Bluetooth keyboard doesn't work during initial boot

Question

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

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

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

Reply

Answer 2

VikingOSX

Level 10

123,144 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.

Reply

Answer 3

Jack-19

Level 8

46,182 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

Reply

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.

Reply

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.

Reply

Answer 6

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).

Reply

Answer 7

Jack-19

Level 8

46,182 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?

Reply

Bluetooth keyboard doesn't work during initial boot

Similar questions