mac loyalist
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Q: apple keyboard suddenly fails to pair

Apple wireless keyboard after working flawlessly for several years suddenly fails to pair with MBP.  Changed batteries (weren't low).  Turned off, then turned on Bluetooth.  Removed keyboard from list of devices and tried repairing -- keyboard reappears on list of Bluetooth devices but pairing fails.

Apple keyboard

Posted on Mar 19, 2016 8:55 AM

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Q: apple keyboard suddenly fails to pair

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  • by Lexiepex,

    Lexiepex Lexiepex Mar 19, 2016 9:14 AM in response to mac loyalist
    Level 6 (10,536 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 19, 2016 9:14 AM in response to mac loyalist

    Are these rechargable batteries that you put in?

    Clean the battery pockets with compressed air or something like it.

    Try again with again new batteries, no rechargables, and remove from the list and re-pair.

  • by mac loyalist,

    mac loyalist mac loyalist Mar 19, 2016 6:47 PM in response to Lexiepex
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Mar 19, 2016 6:47 PM in response to Lexiepex

    They had been Apple rechargeable batteries recently fully re-charged - had been working for over a year.  I replaced them with brand new non-rechargeables - same problem.  Fails to pair after recognizing the keyboard in Bluetooth.

  • by mac loyalist,

    mac loyalist mac loyalist Mar 20, 2016 8:35 AM in response to mac loyalist
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Mar 20, 2016 8:35 AM in response to mac loyalist

    Update:  Tried pairing keyboard to another MBP in another room and it worked normally - paired without delay.  Apparent conflict at 2.4GHz in room where pairing failed since the addition of AT&T MicroCell 8 feet away from MBP to boost signal in Seaside, Oregon (area underserved by AT&T towers).  It will take some juggling of locations to restore pairing at desired location.  Batteries were not the issue.  Thanks to LexSchellings for trying to assist.

  • by Lexiepex,

    Lexiepex Lexiepex Mar 20, 2016 11:36 AM in response to mac loyalist
    Level 6 (10,536 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 20, 2016 11:36 AM in response to mac loyalist

    When you disconnect the 2.4GHz net in the room (or even in your Mac), can you pair normally?

  • by mac loyalist,

    mac loyalist mac loyalist Mar 20, 2016 8:13 PM in response to Lexiepex
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Mar 20, 2016 8:13 PM in response to Lexiepex

    Tried that next -- didn't solve the problem.  Tried moving the MBP to another floor remote from the site where the failure first was noticed.  Still didn't work. The trail has led to a failure of Bluetooth on the MBP -- 5 year old machine with other minor failures - like one of the USB ports going bad.  Due for retirement. 

  • by user.in.rwc,

    user.in.rwc user.in.rwc Jul 2, 2016 5:22 PM in response to mac loyalist
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Jul 2, 2016 5:22 PM in response to mac loyalist

    Had a similar problem with my bluetooth keyboard and my MacBook Pro. I had my iPad Air 2 next to my MacBook with the bluetooth on and not connected to any bluetooth peripherals. I turned off the bluetooth in my iPad and the keyboard paired immediately. Hope it helps anyone with similar issues.