one.

 

[loby]

Yes!!! Glad to hear. My Mac mini arrives tomorrow, so this is good news!

I was getting mentally prepared and ready just-in-case if there is issues so I would not be disappointed. Thinking somehow to get a wired ethernet hook-up routed to the mini which seemed from reading to help resolve the issue (turn off wii-fi).

Maybe the next update (hopefully in a week or so) will resolve the issues.

 

[Martin75]

Hallelujah...

 

[ghanwani]

Would this affect access to iPhone functions like, e.g., making a phone call via the facetime app on macos and tethering?

 

[Joniz]

Apple told him "a fix is in progress and forthcoming just about anytime."

Well, the only other choice is, “Nay! We’re just going to ignore that one.”

 

[Apple_Robert]

Seems odd they would single out the M1. If it is merely software, I would think it would address prior as well, unless the latter is design or hardware.

 

[bluffalo]

I only have a Magic Mouse (original?, not MM2) and it has never had a problem. That said the proximity of the mouse and Mac mini is less than a metre, on the same plane.

I just don't really like wireless stuff that much and I usually just use a windows/Dell mouse though.

I have every m1 Mac mini port in use though..

 

[howtocookforfortyhumans]

Not a new problem! About half of my MacBook Pro models in the past years had serious problems with the built in Bluetooth. Sadly its also not just an apple problem, my desktop PC with MSI B550 mainboard has the same issue. How in the world can it be that nobody checks this??? If internal bluetooth is difficult because of interference or whatever, just don't put it in there and advertise it!!

 

[BulkSlash]

I think I had this problem. I set up a new M1 Mac mini and paired my keyboard during set-up. When I got to the login screen it had lost the connection and as far as I could see there was no way to re-pair the device. Luckily I had a USB keyboard I could plug in to get past that point.

 

[Darth-Kylie]

I think I had this problem. I set up a new M1 Mac mini and paired my keyboard during set-up. When I got to the login screen it had lost the connection and as far as I could see there was no way to re-pair the device. Luckily I had a USB keyboard I could plug in to get past that point.

Did connecting the keyboard using the bundled Lightning-to-USB cable not fix it?

 

[tvamvarg]

OT:
Why Does Macrumors Still Think It's A Good Idea To Capitalize Every Word Of A Heading?

It's not making things more legible, for sure.

 

[azentropy]

I get frequent Magic Mouse (both a 1 and a 2) disconnects/reconnects on my early 2020 13" MBP. Don't get them with the same mice on my MBA M1.