Hello, I am using Catalina 10.15.5 (19F101) on a 2018 MacBook Pro 15. Recently after installing a bluetooth device, dot an error and since nothing shows in the list of devices. None are showing anymore. I tried Cmd=Opt+PR. How to fix that?

Question

armlau Author

Level 1

12 points

Hello, I am using Catalina 10.15.5 (19F101) on a 2018 MacBook Pro 15. Recently after installing a bluetooth device, dot an error and since nothing shows in the list of devices. None are showing anymore. I tried Cmd=Opt+PR. How to fix that?

How to got my bluetooth back and working as normal?

After installing a Bluetooth device, I got an error requiring a reboot.

After reboot, my bluetooth interface stopped showing any devices and the list stays empty.

But it seems the system detects the bluetooth interface which can be turned on/off.

I tried the NVRAM reset with Cmd+Opt+P+R right after pressing the power on butter but it didn't fix the issue.

I bought a bluetooth 5.0 usb dongle and the system seems recognizing it but same, nothing in the list.

Any idea?

Thanks. for any help.

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Aug 24, 2020 10:24 AM

Reply

Answer 1

sterling r

Community Specialist

Aug 25, 2020 12:28 PM in response to armlau

Hello again armlau,

Thank you so much for your prompt reply.

You are correct. If you perform a clean install and restore from Time Machine backup the issue could return. We recommend setting up as a brand new computer without transferring any information over to begin with to see if the issue returns. If it doesn't return you can always try to restore your data back to the computer, but keep in mind that might bring the issue right back.

Here's some instructions on how to backup your Mac, erase it, and reinstall an operating system.

Back up your Mac

How to erase a disk for Mac

How to reinstall macOS from macOS Recovery

If you decide you would like to restore from Time Machine backup here are some instructions to help get you started with that as well.

Restore your Mac from a backup

Take care!

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Answer 2

i_rina

Community Specialist

Aug 25, 2020 9:00 AM in response to armlau

Greetings armlau,

Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities! We understand that your Bluetooth is not working properly on your MacBook Pro. Let’s take a look and see what we can do. We're happy to help!

Let's first start by booting your computer into "safe mode" to see if Bluetooth works properly there.

How to use safe mode on your Mac

Next, if you continue to have troubles with Bluetooth then we would recommend updating your device to the latest software update which is macOS Catalina 10.15.6. Please ensure your device is fully backed up before performing any software updates.

Back up your Mac

How to update the software on your Mac

Lastly, if you continue to experience Bluetooth not working properly then let's try to run some diagnostics on your device.

How to use Apple Diagnostics on your Mac

Have a great day!

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Answer 3

armlau Author

Level 1

12 points

Aug 25, 2020 11:52 AM in response to i_rina

Hi,

So, I tried all the possible reset methods, including the Shift+Opt+Bluetooth debug.

The safe mode doesn't improve the "device discovery" process.

But with it, I discovered that the Bluetooth interface works. I asked a device which was registered before to reconnect to the MacBook Pro and after the key/auth exchange, it did. The MacBook Pro now displays the device and I was able to exchange a file between the two. But still no other devices are displayed in the discovery list of the Macbook Pro when 30+ are seen by the other device.

Back to normal mode (not safe) and the paired device connection still works but still nothing in the discovery list beside the new device I just added (from safe mode).

I am thinking to re-install OS X (fresh install) and restore my last Time Machine backup.

But I if the Bluetooth is fixed this way, I want to be sure restoring the backup will not overwrite settings and port the issue to the new install. Can you confirm?

Updating to the new OS X is eventually an option unfortunately we work with some Apps which are still incompatible with the latest versions of OS X (VMWare, Paragon, ... and other tools). So I am hesitating going toward this direction.

L.

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Hello, I am using Catalina 10.15.5 (19F101) on a 2018 MacBook Pro 15. Recently after installing a bluetooth device, dot an error and since nothing shows in the list of devices. None are showing anymore. I tried Cmd=Opt+PR. How to fix that?

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