M1 Mac Mini's Bluetooth is Straight-Up Broken, Sleep/Wake Issues

I have a base M1 Mac Mini and Bluetooth is straight-up broken.

It started when I tried to update to macOS 11.0.1 and the computer hung after every restart in addition to my Magic Mouse and Bluetooth keyboard disconnecting. After a few times of that happening, the update somehow went through, I think after turning the computer off/on.

My Magic Mouse was also disconnecting after the computer went to sleep and sometimes for no reason, every time. Also, sometimes my Mini has simply not woken up from sleep. This is using the old 21" LG Ultrafine 4K monitor. So I've done two things there: set the computer in System Preferences to not go to sleep and just started using my Microsoft Bluetooth mouse.

My Microsoft Bluetooth keyboard was still disconnecting from time to time, so I'm now temporarily using my wife's Magic Keyboard until the wired keyboard/mouse I ordered from Amazon gets here.

I also tried some Apple Arcade games, figuring those should work ok...wrong. Trying The Pathless, the Nimbus wasn't even recognized, and my Xbox One controller exhibited controller drift to the point that it was unplayable. I also tried to play Samurai Jack with the Nimbus, and while that game did recognize the controller, it too exhibited controller drift which made the game unplayable.

I'm really really disappointed with the Bluetooth and sleep/wake performance here. I also have a 2016 12" Macbook and never had the slightest Bluetooth issue, so that makes me worried that it's related either to the M1 chip or the hardware design. My cheap wired keyboard/mouse coming on Monday should fix some of the problems, but it shouldn't be this way in the first place. It's still not going to fix the controller situation, or the sleep/wake issues, or the general Bluetooth issues. If it really is a hardware issue, then I'll have no choice but to return it. Apple better acknowledge this problem quickly, or this is going to blow up and get out of hand pretty quickly.

Mac mini 2018 or later

Posted on Nov 27, 2020 7:35 AM

Top-ranking reply

NWreviews

Level 1

4 points

Posted on Jan 7, 2021 4:38 AM

hey sok777 ... yes, very very frustrating ! after reading an article referencing same issues from 2018 Mac mini I realized that my Anker USB 3.0 little 4 port aluminum hub was right next to the Mac mini. Apple recommends that any USB hubs should be placed far away from Mac mini as it messes up the built-in bluetooth connectivity. I had a 6ft USB extension cable and moved my hub to the other end of my desk .. all is working just fine now. (I also have a 2015 Macbook but that issue does not affect it at all - just Mac minis)

I question why apple does not include/cover this issue with its support staff .. very irritating, I too almost returned my new Mac mini - it is an awesome device but frustrating as **** when you can't even use apple keyboards & trackpads.

I hope that helps.

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22 replies

Dec 28, 2020 1:12 PM in response to Artiste212

Artiste212 wrote:

Is there some way to turn off 2.5 GHz WiFi on the Mac?

Do you mean 2.4GHz? Your Mac, iPhone, tablet, etc act as a receiver.

You need to turn off 2.4GHz from your router, then it won't transmit the signal...

Dec 28, 2020 1:57 PM in response to MyApple8MyPC

Yes, I did mean 2.4 GHz. But unfortunately, I can't do that on my router, because I have 2 devices that need it (Printer and Apple TV). So I thought if I could prevent my Mac from working on the 2.4 GHz band, that would solve the problem. Guess not 😞

Dec 28, 2020 2:04 PM in response to Artiste212

Apple TV also works on 5Ghz...

dawebb11

Level 1

4 points

Jan 21, 2021 2:05 PM in response to MacM1Newbie

Keyboard ( 3 different ones) will not work. Mouse does, go figure. Apple can't even say why, or they just want us to buy new ones? There is prescient for that with them.

mario49

Community Specialist

Dec 5, 2020 9:25 AM in response to patrickfrombrooklyn

Hello patrickfrombrooklyn,

It looks like you're having some Bluetooth issues on your Mac Mini. We will be happy to help!

First, let's begin by ruling out interference by using this article: Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference

Next, try this:

Shut down the Mac
Unplug the power cord from the Mac
Wait 15 seconds, then plug the power cord back into the Mac
Wait another 5 seconds, then press the power button to turn on the Mac as usual

Then, if that doesn't help, let's test this in a test user account to see if this happens there: Set up users, guests, and groups on Mac

If it does, the next step would be to reach out to Apple Support: Contact Apple for support and service

We hope this helps!

Cheers!

Dec 25, 2020 3:11 PM in response to MarkAlan428

Hi, I have the same issues. I am saving my bluetooth keyboard and mouse for a MacBook Pro I am planning to buy after the holidays. I am a big fan of trackballs and das keyboard anyways. I think bottom line the antenna is too weak for the metal enclosure.

Dec 28, 2020 9:32 AM in response to Brett Ramsey

Brett Ramsey wrote:

If a resolution to this problem isn't forthcoming soon the computer is going back.

You can send your computer back but I don't think that's going to "solve" your problem. Interference doesn't work that way. After doing a lot of research into this matter I don't even think it's an Apple issue anymore. There is simply way to many devices these days that use the same 2.4GHz band! Not only Wi-Fi interference but also things like baby monitors in the area, garage door openers, even ZigBee devices, etc. Even if you had "just" Wi-Fi interference, you can cause an issue with Bluetooth by overloading too many devices on your routers Wi-Fi. The only real solution seems to be to move away from the 2.4 GHZ frequency as much as possible, therefore reducing the amount of interference blocking the Bluetooth signal. When there is this much 2.4GHz interference, even using something like cheap poorly shielded USB cables can come into play...

Take an inventory on how many wireless devices in your house actually use the 2.4GHz frequency, and I think you'll be amazed.

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M1 Mac Mini's Bluetooth is Straight-Up Broken, Sleep/Wake Issues