Bluetooth turning off when external hard drive is plugged in

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Level 1

12 points

Bluetooth turning off when external hard drive is plugged in

Can someone PLEASE help me with this!

I've had this issue for about 2 months now, never had it before on my 2013 model, and didn't have it on this 2017 model either at the start, but the past 2 months or so.. whenever I plug an external hard drive into either the iMac itself or via the Anker USB Hub... my bluetooth turns off, meaning my keyboard and mouse stops working, I literally can't do anything, I have to either wait ages for the bluetooth to come back on on it's own, or press the power button to restart the whole thing!!!

Why is this happening?

and why only when an external hard drive is plugged in?

i've used these drives for years, never ever any issues, yet since I bought this 2017 iMac i've had non stop issues, whether it's fonts not working, or thumbnails taking hours to loud, or transfer speeds taking way too long, and now this!!!

It's making me want to stop using Apple altogether, they seem to wait to bang out their new computers but the software etc is rubbish, High Sierra was a big mistake too.

I can't go back to Sierra as I had the font issue, even when I did a clean install, font issue was still there.

I upgraded and had the thumbnail/transfer speed problem, so downgraded back and dealt with the fonts,

then I was told an update came out which fixed the speeds, so upgraded again and everything was fine,

but now i'm getting this issue instead with the bluetooth turning off.

I can't win!

iMac, macOS Sierra (10.12.4), 2017, Retina 5K, 27", 3.4GHz, 8GB.

Posted on Jan 28, 2018 11:05 AM

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Answer 1

den.thed

Level 10

92,284 points

Jan 28, 2018 12:49 PM in response to UrbanKaos

That is starting to sound more like an incompatible login item.

Read over the Safe Mode article > Use safe mode to isolate issues with your Mac - Apple Support

and then follow the directions at > macOS Sierra: If you think you have incompatible login items

Another great way to see what login in items are installed and running is EtreCheck.

http://etrecheck.com/

EtreCheck will also tell you, when and what third party software was installed. Which could make it easier for you to sort out, which new App or Process is causing the problem.

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

92,284 points

Jan 28, 2018 12:23 PM in response to UrbanKaos

Your is not the first Mac model to have inadequate internal shielding between the USB and bluetooth/wi-fi card.

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Answer 3

UrbanKaos Author

Level 1

12 points

Jan 28, 2018 12:13 PM in response to den.thed

It's happening with 6 different external drives, 3 mains powered and 3 usb powered, tried the different ports on the iMac, even got a thunderbolt converter and used the thunderbolt port instead but still happens.

Also i've used this hard drives numerous times before, for a year on my 2013 model, and a few months on this 2017 iMac, no issues, it's just all of a sudden the past couple of months, and nothing has changed in regards of placement.

Used the Anker USB hub away from the iMac itself and it still happens, also one powered one sits far away from the iMac with a long cable and it still happens.

and the iMac is already connected with ethernet, the wifi isnt a problem, its the bluetooth turning off.

Apple support have said it might be something to do with log in items, i've just tried in safe mode and tried 5 of the drives and didn't get the issue happen, so I have to open another chat with them now.

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Answer 4

UrbanKaos Author

Level 1

12 points

Jan 28, 2018 12:25 PM in response to den.thed

How come its all of a sudden though? :-/ bit confusing as I never had the issue when I first got the iMac, and nothing has changed.... but it doesn't happen in safe mode so will see what they say and suggest next.

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Answer 5

den.thed

Level 10

92,284 points

Jan 28, 2018 12:13 PM in response to UrbanKaos

The interference from USB 3.0 external drives can reek havoc on both wi-fi and bluetooth signals.

For more on this effect, see the Google Search > USB 3.0 drive blocking wi-fi and bluetooth

1. Try moving your USB 3.0 drive(s) farther away from your Mac.

2. Try a different USB 3.0 cable to the drive. (a thicker one with better shielding)

3. Try using a USB 3.0 hub with a long shielded cable and plug your USB 3.0 drive(s) into it.

4. The ideal solution if possible, is to connect your iMac directly to your Router using an Ethernet cable.

FWIW I had the same problem with USB 3.0 drives. Moving the drives farther away from the Mac helped to some degree, but in the end the best solution for me was to run an ethernet cable under the house from my Router to my Office.

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Bluetooth turning off when external hard drive is plugged in

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