CraigT54
Level 1 (4 points)
Peripherals

Q: Lost Bluetooth mouse connection.  How can I use tab or something to switch to select Bluetooth?

I mistakenly shutdown my Bluetooth connection and can't get it re-established. I only have a Bluetooth mouse and am at a remote location so don't have option to plug in a wired one. I finally got to preferences and the Bluetooth section. It lists my Bluetooth devices and show them not connected - obviously. Near the top of this section is a box that says Turn on Bluetooth. I can't get there. I' ex tried tab and tab plus every other key but nothing moves to that box.  I can use the up and down keys to move between devices but can't get to the Bluetooth button. Question: is it possible to get Bluetooth turn on without a mouse?

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.8), Also using MacBook Air with 10.6.8

Posted on Jul 22, 2015 10:39 AM

Close
CraigT54

Q: Lost Bluetooth mouse connection.  How can I use tab or something to switch to select Bluetooth?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by rkaufmann87,

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Jul 22, 2015 11:44 AM in response to CraigT54
    Level 9 (58,956 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Jul 22, 2015 11:44 AM in response to CraigT54

    Troubleshooting wireless mouse and keyboard issues - Apple Support

  • by CraigT54,

    CraigT54 CraigT54 Jul 22, 2015 2:00 PM in response to rkaufmann87
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Peripherals
    Jul 22, 2015 2:00 PM in response to rkaufmann87

    RKaufman, this is very thorough link but misses my basic question. Keyboard working fine. Mouse will work fine IF I can turn Bluetooth on. The text doesn't tell how to select the Turn On Bluetooth button. It just says do it. I need help turning it on using only the working keyboard. Did I miss something?

  • by rkaufmann87,

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Jul 22, 2015 2:26 PM in response to CraigT54
    Level 9 (58,956 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Jul 22, 2015 2:26 PM in response to CraigT54

    There is no blue tooth "button", please describe what you referring to so I can attempt to help you.

  • by stumbleone,

    stumbleone stumbleone Jul 22, 2015 5:23 PM in response to CraigT54
    Level 2 (317 points)
    Jul 22, 2015 5:23 PM in response to CraigT54

    I found this sequence on another thread - you might give it a try.

     

    I turned off BT, went through these steps with a USB keyboard, and it indeed did turn BT back on!

     

    Good luck!

     

     

    1. Press ⌘ Space to activate Spotlight.
    2. Type "bluetooth", choose the 'Bluetooth File Exchange' application, and press Return.
    3. Bluetooth File Exchange will prompt to enable the bluetooth hardware, press Return.

  • by CraigT54,

    CraigT54 CraigT54 Jul 22, 2015 6:43 PM in response to rkaufmann87
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Peripherals
    Jul 22, 2015 6:43 PM in response to rkaufmann87

    IF I go to presences and in the search type "Bluetooth" it will take me to that section of preferences.  At the top of the box it reads Bluetooth.  There is a Bluetooth icon in the upper left corner.  There is a box labeled "On" and it is unchecked.  Then there is a box labeled "Discoverable" which is checked but grayes out.  Then it lists my devices...a Bluetooth Bose speaker and my Bluetooth mouse.  Both show unconnected.  If I can somehow check that "On" box it will enable Bluetooth.  That is my question...how can I check that box using only a keyboard.  I have a Full keyboard with all function keys and numeric keypad.

     

    i Liked the Stumbleone's suggestion of going trying to utilize the Bluetooth File Exchange but no such application appears in my spotlight list for that or any apps.

  • by stumbleone,Helpful

    stumbleone stumbleone Jul 22, 2015 7:20 PM in response to CraigT54
    Level 2 (317 points)
    Jul 22, 2015 7:20 PM in response to CraigT54

    Well, it was worth a try.

     

    When I type "bluetooth" into Spotlight this is the popup I get.  Then two "return's" turn BT back on.

     

    This is a 2013 iMac running 10.10.4.

     

    Afraid I'm out of ideas...

    Screen Shot 2015-07-22 at 9.15.42 PM.jpg

  • by CraigT54,

    CraigT54 CraigT54 Jul 22, 2015 7:25 PM in response to stumbleone
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Peripherals
    Jul 22, 2015 7:25 PM in response to stumbleone

    Thanks for the effort. No such listings in mine. Possibly you used that app in the past. Appreciate the thought.