Q: iTunes starts up whenever I connect my bluetooth headset

So I did this, and it works perfectly to prevent it from opening, but now how do I bring itunes back??  The command you typed above isn't working; was it supposed to be the same as the first one?

I've got this figured out.

On OSX, the "RCD" (remote control daemon) is responsible for the naughtiness. It has hard-coded list of actions to do when it detects certain "events" - one of them being connecting to a bluetooth headset.

To disable this behaviour (minimal loss of functionality, possibly your apple remote won't work):

1. Open Terminal

2. Enter (these are two separate commands)

launchctl stop com.apple.rcd

launchctl unload /System/Library/LaunchAgents/com.apple.rcd.plist

This should stop rcd from being launched by OSX. No rcd - no auto-magic multimedia. Your volume keys should continue working, but things like play key (or bluetooth) auto-starting iTunes should stop.

PS: The following is the nuclear option. In Terminal, enter:

sudo chmod 000 /System/Library/CoreServices/rcd.app/Contents/MacOS/rcd

sudo pkill -9 rcd

To stop rcd from even being started by any app. To restore your rcd, use:

sudo chmod 755 /System/Library/CoreServices/rcd.app/Contents/MacOS/rcd

launchctl start com.apple.rcd

Also super annoyed by this problem. I suppose I'll try one of these workarounds but Apple, this is ridiculous.

Thank you! this was super helpful and comprehensive.

I have a somewhat similar problem. Whenever I turn off the Bose, or it times out and disconnects, Itunes automatically starts playing from the computer speakers, even if Itunes wasn't being used or even open.

I know the low-tech solution is to just mute it, but it's annoying that this happens.

this seems to work for me! thanks

I have a very much similar problem - whenever the bluetooth speaker is disconnected, itunes launches automatically. except that tonight, it even started playing podcasts by itself. it's most annoying and even more irritating that nobody at apple seems to give ****.

Apple, your lack of response in this thread is equivalent to spitting in your users' faces. Nobody wants to use iTunes anymore, and for bluetooth controls to be hard-coded to it is totally unacceptable.

benbrady wrote:

 

Apple, your lack of response in this thread is equivalent to spitting in your users' faces.

This is a user to user forum.  This isn't a place to communicate with Apple.

After reading all kinds of options - this seemed the most simple.

And it worked.

Thank you, Sir.

I have the same problem on my MacBook Pro. I tried all the suggestions here and nothing worked. I called Apple Care and got a great support person who actually checked with the engineers or programmers, along with calling the manufacturer of my bluetooth speaker (Bose). He called me back a few days later and said this can't be fixed on my computer and I can't disable ITunes either. He suggested I go to www.Apple.com/feedback and report the problem.

I did so, with a link to this thread. But those of you who also have been unable to resolve this might want to go there, too.

Perfect solution, thank you

I was just about to repost this from another site: http://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/86315/prevent-itunes-from-opening-when- connecting-bluetooth-headset

I can confirm that it works on a MBP running iTunes 12.1.0.50 / Yosemite 10.10.2 and Bose SoundDock Mini.

The loss of the F7 8 and 9 keys is no big deal. The usual shortcuts (Space / Opt. + Arrows) work just fine should I need to navigate in iTunes.

Surprise blasting of random music will not be missed.

Try this. From http://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/86315/prevent-itunes-from-opening-when- connecting-bluetooth-headset

On OSX, the "RCD" (remote control daemon) is responsible for the naughtiness. It has hard-coded list of actions to do when it detects certain "events" - one of them being connecting to a bluetooth headset.

To disable this behaviour (minimal loss of functionality, possibly your apple remote won't work), use the following two commands:

launchctl stop com.apple.rcd

launchctl unload /System/Library/LaunchAgents/com.apple.rcd.plist

This should stop rcd from being launched by OSX. No rcd - no auto-magic multimedia. Your volume keys should continue working, but things like play key (or bluetooth) auto-starting iTunes should stop.

PS: The following is the nuclear option. In Terminal, enter:

sudo chmod 000 /System/Library/CoreServices/rcd.app/Contents/MacOS/rcd

sudo pkill -9 rcd

To stop rcd from even being started by any app. To restore your rcd, use:

sudo chmod 755 /System/Library/CoreServices/rcd.app/Contents/MacOS/rcd

launchctl start com.apple.rcd

I enjoy using Apple computers, I've been using them for decades, but it's this kind of behavior that caused me to diversify when it was time to get a smartphone.  Anyway thanks for posting this procedure.  It works, and it has survived an iTunes update without any modifications.