User profile for user: pbusb
pbusb Author
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Bluetooth & the M2 Mac mini

I've been using Mac minis as my music server & internet browser on my LG TV for a while now. When the M1 Mac mini launched, I bought one. The BT mouse & keyboard were very unreliable from my armchair about 10ft away so returned it to Apple after several phone calls to Apple support where I was told that there were issues with BT.

Have these Bluetooth problems been fixed on the later models? I'm quite aware that BT worked as expected within a couple of feet but does BT now work further away?

Posted on Apr 10, 2024 2:53 AM

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User profile for user: bobguitar5
bobguitar5
User level: Level 1
18 points

Posted on Jun 24, 2024 9:49 AM

For 2 years I put up with the bluetooth issues on my m2 Mac mini. My issues were Magic Keyboard lagging or dropping out (constantly) and poor Magic Mouse performance as well. I read that the bluetooth antenna is in the bottom of the mini case and I had mine set up underneath and eventually on top of a hub (same footprint as the mini). Mine is a Satechi with an SSD inside. It didn't matter what position the mini was in with relation to the hub. The BT was still terrible. I use the BT keyboard from my bed which is about 10 feet away from the Mac. I can't tell you how sick and tired I was with the BT performance. Then I saw the vertical stands they sell for the Mac mini. And I didn't want one made of aluminum which most of them are, because I read that metal can affect the I/O of the BT as well. I purchased a cheap ($11 USD) adjustable vertical mount stand made of ABS plastic. I moved the MAC mini away from my hubs, off to the side of the desk, standing vertically with the bottom (BT antenna side) facing outwards. It completely solved my BT issues. The Magic Keyboard works flawlessly, with never a lag or drop out and my magic mouse is like a brand new experience. I used to think my lagging cursor with the MM was due to the surface it was on. Not so! It now works perfectly on any surface and the cursor movement is the most fluid and accurate it has eve been.

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User profile for user: bobguitar5
bobguitar5
User level: Level 1
18 points

Jun 24, 2024 9:49 AM in response to pbusb

For 2 years I put up with the bluetooth issues on my m2 Mac mini. My issues were Magic Keyboard lagging or dropping out (constantly) and poor Magic Mouse performance as well. I read that the bluetooth antenna is in the bottom of the mini case and I had mine set up underneath and eventually on top of a hub (same footprint as the mini). Mine is a Satechi with an SSD inside. It didn't matter what position the mini was in with relation to the hub. The BT was still terrible. I use the BT keyboard from my bed which is about 10 feet away from the Mac. I can't tell you how sick and tired I was with the BT performance. Then I saw the vertical stands they sell for the Mac mini. And I didn't want one made of aluminum which most of them are, because I read that metal can affect the I/O of the BT as well. I purchased a cheap ($11 USD) adjustable vertical mount stand made of ABS plastic. I moved the MAC mini away from my hubs, off to the side of the desk, standing vertically with the bottom (BT antenna side) facing outwards. It completely solved my BT issues. The Magic Keyboard works flawlessly, with never a lag or drop out and my magic mouse is like a brand new experience. I used to think my lagging cursor with the MM was due to the surface it was on. Not so! It now works perfectly on any surface and the cursor movement is the most fluid and accurate it has eve been.

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User profile for user: den.thed
den.thed
User level: Level 10
91,318 points

Apr 11, 2024 7:08 AM in response to pbusb

I agree that you shouldn't have to do that, but as you see it does help.


Other things in the area that can cause Bluetooth interference are:

  • Microwave ovens, refrigerators, fan motors, TVs
  • Connectors and cables for satellite TV service
  • Poorly Shielded USB and Display cables
  • Poorly shielded power lines in the wall
  • 4 GHz cordless telephones
  • Wireless security cameras
  • Wireless speakers
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User profile for user: pbusb
pbusb Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Apr 11, 2024 3:25 AM in response to den.thed

Thanks for replying. I should not have to tip it sideways! After returning the MM M1, I returned to using my MM2014 one. BT work fine originally but started playing up after updating the OS that now runs Monterey & have done exactly as show in your pic last week. I'll make some sort of stand for mine.

Perhaps when I replace my 2014 model, I'll use an external BT dongle - not straightforward but possible. Wi-Fi has never been a problem.

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Bluetooth & the M2 Mac mini

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