what would deleting file com.apple.bluetooth.plist do?

Question

Level 1

5 points

what would deleting file com.apple.bluetooth.plist do?

hey,

i picked up a mac pro with os 10.8.3. it came with an aluminum bluetooth keyboard. i cant get the keyboard to work properly. it will pair but then i loose the connection. i changhed the batteries same problem.

wierd thing is when i first got the machine it worked fine for a bit. and a few days of trying to make it work it did work for a bit again. then it will lose connection and wont reconnect. then i will have troubles re-pairing.

the keyboard pairs fine with the mbp 10.5.8 and ipad and stays connected.

i've been reading lots of disscussions trying to figure this out on my own.

ive reset the smc. no luck.

one post said delete file com.apple.bluetooth.plist. what would that mean if i did?

any other suggestions would be great.

cheers

Mac Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.3)

Posted on Apr 14, 2013 9:47 AM

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Answer 1

Apr 18, 2013 3:16 AM in response to non-ficti

Hello:

Deleting the preference file (.plist) probably will not do anything in your case, but it cannot hurt (delete the file and then restart).

I suggest you reset the PRAM and also make the device a favorite.

Barry

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Answer 2

May 22, 2013 8:48 AM in response to non-ficti

I don't know if you have solved this yet, but I have had the exact same problem when adding new devices. This includes a Bluetooth keyboard that had similar symptoms to yours. Deleting the com.Apple.Bluetooth.plist *always* solves my problems. I do the following in order:

1. remove all bluetooth devices from the bluetooth preferences

2. delete com.Apple.Bluetooth.plist from /Library/Preferences and/or ~/Library/Preferences (once I had it in both... not sure why)

3. reboot (tried once without rebooting and it didnt work... not sure why)

4. pair devices

5. profit!

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Answer 3

May 9, 2014 1:35 PM in response to phatpenguindev

Ren and Stimpy reference?

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Answer 4

Aug 1, 2014 10:59 AM in response to phatpenguindev

Thanks, This solved the problems I have had. I followed the steps and also restarted, normally.

Great help. life is better.

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Answer 5

Aug 21, 2014 10:35 PM in response to phatpenguindev

Thank you phatpenguindev!

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Answer 6

keviniam

Level 1

0 points

Sep 23, 2014 9:32 AM in response to phatpenguindev

Problem not resolved by this, seems like a coincidence for those that it worked for.

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Answer 7

Mar 6, 2015 5:12 PM in response to gurleymon

I was having a problem with my bluetooth wireless keyboard where, when you typed an apostrophe, followed by ANY doubled letter, then pressed space bar, the cursor popped back one space between the doubled letters!

My Apple dealer thought it was an autocorrect problem. It was not.

The remedy was to go to Library/Preferences and delete com.Apple.bluetooth.plist. My difference with the instructions above: you MUST have a working keyboard to do this, in order to enter your password, so don't delete it from Bluetooth.

For me, deleting it, then restarting, solved the problem.

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Answer 8

Apr 9, 2015 12:52 PM in response to phatpenguindev

Where do I type in all that stuff?

Thanks.

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Answer 9

Apr 15, 2015 8:12 AM in response to Snorkeler

Good point about the keyboard. I didn't specify that I am using a Macbook Pro, so I have a built in keyboard that I can use when my bluetooth isn't connected. Another option would be to use a generic USB keyboard as a backup. It is always a good idea to have a backup keyboard! 🙂

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Answer 10

Apr 15, 2015 8:24 AM in response to Adam LeBlanc

You shouldn't need to type anything in.

1. remove all bluetooth devices from the bluetooth preferences

Just click the X next to the device you want to remove. You may need to type in an admin password (as mentioned by Snorkeler) so if you are not using a Macbook, be sure you have a USB keyboard and/or mouse to do any additional steps after the devices are removed.

2. delete com.Apple.Bluetooth.plist from /Library/Preferences and/or ~/Library/Preferences (once I had it in both... not sure why)

In finder press command-shift-G to go to those paths.

Right click the plist file and Move to Trash. I also usually empty the trash just to be sure.

**Making the assumption the following don't need explanation

3. reboot (tried once without rebooting and it didnt work... not sure why)

4. pair devices

5. profit!

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