Apple Event: May 7th at 7 am PT

> Learn more

> Add to your calendar 

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

User profile for user: Peter Deep1
Peter Deep1 Author
User level: Level 2
156 points

Wireless keyboard refusing the pairing attempt

I have an Apple wireless aluminum keyboard. I've had it for a while and it was apparently paired with something in the past because it's name is "temp keyboard." Whatever device it was paired to, I no longer own.


Whenever I try to pair this keyboard - and I've tried it with an Apple TV, iMac running 10.8, an iPhone and an iPad - I get a "pairing unsuccessful" message. The Mac gives me the most complete message: "The pairing attempt was unsuccessful. The device is refusing the connection."


I've been all over these boards and tried every single recommendation. I've shut off Bluetooth in every device except the one I'm trying to pair with. I've tried holding down the power button. I've taken the batteries out for several days. Nothing works.


I haven't gone and deleted plist files and things like that because obviously the problem is with the keyboard, not the computer.


This is very frustrating because I want to use this keyboard with my Apple TV. Any other suggestions on how to reset this keyboard?

iMac, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2), i3, 12GB RAM

Posted on Jun 1, 2013 9:05 AM

Reply
7 replies
User profile for user: nbar
nbar
User level: Level 5
7,019 points

Aug 13, 2013 11:54 PM in response to nbar

and....


If you are having problems with getting an Apple Wireless Bluetooth keyboard, mouse or trackpad from connecting to your Mac (iMac, Macbook or Mac Pro), you can try this trick. The following mentions the keyboard, but it should work for other wireless devices that have a on/off switch of the contact type (i.e. press on and off, rather than a physical slide switch).

  1. Switch off the keyboard by holding down the power button for at least 3 seconds
  2. Click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar
  3. Click on “Set Up Bluetooth Device”
  4. Turn on the keyboard by holding down the power button, BUT DO NOT LET GO OF THE POWER BUTTON. It must be kept held down through the entire process.
  5. The Setup Assistant will find the keyboard, so click the name of the keyboard, and then click on “Continue”. Make sure you are still holding the power button down.
  6. You will be prompted for the Pairing Code. You can now release the power button, type the pairing code on the keyboard and then press return. There will be a slight delay whilst the pairing completes (a few seconds)
  7. The keyboard will now be Paired.


How to Reset an Apple Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard, Mouse or ...

Reply
User profile for user: nevnet_apple
nevnet_apple
User level: Level 1
0 points

Aug 14, 2013 12:57 AM in response to nbar

I hadn't seen the article so thanks. No luck though.


For the first time since having this problem i did get the pairing code come up and I was able to enter the code as I would expect I.e. enter a digit and the screen shows this and moved on. Two problems though; 6 is non recognised and sometimes it skips over very quickly on other numbers like I have pressed the key too many times. Needless to say I very carefully selected the keys. I have tried switching to a different input region I.e swapping between UK and US but still no luck.


The keep power button pressed also doesn't work.


Any further help very much appreciated.

Reply

Wireless keyboard refusing the pairing attempt

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.
Learn more Sign up