Bluetooth keyboard won't connect on boot

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Level 1

8 points

Bluetooth keyboard won't connect on boot

I have had a new 2021 14" MacBook Pro for about 4 days now and am having a problem on startup when connected to a monitor. Neither my Bluetooth keyboard (Apple Magic Keyboard) or my mouse (also Apple) will connect when starting up, forcing me to reach to the laptop to enter my password. (I know, not a major issue, but annoying!)

After I have logged in they connect and everything is good.

I have upgraded from a 2019 MacBook Pro which didn't have this problem. I may have had to tap a key 2 or 3 times to get it to connect, but it always did. Even after I updated the 2019 to Monterey this wasn't a problem, so it seems to be something with the new laptop.

MacBook Pro (2020 and later)

Posted on Nov 8, 2021 8:42 AM

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Answer 1

jdo_apple

Community Specialist

Nov 9, 2021 9:29 AM in response to JAJameson

Greetings JAJameson,

Ensuring your Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse are connecting to your MacBook Pro as expected is important, and you’ve come to a wonderful place for help!

The following article may be helpful in reaching a resolution.

If you can’t connect your Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, or Magic Trackpad to your Mac

Although you're able to successfully connect the accessories, the steps may still be helpful. If you have your older MacBook Pro, and it’s powered on at the same time. Make sure the keyboard and mouse aren’t paired to that MacBook. That can be a potential cause for why the Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboard aren’t automatically connecting.

Let us know how that goes!

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Answer 2

JAJameson Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 9, 2021 12:05 PM in response to jdo_apple

Thanks for the reply.

I have found that the keyboard and mouse will connect during startup, but it is very slow. On the previous MacBook Pro the connection would occur very quickly, but on the new one (M1 Max) it takes about 10 seconds for the keyboard to connect - I can then use the bluetooth keyboard to log in.

I guess my expectation is that it would be at least as fast as the older MacBook. I know that 10 seconds is not very long, but it seems long when you are trying to log in. I would expect to be able to type my password as soon as the login window appears, like the built-in keyboard, but that is not the case.

To be clear, this problem only occurs on start up. On wake the connection is immediate.

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Answer 3

Eric--F

Community Specialist

Nov 9, 2021 1:02 PM in response to JAJameson

Thank you for those details JAJameson.

We’re glad to know that Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse are connecting automatically. If you haven’t already try the steps outlined in the If you can’t connect your Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, or Magic Trackpad to your Mac article previously linked. While they’re connecting successfully, the steps may help with the delay that you’re experiencing.

If you continue to notice a delay when first powering on your Mac after those steps, you'll want to contact Apple next. You can find their contact details via the Get Support website.

Take care!

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Answer 4

zarathu

Level 3

621 points

Nov 9, 2021 12:08 PM in response to JAJameson

The new machines have updated T2 security chips. It is probably a security feature. I don’t have the problem since I almost never have to boot up and always start from sleep.

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Bluetooth keyboard won't connect on boot

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