ShadowDancer1000
Level 1 (26 points)

Q: iPhone 5's Bluetooth Not Staying Connecting For Continuity Support on Yosemite

Devices:

Macbook Pro Mid-2010 running OSX 10.10.2

Iphone 5 running iOS 8.1.3

 

*NOTE: I understand that due to the version of the Bluetooth protocol in my machine, not all continuity features are available (Handoff, Air Drop, MBP Instant Hotspot)

However SMS to IMessage and the ability to make and receive calls from my Mac should be OK according to Apple's system requirements one-sheeter:

System requirements for Continuity on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac - Apple Support

 

 

================================================================================ =====================

 

Here's my problem.

I finally took the plunge last night and updated my iPhone 5 from 7.1 to 8.1.3 to access the iCloud Drive and additional continuity features integrated into Yosemite.

 

When I tried to pair my iPhone 5 with my MBP over Bluetooth, all seemed to go well for the first 5 seconds.

- Both devices were in discovery mode.

- Mac saw the phone and displayed a security code

- iPhone displayed the same security code and asked if I would like to pair with MBP

- Pairing took place. Each devices Bluetooth profile / device showed up in my MBP Bluetooth's Preferences  and in my iPhone's Bluetooth.

- 5 seconds later, there's no connection between devices.

My iPhone displays:

"Connection Unsuccessful: Make sure [Macbook Pro] is turned on and in range." (The phone is 5 inches away)

 

Then sometimes I get this message:

"Connection Unsuccessful: [Macbook Pro] is not supported.

 

No rhyme or reason between the two either.

 

Here's the baffling part: When I activate my Phone's HotSpot function, the Bluetooth works and connects with my MBP allowing it to use my cell phone network's data for internet connectivity.

 

I don't understand what is going on or how to correct this? Can anyone succinctly explain how to correct this problems in layman terms?

 

If the devices can communicate long enough to exchange security codes and verify their identities, then use Hotspot,  there is clearly a data exchange happening. Where is the break down taking place when it comes time to stay connected to so I can continue to use the limited continuity features.

 

 


I've seen this question posted before by people having problems with many different model years of MBP including the most recents models, so I know it's not mutually exclusive to my model year, but cannot seem to find clarity on an answer.

iPhone 5, iOS 8.1.3

Posted on Jan 30, 2015 8:21 AM

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ShadowDancer1000

Q: iPhone 5's Bluetooth Not Staying Connecting For Continuity Support on Yosemite

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  • Helpful answers

  • by FoxFifth,

    FoxFifth FoxFifth Jan 30, 2015 8:52 AM in response to ShadowDancer1000
    Level 7 (27,252 points)
    iPhone
    Jan 30, 2015 8:52 AM in response to ShadowDancer1000

    An iPhone will not pair via Bluetooth to a computer (Mac or Windows) except for personal hotspot and then only if your cellular plan supports it. See the following for more details: https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-7722

     

    If you are attempting to use Handoff/Continuity, that does involve Bluetooth but the devices are NOT paired; Bluetooth just needs to be on and the devices in range of each other. The following may help with Handoff/Continuity issues: http://support.apple.com/kb/TS5458

  • by chattphotos,

    chattphotos chattphotos Jan 30, 2015 9:34 AM in response to ShadowDancer1000
    Level 4 (2,442 points)
    Desktops
    Jan 30, 2015 9:34 AM in response to ShadowDancer1000

    I have a 2011 Macbook Pro, not all continuity/handoff features supported either.

     

    In testing, I should note that you don't need power on bluetooth for SMS/Voice calling between the Mac/iPhone. It works 100% without bluetooth, all you need is to connect to wifi on both devices and you're set!

  • by ShadowDancer1000,

    ShadowDancer1000 ShadowDancer1000 Jan 30, 2015 1:23 PM in response to ShadowDancer1000
    Level 1 (26 points)
    Jan 30, 2015 1:23 PM in response to ShadowDancer1000

    Thanks for the feedback, guys.

    To make sure I am interpreting this correctly, are you saying that once my phone and MBP are paired, while Bluetooth needs to be "ON" on both devices, they do not need to be actively connected to one another in order for my MBP to handle incoming and outgoing phone calls and cellular SMS messages?

     

    They only need to be on the same Wifi network?

  • by FoxFifth,

    FoxFifth FoxFifth Jan 30, 2015 1:30 PM in response to ShadowDancer1000
    Level 7 (27,252 points)
    iPhone
    Jan 30, 2015 1:30 PM in response to ShadowDancer1000

    I am saying that they do not need to be paired for any Continuity feature. If you want to use Continuity features you turn Bluetooth on for both devices but you do not pair them. It isn't a case of "once my phone and MBP are paired" -- they don't need to be paired at any point. Again, see the following article for a detailed explanation of how it works without pairing: Bluetooth: Why can't I pair my iPhone or iPad with another iOS device or with my computer?

