New (Nov 2020) Mac Mini repeatedly disconnecting from Bluetooth keyboard

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New (Nov 2020) Mac Mini repeatedly disconnecting from Bluetooth keyboard

From the community forum this Bluetooth keyboard repeated disconnecting from Mac Mini has been a recognized problem since at least the 2018 models. Does anyone have a fix for it yet? Just got my new Mac Mini with the M1 chip as soon as it was released and it worked fine for a couple week until it got a system software update. Now when the Mac Mini goes to sleep, it loses its connection to the Bluetooth keyboard. Bluetooth settings call for allowing Bluetooth devices to wake up the computer and the keyboard has 100% charge in batteries. Keyboard is no more than 5" from computer. When waking from sleep, the Bluetooth keyboard is not connected and thus cannot enter the password and I have no way to access Bluetooth settings. My only solution has been to take a USB keyboard from another office and connect it, which allows password entry. Very frustrating. Eventually the Mini recognizes the keyboard and connects. Any ideas?

Mac mini, macOS 11.0

Posted on Dec 8, 2020 11:55 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

RUSD tech

Level 4

1,525 points

Dec 14, 2020 10:06 AM in response to Xyz1234abcd

Yes, very common with the latest Mac Minis such as the M1.

Try turning off WiFi and use ethernet cable.

Try changing the wireless router from 2.4GHz to 5Ghz exclusively (prevents interfering with Bluetooth's 2.4GHz).

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Answer 2

A_J_Rabbit

Community Specialist

Dec 13, 2020 12:24 PM in response to Xyz1234abcd

Hello Xyz1234abcd,

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities!

Based on what you mentioned, your Bluetooth keyboard keeps disconnecting from your Mac Mini since you updated to macOS Big Sur version 11.0.1. Which Bluetooth keyboard are you using? If your Bluetooth keyboard has a receiver, is is connected directly to the Mac mini, or is it attached to a hub?

To check if you can refresh the connection. You can try to turn toggling the off/on switch for the keyboard and mouse. This is a feature located on the Apple Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse. For all other wireless keyboards and mice, check if you can power cycle them. If needed, here's some help with setting them up again: Set up your Apple wireless mouse, keyboard, and trackpad.

Best wishes!

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New (Nov 2020) Mac Mini repeatedly disconnecting from Bluetooth keyboard

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