Bluetooth: Not Available on Mac

Today I try to connect my Bose Bluetooth headphone with my iMac, but it fails. And the system throws me an error saying Bluetooth: Not Available. If you’re also having this problem, I totally understand how frustrated you’re. But don’t worry. Usually this is an easy problem to fix.

I’ve put together 5 methods for you to try. Read on and see how…

Try these fixes:

Here are a few fixes that have helped other users resolve their Bluetooth Not Available problem. You may not have to try them all; just try the next fixes if the previous one doesn’t helps.

Fix 1: Re-enable Bluetooth on your Mac computer

This is a quite simple and quick method though, it may work like a charm.

If you see a Bluetooth icon on menu bar
If you don’t see a Bluetooth icon on menu bar

a) If you see a Bluetooth icon on menu bar, follow these steps:

1. Click the Bluetooth icon and select Turn Bluetooth Off.

   

2. Click the Bluetooth icon again and this time select Turn Bluetooth On.

   

3. Repair your Bluetooth device with your computer to see if it works.

If you still gets the error, don’t worry, move onto the next solution.

b) If you don’t see a Bluetooth icon on menu bar, follow these steps:

1. Click the Apple icon on the Menu bar to select System Preferences…
   

   

2. Click the Bluetooth icon.

   

3. Click Turn Bluetooth Off.

   

4. Click Turn Bluetooth On.

   

5. Repair your Bluetooth device with your computer to see if it works.

If you still gets the error, don’t worry, move onto the next solution.

Fix 2: Reconnect all your USB devices and reboot your Mac computer

The Bluetooth Not Available error could be caused by the interference of the USB devices connected to your Mac computer. You can remove all the USB devices, like your USB keyboard, mouse, Wacom tablet, etc. Then reboot your Mac computer. Wait for a couple of minutes and then reconnect your USB devices.

Check to see if your could connect your Bluetooth device to your computer successfully. If the error still exists, you have something else to try…

Fix 3: Delete your Bluetooth Preferences file

If your Bluetooth Preferences file is corrupted, the Bluetooth Not Available error could also occur. If this is the case, you can delete your Bluetooth Preferences file and let Mac creates a new fresh one.

Here’s how you can delete the Bluetooth Preferences file:

1. Click Go on the Menu bar, then select Go to Folder…
   
2. Type /Library/Preferences and click Go.

   

3. Right click on the file named com.apple.Bluetooth.plist.

   

4. Click Move to Trash.

   

Repair your Bluetooth device with your Mac to see if successfully. If the error persists, don’t panic, there’s something else you can try…

Fix 4: Reset the Bluetooth module

There’s a built-in Debug function called Reset the Bluetooth module of Bluetooth on your Mac computer to help you debug any Bluetooth problems, including Bluetooth Not Available.
To do so, follow these steps:

1. On your keyboard, hold down the Shift and Option(Alt) keys together, then click the Bluetooth icon on menu bar.
   Note: Follow these steps to show Bluetooth on your menu bar if you don’t see it there.
2. Select Debug then Reset the Bluetooth module.

   

Once you do, restart your Mac computer and then repair your Bluetooth device. If the error persists, don’t give up hope, try the final fix…

If you don’t see the Bluetooth icon there, go through these steps to show it:

1. Click the Apple icon on the Menu bar to select System Preferences…
   
2. Click the Bluetooth icon.
   
3. Tick on Show Bluetooth in menu bar.

   

You should then see the Bluetooth icon in menu bar.

Fix 5: Reset SMC

SMC, short for System Management Controller, is responsible for the low-level functions on Intel-based computers. If unfortunately all the methods above fails, it’s time to reset SMC for your Mac computer to try to restore the Bluetooth connection.

Have you ever fixed Bluetooth: Not Available issue on your Mac computer? What method did you try? Feel free to comment below with your own experience.

By April Cai

April, a Microsoft Certified Professional(MCP), aims to make readers' tech life easy and enjoyable. She's passionate about helping people solve their computer, phone & app woes. That's not giving you a lot of detail, is it? So read more from the following articles.

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