Q: why does my bluetooth pref pane not provide any way to add a new device?

The bluetooth pref pane has no "+", no way to add a bluetooth device. All it has is an eternally spinning wheel next to the word "devices." How do I get it to give me the usual "+" prompt for connecting a bluetooth mouse and bluetooth keyboard?

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Mavericks (10.9.3)

Posted on Oct 30, 2014 10:09 AM

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Q: why does my bluetooth pref pane not provide any way to add a new device?

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by Kappy,

Kappy Oct 30, 2014 10:14 AM in response to OakParkSacramento
Level 10 (271,284 points)

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Oct 30, 2014 10:14 AM in response to OakParkSacramento

Just connect them. The spinning wheel means it's searching for a device with which to pair. Open the BT panel then turn on the keyboard. It's light should start a quick pulsing. It should then connect with the computer. Do the same with the mouse. Be sure you turn the mouse and keyboard off, first. Then open the BT panel; then switch on one of the peripherals at a time until it pairs.

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by OakParkSacramento,

OakParkSacramento Oct 30, 2014 10:29 AM in response to OakParkSacramento
Level 1 (0 points)

Oct 30, 2014 10:29 AM in response to OakParkSacramento

The solution was to go to Preferences->Mouse to connect a mouse, or Preferences->Keyboard to connect a keyboard. Bluetooth Preferences was useless. I found the answer by telephoning a local independent business where they know a lot about Macs.
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by OakParkSacramento,

OakParkSacramento Oct 30, 2014 10:31 AM in response to Kappy
Level 1 (0 points)

Oct 30, 2014 10:31 AM in response to Kappy

The solution was to go to Preferences->Mouse to connect a mouse, or Preferences->Keyboard to connect a keyboard. Bluetooth Preferences was useless. I found this by telephoning a local independent business where they know a lot about Macs.
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Q: why does my bluetooth pref pane not provide any way to add a new device?

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by Kappy,

by OakParkSacramento,

by OakParkSacramento,

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