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Bluetooth interference

While using my iMac I received a screen message that I lost mouse connectivity. First thing I thought of was the batteries but I had changed them the weekend before.


I cycled the mouse power and before I could test it I watched the arrow cursor move on its own up to the wireless networks icon at the top right of the screen, scroll down to my neighbors network and select it. A password box opened and asterisks started to appear as if a password was being entered. I immediately moved my mouse to hit cancel which closed the box. The arrow pointer then moved again on its own and repeated the same activity. I immediately canceled the password box and shut off wifi connectivity.


My neighbors house is at least 150' away but it is direct line of sight from this iMac. I can't see any other bluetooth devices other than the keyboard and mouse associated with this computer. I've reconfigured my wifi, shut down wireless, installed a hardwired keyboard and use Cat5 to connect to my router and until I can figure out what just happened a wired network it's the way it will stay. Haven't seem it happen since.


I'm a bit dumbfounded to understand what happened. Bluetooth anomaly? WiFi anomaly? Has anyone else experienced this? Suggestions?


thanks in advance...

iMac, iOS 9.1

Posted on Nov 8, 2015 6:05 AM

Reply
4 replies

Nov 8, 2015 7:03 AM in response to hcstrab

There are several possible causes for this behavior. Please take each of the following steps that you haven't already tried until it's resolved. Some may not apply in your case.

1. Follow the instructions in this support article, and also this one, if applicable. A damaged or defective AC adapter could be the cause, even if it's the right kind.

2. Press down all four corners of the trackpad at once and release. If there's any effect, it's likely to be temporary, and in that case the unit must be serviced or replaced.

3. Disconnect or power off each Bluetooth or USB pointing device, one at a time, testing as you go. You may be able to identify one that's malfunctioning. By a "pointing device," I mean a peripheral that moves the cursor, such as a trackpad, mouse, trackball, or graphics tablet. A plain keyboard is not a pointing device. If you have a desktop model without a built-in trackpad, at least one external pointing device must be active at all times.

4. If your model has an infrared receiver for use with an Apple Remote, disable it.

5. Start up in safe mode and test, preferably without launching any third-party applications. If you don't have the problem in safe mode, but it comes back when you restart as usual, stop here and post your results. Do the same if you can't start in safe mode. If there was no difference in safe mode, go on to the next step.

6. Reset the System Management Controller.

7. If you're using a Bluetooth trackpad or mouse, investigate potential sources of interference, including USB 3 devices.

8. A swollen battery in a portable computer can impinge on the trackpad from below and cause erratic behavior. If you have trouble clicking the trackpad, this is likely the reason. The battery must be replaced without delay.

9. A defective peripheral device or a damaged cable can cause the built-in trackpad of a MacBook to behave erratically. If you're using any wired peripherals, disconnect them one at a time and test.

10. There's also a report of erratic cursor movements caused by an external display that was connected but not turned on.

11. If you use Handoff, disable it in the General pane of System Preferences.

12. If AirPlay mirroring to a TV is on, turn it off.

13. If none of the above applies, or if you have another reason to think that your computer is being remotely controlled, remove it from the network by turning off Wi-Fi (or your Wi-Fi access point), disconnecting from a Bluetooth network link, and unplugging the Ethernet cable or USB modem, whichever is applicable. If the cursor movements stop at once, you should suspect an intrusion.

14. Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store to have the machine and/or external trackpad tested.

Nov 9, 2015 6:16 PM in response to Duane

Thanks for the response.. I agree that it doesn't seem to be a blue tooth issue. As I mentioned, I've hard wired my iMacs, printers, etc and turned off WiFi. Sharing wasn't on and I made sure there are no bogus Users or Groups. Also set power option to turn off machines at a specific time in case we forget.


I wish there was an app that could track and log system activity so I could see if someone is doing something without my knowing. Are macs susceptible to root kits?


A friend recommended I re-image the iMacs. A bit drastic but may be necessary as a last resort.

Bluetooth interference

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