Can I update my macbook pro early 2011 to use bluetooth 4.0
Is there any way that I'm able to update my MacBook so I'm able to use Bluetooth 4.0?
MacBook Pro (13-inch Early 2011)
it is 27 inches iMac mid 2011
169 replies
To me, you can't do anything, 2011 has 2 separated boards for wifi and bluetooth, 2012 and 2013 are using only one board.
Look at this : https://fr.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+27-Inch+EMC+2429+Bluetooth+Board+Replacem ent/7553.
You guys are definitely right. It can be dangerous to do this if you don't know what you are doing and a lot of people on here probably don't know how to do this. As far as the AppleCare warranty goes, mine expires in August so that's not a big deal for me. Also, Apple isn't too strict on the policy of opening your computer and voiding your warranty. I upgraded my default 4GB of RAM to 16GB back in fall 2012, about 15 months after I bought it. I had to replace the battery in summer of 2013 because of a defect and they didn't have any issues with the fact that I had changed stuff.
As far as changing out computer parts goes, this is actually one of the easiest swaps to do. RAM is the easiest in the non-retina MBP, then hard drive, then bluetooth I think. And iFixit gives a great guide for this particular process. And we aren't changing the USB. All we are doing is swapping out the bluetooth/airport card for a newer one. I would hope that anyone planning to do this process would be smart enough to research how to do it and what tools they should have for it.
Lem3ssie wrote:
To me, you can't do anything, 2011 has 2 separated boards for wifi and bluetooth, 2012 and 2013 are using only one board.
Look at this : https://fr.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+27-Inch+EMC+2429+Bluetooth+Board+Replacem ent/7553.
Thank you - Im not taking chance ~ besides I’m satisfy with its performance as far as range and connectivity using bluetooth stereo headphones ~ but definitely will experiment for my MBP since it is easier to replace 🙂 thanks a bunch you guys Rock!
Hello guys,
I've just received the Bluetooth Board ordered from this website:
It took me 15 minutes to replace the Bluetooth Board.
Old Bluetooth Board: BCM94331PCIEBT4AX.
New ordered and placed: BCM94331PCIEBT4CAX.
And guess what. :-)
From this: (no, no and no)
To this: (yes, yes and yes)
It says: (Ja, ja and ja) yes, yes and yes! On a MacBook Pro, 17" Late 2011.
So if you want to upgrade it. Buy it from os-store, it comes in a sealed small envelope. In plastic like you get when you buy a hard disk.
It's only $20 (16 euro's for me) and you have a compatible Mac with Yosemite for Handoff, Continuity etc.
It works!
Sander
Nice!
I think it also will work for me then. I have a Macbook Pro Mid 2009.
OS-Store says that the module is compatible with A1278. If I google on 'A1278' I will get my macbook 2009.
So I also ordered it and will let you know when I tested it.
I think I can use all the features of Yosemite then with an 5 years old macbook! Would be awesome!
I don't think it will work as you can see on iFixit that the 2009 model has a completely different bluetooth assembly.
In my opinion, this upgrade is only possible for the 2011 models as only these models feature the same basic module and the only difference seems to be the bluetooth chip. (2012: 4 antennas, 2011: 4 antennas, 2010: 3 antennas).
.
yeah to bad, I was to enthusiastic !
If someone has a workaround I like to know 🙂
Maybe i'm wrong, but i think you won't find any : https://applelife.ru/threads/wi-fi-bluetooth-airdrop-i-handoff-v-os-x-10-10.4244 3/page-3
Damit. My replacement attempt failed badly.
The last screw holding the BT Module is fixated with that much Loctite that my screwdriver (the expensive one...) simply destroyed the screw head. 😟
Any suggestions how to get the screw out?
Show us some hidef pictures.
I only have my iPhone here, so not that high res. After taking the picture, I tried bigger/smaller screwdrivers, hammering in a Torx screwdriver, etc. Nothing helped. It seems that I am left with cutting the screw into a slotted screw for removal.
Therefore, I probably will need some replacement screws. Anyone knows the part number (or even better, the exact screw size) for replacement?
Used a drill to remove the screw and found a replacement screw on an old hard drive.
Installed the new card and it works perfectly.
Yes, but did you succeed sending anything from/to iPhone ?
Can I update my macbook pro early 2011 to use bluetooth 4.0