  • by ShadowDancer1000,

    ShadowDancer1000 ShadowDancer1000 Jan 31, 2015 7:48 AM in response to ShadowDancer1000
    Level 1 (26 points)
    Jan 31, 2015 7:48 AM in response to ShadowDancer1000

    Thanks, Fox.

    After some more follow-up on your comments, it appears that in the case of SMS and Mac Calling - iCloud is pushing the information through.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9cILwv5zqU

     

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcVSbtgghAY

  • by chattphotos,

    chattphotos chattphotos Jan 31, 2015 5:37 PM in response to ShadowDancer1000
    Level 4 (2,442 points)
    Desktops
    Jan 31, 2015 5:37 PM in response to ShadowDancer1000

    Which Continuity/Handoff features are you wanting to use?

    Please list them in your next reply.

     

    What I can say for everyone, you don't need to worry about bluetooth at all with SMS & Calling. The Mac and iPhone find eachother on the wifi network (over Bonjour/iCloud) and will sync up accordingly.

     

    I have bluetooth off on both devices (iphone 5S & 2011 MBPro) and I can SMS/call my friends all day long without touching my phone.

  • by ShadowDancer1000,

    ShadowDancer1000 ShadowDancer1000 Jan 31, 2015 6:19 PM in response to chattphotos
    Level 1 (26 points)
    Jan 31, 2015 6:19 PM in response to chattphotos

    It was indeed SMS & Calling.

    Fox provided some color and I was able to gather thereon that Bluetooth connectivity wasn't essential to those particular Continuity Features.

     

    I wish Apple would have provided more detail on how it worked. I wouldn't have posted this if I knew that SMS & Mac Calling had nothing to do with Bluetooth pairing.

     

    I would think most people, including myself, would naturally presume that sending audio / notification from a cellular device to device another wirelessly would involve Bluetooth pairing. This is something the general consumer market has been conditioned to think since the introduction of Bluetooth over a decade ago.

  • by Lawrence Finch,

    Lawrence Finch Lawrence Finch Jan 31, 2015 6:17 PM in response to ShadowDancer1000
    Level 8 (38,253 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 31, 2015 6:17 PM in response to ShadowDancer1000

    ShadowDancer1000 wrote:

     

    I wish Apple would have provided more detail on how it worked. I wouldn't have posted this if I new that SMS & Mac Calling had nothing to do with Bluetooth pairing.

     

     

    You mean like this? Get help using Continuity with iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite

  • by ShadowDancer1000,

    ShadowDancer1000 ShadowDancer1000 Jan 31, 2015 6:36 PM in response to Lawrence Finch
    Level 1 (26 points)
    Jan 31, 2015 6:36 PM in response to Lawrence Finch
    Lawrence Finch

    ShadowDancer1000 wrote:

     

    I wish Apple would have provided more detail on how it worked. I wouldn't have posted this if I new that SMS & Mac Calling had nothing to do with Bluetooth pairing.

     

     

    You mean like this? Get help using Continuity with iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite

     

    Please note how Apple articulates this though.

    Check your settings

    Check the following settings on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch:

    • Go to Settings > Wi-Fi and turn on Wi-Fi if necessary.
    • Make sure your iOS devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network by going to Settings > Wi-Fi and comparing the name of the network each is on.
    • Go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn on Bluetooth if necessary.
    • Go to Settings > General > Handoff & Suggested Apps and make sure Handoff is on.
    • Go to Settings > Phone. If you see Wi-Fi Calling, turn it off.

     

     

    Sometimes things have to be explained in more detail for the general consumer who has been conditioned for decades to think about wireless  cellphone audio / light data to [anything other device else] connectivity in a certain fashion. That is to say Bluetooth dependent ...

     

    For the non-technical person, which overwhelmingly many Apple users are, they would see that bulleted point and think if Bluetooth is not paired and active, then they would not received the full scope of their Continuity features.

     

    It would have been better for the copywriter who wrote this to (*) footnote this entry and explain that while Bluetooth recognition may be necessary between Yosemite and iPhone, SMS Push to iMessage and Mac Calling does not require an actively paired connection as these functions are dependent on iCloud and both devices being registered on the same WiFi network.

     

     

     

    Thank you to all who helped me get my mind around and figure this out.

    It has also opened my eyes to how iCloud has become a critical link in Apple's overall walled garden  and business strategy.