Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Level 6

10,400 points

Anyone else having Bluetooth keyboard problems with new mini?

I got the new mini, the base model and am having a problem, wondering if anyone else does too.

The mini is paired via Bluetooth to the aluminum Apple keyboard. Also connected is a Microsoft Explorer Mini mouse which also runs at 2.4 GHz (though it's not paired via Bluetooth). With my previous Mac mini, I never had a problem. With the new one, however, about half the time I do something somewhat CPU/GPU intensive such as turn on the screensaver or watch a high-def movie (either an Apple H.264 trailer or a downloaded video), the keyboard loses the connection with the Mac and an graphic appears on the screen saying connection lost. Sometimes the keyboard reconnects, and sometimes I have to press a key first for it to reconnect. It's rather annoying.

The keyboard has not given me a single problem with my old mini in the past year, so I know that's not what is broken.

So is anyone else having this problem?

MacBook Pro, Mac mini, Windows PCs, iPhone 3G, iPod classic, iPod nano

Posted on Mar 9, 2009 9:45 PM

122 replies

leftlane

Level 1

13 points

Mar 18, 2009 11:17 PM in response to Phil Ta

My wireless Mighty Mouse has dropped its connection half a dozen times since I switched to my new Mac Mini last week. I've deleted the pairing and re-paired it several times, which obviously isn't fixing the problem. I've put in two brand new pairs of Energizer Lithium batteries twice in one week, just in case that was the problem. Doesn't seem to be fixing it, either.

My mouse sits less than 12" from my Mac Mini. My Airport Extreme router is more than 12 ft. away, and I connect to it via ethernet, anyway. Airport is completely turned off on my Mini.

Glad to hear I'm not the only one with intermittent bluetooth issues. Hope there's some sort of fix soon.

Mar 19, 2009 1:43 PM in response to leftlane

Same problem over here. The first core duo models had the same kind of problems with BT and WLAN antennas couple of years back. This time for me it seems that the BT chip on mac mini totally just hangs, I don't even get the popup indicating that the connection is lost - both keyboard and BT just drop out totally. Only way to cover is to put mac into sleep by pressing the power key and then waking it up. Even this does not seem to work always. It just makes me so angry to battle with this problem again.

Phil Ta Author

Level 6

10,400 points

Mar 19, 2009 5:43 PM in response to lemacaroni

Thanks for the info. I don't have my old mini anymore, however. I'm hopeful that it is just a software/driver issue and that the 10.5.7 update will fix the problem. The problem has been happening less frequently for me now, and nothing has really changed since I upgraded the RAM and hard drive.

mattcass

Level 1

5 points

Mar 20, 2009 11:12 AM in response to Phil Ta

Count me in for bluetooth problems. Internet connectivity issues as well.

The very first time I started the mini it took forever (10 minutes and a battery change - even though the batteries were good) to pair with the mouse. Then the keyboard would not pair. Then the keyboard did pair, but almost immediately stopped working. Reset, re-paired. Intermittent issues since then.

I just started the mini this morning and the keyboard wasn't connected, realized there was an issue, did a google search and found this thread.

I've used this keyboard/mouse combo for 3 or 4 years with my Powerbook. I'd see an issue about once every 6 months with the Powerbook (a quick drop, and then right back to normal).

The internet has dropped a few times as well. Airport Extreme with n is just 20 feet away.

Have people here been returning their mini's?

Mar 20, 2009 1:36 PM in response to Phil Ta

I can pair the wireless mac mouse no problem but the keyboard will just not pair. I had to use a usb keyboard to get it running. My mac mini is in my living room as a media center and it is crux that I use the wireless keyboard from time to time. Currently I am using the iPhone app Jaadu VNC as my mouse and keyboard but I still want to use my keyboard from time to time. Come on Apple at least let us know you are working on the issue or your going to have a lot of returned Mini's on your hands.

Tim Haigh

Level 7

24,198 points

Mar 22, 2009 2:32 PM in response to Phil Ta

I had issues with my apple bluetooth mouse and keyboard which work perfectly with my older mac mini.

