Use Magic Keyboard wired (no Bluetooth)

[SteveOm]

I wanted to keep Bluetooth off but still use a Magic Keyboard (USB-C) with my new Mac Mini M4. Here's how I succeeded.

When you have the Magic Keyboard connected via its cable, and you try to turn off Bluetooth, Mac OS will tell you you can't turn off Bluetooth because that would leave you unable to control the computer. This stumped me. Eventually, though, I plugged in a regular USB keyboard at the same time and then MacOS allowed me to turn off Bluetooth.

Voila! The Magic Keyboard continued to work, even after I unplugged the other keyboard. Reboot and the MK continued to work and when I checked System Settings, Bluetooth was still off.

Of course I also had a USB mouse connected through all this.

 

[rm5]

This is very useful, thanks for sharing!! While I don't have a Magic Keyboard (I use a good old 2008 Apple wired keyboard I got for free), I'm sure this is helpful for people who do!

 

[BotchQue]

I use a BT mouse, but anymore keep my keyboard on a cable. I bought an Apple wireless keyboard a long time ago, never really needed the wireless feature, and the worst part was it took about twenty-seven "AA" batteries that seemed to die every 3 months or so. Ain't nobody got time for that.

 

[SteveOm]

I use a BT mouse, but anymore keep my keyboard on a cable. I bought an Apple wireless keyboard a long time ago, never really needed the wireless feature, and the worst part was it took about twenty-seven "AA" batteries that seemed to die every 3 months or so. Ain't nobody got time for that.

Yup. I only went for this keyboard because I love Touch ID. Touch ID plus wired connection is a real win for me.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

I tend to leave mine plugged in, but it’s mostly just so the loose cable isn’t flopping around. Only unplug it to charge my mouse periodically. But I do leave Bluetooth enabled, so it still works when unplugged.

 

[Salisar]

Thanks for the share.