Bluetooth disabled after updating to OS X El Capitan 10.11.5

Since Bluetooth does not appear to be there even in Safe Mode, the problem must be in the OS.

The most obvious thing to try is to apply the Combo Update (again).

Download and run the 10.11.5 Combo Update: Download OS X El Capitan 10.11.5 Combo Update - Apple Support

ok Luis I will try that, and yes this will be the second time. I applied that update on the last update from 10.11.4 Incidentally my computer did the same thing after update, BT worked fine then went to sleep and was gone, 10.11.5 same thing works after update gone after sleep for a few hours. Thanks

So I applied the combo update and it was a bust. No changes what so ever. 😢

I had the same problem. I downloaded the Combo Update for OS X 10.11.5 (Download OS X El Capitan 10.11.5 Combo Update), installed this and the problem was gone. It takes as long as it took with the first update but it's worth it.

Tried to apply the combo update three times and it didn't fix the issue.

I initially applied the combo update. I don't trust the regular one. My blutooth was disabled on my 2013 MacPro. A PRAM reset resolved my disabled bluetooth afterwards.

oh my god! this is horrendous, but reassuring to find a thread up to date with others having the same issue. trying the Combo Update.... will let you know what occurs. gggrrrrrrr not impressed. Only had the mac about 2 months!

IT WORKED!!!!

I am on a mid 2012 macbook pro and same thing- I can see all files but no access in system info says no information- also i believe no airport- i have tried everything- I even wiped my whole system and started over- no luck- anyone have any ideas

I tried all the SMC reset and other crap and nothing worked, then I opened HD/Library/Preferences and tossed com.apple.Bluetooth.plist into the trash, turned off bluetooth, powered down and unplugged all USB devices. After power up, I checked, and sure enough the com.apple.Bluetooth.plist was recreated. I opened bluetooth and now my device was visible and paired successfully. ( My other laptop used to be visible as available to pair but now is not...hmm... wonder why...oh, well, that was not the device I wanted to pair with anyway...no matter, I guess but it makes you wonder...) But my bluetooth headphones now work so I guess mission accomplished. I suspect something is still messed up in the software. This should NOT have been necessary.

Can I add my name to the list of frustrated users suffering exactly the same problem. 27" imac, new in April this year - thought it would be my dream machine. I experienced the problem right from get go and fixed it using combinations of the 'delete plist' and 'reset SMC' solutions. Seems after this 10.11.5 upgrade Apple have blocked all the escape routes!! I too am using a cheap pc usb mouse I purchased as a safety net.

Come on Apple you have a problem here...

Alan Dunn

ardunn- You mentioned that you used a combination of the 'delete plist' and 'reset SMC' solutions, but din't mention whether you've tried the NVRAM reset which serves a completely different purpose than the SMC reset. If you haven't tried the NVRAM reset, then give it a try since several other users (including Muzzman1 above) have reported it resolved their use.

Thank You iCare - using NVRAM reset you outlined above has fixed the problem - at least for now!

So thank you, I am grateful for the help - but there must still be some underlying issues which Apple should address if many individuals are hitting the same problem. I will not be throwing away my 'standby' usb mouse just yet.

Alan Dunn

I agree, thank you iCare, resetting the NVRAM seems to have fixed my bluetooth speaker issue. I hope it's not a temporary fix but so far my specific issue has;t returned two days after the rest! Fingers crossed this was the fix!

I spoke to soon. My problem is BACK. It lasted about 2 days. Apple still has issues!!!! SO FRUSTRATED!