I successfully paired the mouse but the keyboard just would not pair.

The fix was to take the batteries out of the keyboard and wait 10 mins. Then tried it again and it paired and worked perfectly.

mattcass

Level 1

5 points

Mar 22, 2009 11:06 PM in response to Tim Haigh

More issues. Had to sleep the mini and wait for everything to fix itself. I guess I'll call Apple and see what they say. At least I am in the 14 day window.

Mar 23, 2009 6:31 PM in response to Phil Ta

I bought the $799 2GHz, 2GB DDR3, 320GB on the 20th. I'm having problems with the Wireless Mighty Mouse. I have to reset the Mac mini to make it work. What's going on?

Message was edited by: LE Studios

Mar 23, 2009 11:00 PM in response to indychris

Contacted local Apple maintenance, they told me to contact Apple Care. Apple care did not know anything and told me to contact the local maintenance. Hmm, I feel like a customer that is really cared about.

mattcass

Level 1

5 points

Mar 24, 2009 10:06 PM in response to MacMiniMania

Well I called AppleCare and my computer is at the local London Drugs right now for a hardware test.

The person I spoke with at AppleCare definitely thought something was up. I told him I did an erase and install and the same issues persisted. AppleCare guy said you don't do an erase and install and still have the same issues, unless it's hardware.

I will report the findings.

Mar 25, 2009 12:58 PM in response to Phil Ta

Hi,

WARNING TO NEW CUSTOMERS: SERIOUS BLUETOOTH PROBLEM!

same problem here. Brand new Mac mini, came today from Apple Online Store, out of the box no connection to original Apple wireless keyboard possible. Keyboard works flawlessly with my old Macbook. New batteries: no effect. Distance between keyboard and Mac mini is 20 cm. Since I only have the wireless keyboard I can not even finish and close the setup assistant.

So my new Mac mini is just a pretty but expensiv paperweight.

This should not happen with a brand new computer.

This is very disappointing.

What about quality control?

Regards

BA

Remi001

Level 1

5 points

Mar 25, 2009 4:16 PM in response to Tourmalet8

I don't think it's quality control. More like it's a design defect or firmware fault.

It happens to me once or twice a day, and I'm able to get reconnected in as little as 10 seconds now.

Tourmalet, this won't help you but for everybody else who's completely setup...

For starters, you'll need a wired mouse. Turn of your wireless MM or keyboard (It's faster to turn the mouse off). Plug in your wired mouse. Go to preferences and "Keyboard & Mouse". Click on "Set Up New Device", turn on your wireless mouse, click on "Continue" (make sure mouse is selected). Continue on and your back in business, both the keyboard and the mouse.

rranger

Level 1

8 points

Mar 25, 2009 5:20 PM in response to Remi001

This is very distressing. I've seriously been considering buying the new Mini to hook up to my TV, and these are really not good "teething pains". I guess I'll wait for a few months - no rush - and see whether the problems get worked out.

I have to tell you, however, that I'm surprised at the seeming lack of outrage over this. Most people in the thread seem willing to work on this "issue" for extended periods of time before saying enough!

Thanks to all for the detailed information; I think this has saved me a lot of heartache.

Mar 25, 2009 8:51 PM in response to Phil Ta

Count me as another one with bluetooth keyboard woes.

My new mac mini just arrived today, it won't pair with my Apple bluetooth keyboard. Just doesn't see it at all. It sits on the "searching for keyboard" screen forever. My keyboard works fine with my powerbook and my old mini. I have no USB keyboard or mouse, so I can't even get through the setup process.

I suppose this will be going back to apple.

Mr. Big

Level 1

54 points

Mar 26, 2009 1:19 AM in response to Phil Ta

This is deja vu all over again. I was thinking of getting a new mini and then seeing this tread reminded me of one of the reasons I sold my old one a year ago. This is not a new problem. I had constant issues trying to keep my keyboard connected via Bluetooth and the wireless internet was just as problematic. I even swapped units at the Apple Store but the replacement was no better. I find it hard to believe that Apple hasn't found a solution.

Anyone else having Bluetooth keyboard problems with new mini?