janedirect

Q: bluetooth keyboard won't connect

My imac (purchased 2008) cannot connect. Cannot give specs since I cannot login to get them.

 

Keyboard has worked fine for years. Now, it won't connect. Bluetooth on computer is fine, it can view the keyboard, but cannot establish connection. I have put the keyboard in discovery mode, tried various things with holding down power, I can see my code it gives me to pair, but when I type it and hit enter, nothing happens. Establishing connection fails every time. Now I am locked out of my computer in the login screen and can go no further.

iMac, iOS 7.0.1, not sure on the operating system

Posted on Feb 12, 2014 10:00 AM

Close

Q: bluetooth keyboard won't connect

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by jeremy_v,

    jeremy_v jeremy_v Feb 14, 2014 12:45 PM in response to janedirect
    Community Specialists
    Feb 14, 2014 12:45 PM in response to janedirect

    Hi janedirect,

     

    Thanks for visiting Apple Support Communities.

     

    You may need to use a USB keyboard to complete some of the following steps, but I recommend trying these if your keyboard is not pairing with your Mac:

    1. Recharge or replace your Bluetooth device's battery
      If your Bluetooth device's battery is low, you may experience connection issues. Depending on the type of device you have, try charging your battery (if your device has a rechargeable battery) or replacing disposable batteries with fresh ones.

    2. Check for a Bluetooth update
      To check for new software, choose Software Update from the Apple menu (make sure that your computer is connected to the Internet). If newer Apple Bluetooth software exists, Software Update will prompt you to install it. To install an update, select the checkbox next to the software name and then click Install.

    3. Reduce potential signal interference
      Because Bluetooth works by transmitting signals through the air, some things can interfere with connections. Avoid situations in which metal objects come between your device and computer. Don't put your computer under a metal desk or in a metal cabinet. Keep your computer away from cordless phone base stations, microwave ovens, and other electrical devices that operate on a 2.4 GHz bandwidth. Make sure that your device and computer aren't more than 30 feet apart from each other.

    4. Restart your computer
      Sometimes a simple restart of your Mac is all it takes to get things running smoothly again. You may also want to try resetting your computer's PRAM and NVRAM.

    These steps and more information are found here:

     

    Bluetooth Quick Assist

    http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1153

     

    All the best,

     

    Jeremy

  • by vedi_vicci,

    vedi_vicci vedi_vicci Apr 5, 2014 9:13 AM in response to janedirect
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 5, 2014 9:13 AM in response to janedirect

    Hi janedirect!

     

    I was having the same problem. It took me days to figure out what was causing the problem pairing my wireless keyboard to my mac.  What I came to realize is that my ipad was paired to my keyboard, thus I was not able to pair my macbook pro until i turned it off. 

     

     

    Tony Reyes

    www.tony-reyes.com

  • by spaulson,

    spaulson spaulson Sep 6, 2016 7:46 AM in response to vedi_vicci
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Sep 6, 2016 7:46 AM in response to vedi_vicci

    Thank you so much for sharing - this fixed my problem!