Bluetooth keyboard doesn't work during initial boot

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Level 1

7 points

Bluetooth keyboard doesn't work during initial boot

I have a MAC mini (M1, 2020, 16GB, 512GB) on Mac OS "Big Sur 11.6".

I have Logitech "MX keys for MAC" Bluetooth keyboard and "MX master 3 for MAC" Bluetooth mouse. I have paired them successfully and they are working well.

However, if I restart my Mac Mini, the Bluetooth keyboard and mouse are not accessible during the initial boot screen (where the system prompts for the password). I need to use a wired USB keyboard to provide the password. After this, the system boots normally, and the Bluetooth keyboard and mouse are auto-detected and start working normally.

How do I fix this problem so that the Bluetooth keyboard and mouse are available during the initial system boot phase?

Mac mini, macOS 11.6

Posted on Oct 2, 2021 7:43 AM

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Answer 1

CuriousSoul Author

Level 1

7 points

Oct 3, 2021 4:58 AM in response to CuriousSoul

I think I found the problem (or solution) at the Logitech tech forum. Apparently, macOS doesn't load the low-energy driver at the login stage. For Bluetooth devices using this driver, you need to either use a USB dongle (if your device supports -- in my case it does) or just use a different device.

https://support.logi.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039904713

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Answer 2

VikingOSX

Level 10

128,246 points

Oct 2, 2021 1:13 PM in response to CuriousSoul

I am using the Apple (extended) Magic Keyboard on the same configuration M1 mini, and the keyboard is functional on the login screen. Have you contacted Logitech about their keyboards yet? I don't see anything you can do about this in macOS.

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Answer 3

Jack-19

Level 8

46,384 points

Oct 2, 2021 7:48 AM in response to CuriousSoul

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities.

You often cannot. Bluetooth accessories, except for sometimes Apple accessories, often don't work upon initial startup and the startup sequence.

Jack

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Answer 4

CuriousSoul Author

Level 1

7 points

Oct 2, 2021 9:09 AM in response to Jack-19

Correct, the Bluetooth keyboard doesn't work on the macOS login screen. I power on the device and I see a login screen where I need to provide my password. I can't use my Bluetooth keyboard to provide this password (need to use a USB keyboard). After that, I see my desktop and I am able to use my Bluetooth keyboard and mouse.

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Answer 5

Oct 2, 2021 9:34 AM in response to Jack-19

Similar issue this morning... I have a Mac Mini (M1, 2020), 16GB, macOS 11.6. Both the Logitech MX Keys and Logitech MX Master 3 would not connect via Bluetooth. Rebooted the Mac Mini (using other hard-wired peripherals) but cannot get the two Logitech devices to reconnect via Bluetooth. Even when they're in pairing mode, macOS 11.6 is not seeing them.

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Answer 6

Jack-19

Level 8

46,384 points

Oct 2, 2021 7:50 AM in response to CuriousSoul

On a second read of your post, are you saying the keyboard doesn't work at the macOS Login screen?

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Answer 7

CuriousSoul Author

Level 1

7 points

Oct 2, 2021 9:43 AM in response to Simon Howes

Hi Simon,

My issue is a bit different. My Bluetooth connectivity issue is restricted to the login screen. I have to provide my login credentials via a hardwired keyboard but after that Bluetooth keyboard gets connected (Of course, I had to pair them on time).

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Bluetooth keyboard doesn't work during initial boot

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