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Bluetooth file exchange not working betwen Mac Mini and iPad

The error message is "The device does not have the necessary services". I'm trying this between a mac mini running El Capitan and an iPad (6th Generation) running iOS 14.7.1 The irritating thing is that it works beautifully between my 5 year old Samsung Android phone and the very same Mac mini.


I have tried setting this up every which way possible thru system preferences.


Thanks for any help in advance.


iPad, iPadOS 14

Posted on Aug 25, 2021 9:59 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 26, 2021 7:10 AM

Hello, ggggggggg.


Sorry to hear you're having trouble with bluetooth file exchanges between your Mac mini and idevices.

I would suggest that the mini running the older macOS might be incompatible. But you say that transfers work between it and an Android device, so there's that. 🤔

I don't know an answer to the problem, but I did find this support document. Maybe you'll find something useful in it.


Share files between your Mac and Bluetooth devices - Apple Support:

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/share-files-using-bluetooth-mchle7fa9e15/10.13/mac/10.13


4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 26, 2021 7:10 AM in response to ggggggggg

Hello, ggggggggg.


Sorry to hear you're having trouble with bluetooth file exchanges between your Mac mini and idevices.

I would suggest that the mini running the older macOS might be incompatible. But you say that transfers work between it and an Android device, so there's that. 🤔

I don't know an answer to the problem, but I did find this support document. Maybe you'll find something useful in it.


Share files between your Mac and Bluetooth devices - Apple Support:

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/share-files-using-bluetooth-mchle7fa9e15/10.13/mac/10.13


Aug 25, 2021 10:16 PM in response to ggggggggg

ggggggggg Said:

"Bluetooth file exchange not working betwen Mac Mini and iPad:[...]I have tried setting this up every which way possible thru system preferences.[...]"

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Reset the Bluetooth Module:

See if Bluetooth is getting in the way here.  Bluetooth may be in a constant loop of not being able to connect.  Go Here: Use "Reset the Bluetooth module" to Fix Constant Bluetooth Disconnections - User Tips

Aug 26, 2021 6:37 AM in response to ggggggggg

ggggggggg wrote:

Bluetooth is connecting alright but the error is "The device does not have the necessary services" ie the iPad does not have the necessary services. Is the iPad even compatible for bluetooth file exchange with the Mac mini ?

FWIW, I tried the same thing with my iPhone 11 Pro and my M1 MacBook Air running Big Sur with exactly the same results. I was trying more out of curiosity than anything. All other Bluetooth devices work fine so not a Bluetooth issue.

Bluetooth file exchange not working betwen Mac Mini and iPad

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