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"Headsets are not supported on your Bluetooth hardware."

I'm on Tiger, a PowerBook 15", 1.25 GHz. I just bought a Motorola HS810 BT headset - following the instructions at the Apple support site, I launched the Bluetooth Setup Assistant and attempted to add device.

But when I select headset as the device to add, I get dumped to a screen saying: "Headsets are not supported on your Bluetooth hardware."

So I tried adding any device - I get a menu of visible devices, and it lists the headset - but when I go to advance to the next screen, once again I get: "Headsets are not supported on your Bluetooth hardware."

I've seen a number of similar but not identical posts suggesting upgrading the firmware - I'm on Tiger, so it's 1.526, no further updates available - updating the Bluetooth software - I'm on version 1.6, as far as I can tell, and no further updates available. I've read about zapping the PRAM, and done it, no change in symptoms.

So I'm wondering, is this a Tiger bug? Has anyone successfully joined a BT headset to a PowerBook G4?

Many thanks,

Posted on May 5, 2005 1:12 PM

140 replies

Aug 18, 2005 4:21 PM in response to Bernadette Murray

Well, I rebooted and the same old version popped up. I don't think I'll try to update the firmware again. I'll just live with it.

Aug 19, 2005 7:42 AM in response to Charles Fowler

Hi, I have a plantronics M2500 headset which worked just great BEFORE I installed the latest system and security updates. BUT NOT NOW. It pairs just fine, but when I go to browse device I get a message "device does not have the necessary services"

I feel sure this is a bug in the updates. I've tried repairing permissions and other things listed in various posts without success....any other suggestions welcomed. Can anyone get someone at apple to look into this? PLEASE?

I'm using the internal Bluetooth module

Aug 19, 2005 12:25 PM in response to Peter Savage

Was that in Mac OS X v10.3.9? I recommend to go back for Mac OS X v10.3.9 or life with it until a bug fix is coming. The Bluetooth software hasn't changed from Mac OS X v10.4.0 up to Mac OS X v10.4.2 + 2005/007 1.1.

Aug 19, 2005 12:25 PM in response to Doug Keller

Just in case ahh actually it is the case you have missed it:

Using a headset needs several steps even needed if you have the latest computer or Mac OS X release. Please make sure to follow them in order.

Download the Apple Bluetooth Firmware Updater
Install it
Launch it from Applications > Utilities > Bluetooth Updater
Apply it to your adapter (takes very long).
Start the Apple Bluetooth Assistant and select Headset. Do not use anything else!
Make your headset Bluetooth visible. Look up the manual of your headset how to do that.
Now select the headset in System Preferences > Sound.

In most cases step 3 is missed. You have to start the installed updater yourself (do not ask me why).

Has nothing to do with Bluetooth 1.1, Bluetooth 1.2 or Bluetooth 2.0+EDR. All internal Apple Bluetooth modules support headsets, either out of the box or after the firmware update. Period.

Aug 19, 2005 12:25 PM in response to Bernadette Murray

Try it again. It works but you have to try it several times and be patient.

Aug 19, 2005 12:32 PM in response to Alexander Traud

OK a question. I have a G5 2x2 and my frimware says it is:
Manufacturer: Cambridge Silicon Radio
Firmware Version: 1.526 (1.526)

It was installed by Apple as a package.

The firmware update is version 1.5. Should I still update?

TIA,
IE

Aug 19, 2005 1:13 PM in response to IndustrialEcho

I would have edited my post, but I couldn't.

I downloaded the 1.2 Frimware Updater and updated. Even though mine was at 1.2, I still updated. Then I followed your other steps...IT WORKED 🙂 well at least to the point that it recognizes my Sony / Ericsson HBH-65. Problem is that I have been messing with this so long my battery power in the headset is too far down and it disconnects. It does show up in my sound menue though 8-)

Thank you for your help Alexander Traud!

Aug 19, 2005 8:54 PM in response to IndustrialEcho

It totally works! My headset has been recognized in sound prefs and also in Skype. I had a long Skype conversation with my brother-in-law last night.

Thank you very much again,
IE

btav

Level 1

0 points

Aug 19, 2005 9:53 PM in response to IndustrialEcho

Does anyone know when iPODs and/or MP3 players will be coming out with BlueTooth technology for headsets?

Thanks,
Bob

Aug 20, 2005 12:04 AM in response to Charles Fowler

I have succesfully paired my BT20S bluetooth headset with my PowerBook. However, I cannot access the headset through the sound option menu, so even if the headset is installed anb paired I still cannot use it.

In order to pair your device you should make sure that you have the correct access key for your device, or choose an 'open key' during the install process. If you search for a headset the bluetooth assistant will automatically try to detect the access key, however, if you searh for 'all devices' you can manually change the setting for access keys.

Aug 20, 2005 2:51 AM in response to Jakob Fode

As said in the different thread, this tip is totally wrong because you use the Any device option in the Apple Bluetooth Assistent. If you use this, the headset will useless. You have to use the headset option.

iVince

Level 1

95 points

Aug 20, 2005 5:06 AM in response to Alexander Traud

As i'm starting to suspect i DON'T have internal bluetooth on my PMG5 2x2,5 (is there a way of knowing for sure???) i'll have to use my USB adaptator...which is not a D-Link and therefore cannot be firmware-updated as said earlier, which would explained why all your remedies failed on my machine.... so i'm asking again - as a guy did earlier on this thread without any answers - can we link a headset with a USB adaptator OTHER than D-Link ????? Or can i just forget about joining the bluetooth world?

thanks for your help

Vince

Aug 20, 2005 11:58 AM in response to iVince

What about looking up your order receipt and determine if you have ordered Bluetooth. If there is no Bluetooth icon in System Preferences without a Bluetooth USB adapter, it is very likely you have no internal Bluetooth.

The Bluetooth USB adapter needs an applied firmware update. There are other Bluetooth USB adapter but these are very rare. Go for a D-Link DBT-120 or an internal module.

Aug 20, 2005 5:15 PM in response to Alexander Traud

I just tried doing what Jakob suggested in his post:
8. RE: "Headsets are not supported on your Bluetooth hardware." and it has worked. It looks as though a lot of the problems people are having are related to the access key. If you can remove the need for an access key when setting up your bluetooth headset (set up a new device through bluetooth set-up assistant) you may find that your headset becomes available in the sound options of ichat and skype.

Aug 21, 2005 5:10 AM in response to Peter Savage

well now i'm totally confused!
I managed to get my plantronics M2500 to work last night. This morning it was still visible in the sound menus for skype and ichat but then it disappeared and since then although i can successfully pair the headset with the powerbook, it is not connected and does not appear in the sound options.

SO FRUSTRATING. Does anyone at apple read these things?
will I have to give up on my brand new headset?

p

"Headsets are not supported on your Bluetooth hardware."