2017 27" iMac 5k bluetooth issues

I am having identical issues with my imac 2017 5k as described above.

I called Apple Service and they attempted to help. Did SMC reset. Did NVRAM reset. Advised me to move to Mojave. Used debug BT options multiple times (reset, factory reset devices, etc). It all helps for short time and then I have to connect again wired. BT connection keeps on dropping. Strongly starting to suspect the HW.

HW test showed no issues though (pressing D during startup).

If someone has a SW / FW fix please let know.

Some details:

iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017)

OS: 10.14.2 (Mojave)

BT: Broadcom: FW v74 c4276 / chipset 20703A2

Paired devices: Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad, Magic Trackpad 2

iMac 27" iMac 5K mid - 2017 Bluetooth and USB Accessories Issues

Context:

I bought my iMac in October 2018 and for 2 weeks it worked just fine then I started having bluetooth issues where after the iMac goes to sleep, I cannot use my bluetooth devices (Apple wireless Trackpad and Keyboard) to wake up my device.

Problems:

1. I have to use usb cable to use it.
2. Then the bluetooth icon shows "Bluetooth Not Available"
3. Restarting the iMac helps for 1-2 hours until a long sleep.
4. "USB Accessories Disabled" started happening when I couldn't use my Blue Yeti USB microphone (which I was able to use 2-3 days prior)

Solutions I've Tried (All didn't work)

1. Got a replacement unit which arrived in November 2018
2. Turning on and off my wireless keyboard and trackpad
3. Resetting SMC
4. Resetting NVRAM
5. Reinstalling macOS Mojave
6. Resetting bluetooth module
7. Installing my computer and all applications from scratch (not from a backup)

Like, WTF Apple? What is going on with this iMac bluetooth issue? Your Support Specialists both in corporate and in-store don't have good answers.

I'm considering turning this one in for replacement also, but it makes no sense...

Hopefully Apple provides insurance for this either in recalling, accepting returns, or anything. Apple has wasted consumers precious time and they need to re-compensate for time lost in some way.

I have an iMac 21" (2017 version), which I bought November last year. I had no issues with bluetooth until the last two updates. I tried everything that everyone else has tried. Apple support stated that it could be poor usb 3 cables, so I disconnected these, still upon waking from sleep both the trackpad and keyboard would disconnect then reconnect and generally work fine for the rest of the day. As I have the newer keyboard and trackpad it is easy enough to plug these directly into the computer and they work fine (and stay fully charged) but that is really a work around.

I can see only two reasons for this ongoing bluetooth issue, one: it is a hardware issue, which is quite serious if it has affected so many people and two it is a software issue. So either way Apple need to take this more seriously and fix the problem.

I had the iMac perform a hardware test and it found no issues but really how good is that hardware test anyway?

Anyone testing the latest Mac OS beta? Any bluetooth issues?

I have the same problem. In fact, I started this reply using Mac keyboard and mouse when both disconnected and am now using a usb connected keyboard and mouse to finish!

I'd really like Apple tech support to publish a fix for this!!

So I’m having he same issues as all of you but also I find that it disconnects far more when you unplug any usb peripheral...I thought this was limited to my usb type c to hdmi connector but also happens with any full size usb hard drive. I haven’t set up any repair yet as was hoping for a software fix. Any advances in solving the problem would be great!

I am having the same problem as everyone else on an iMac (Retina 5K,27",2017) Bluetooth for the Magic Mouse and Keyboard are randomly dropping. I have to run Mobile Mouse Pro on my iPhone to get back in. Both Bluetooth devices are disconnected. I can click on connect and sometimes they will re-connect straight away and others it takes a while. Before I started using the mouse software on the iphone the only way to reconnect was to reboot. It does recover on its own sometimes without re-booting but timing varies a lot.

To Apple support, with this many people complaining (since Nov 19 last year) about exactly the same thing, you obviously have a bug, and its about time you responded and let us know that you at least recognize the fact, and that you are working on a fix !!!!!!

Hi!

I have the same problem you described. Any solution for that matter?

Lately Apple products are not showing the same quality of years ago, many with problems and Apple takes to long for to take responsibility on the subject because it means economic loss.

I bought my Imac 27 "in August 2017 and from then on I had to change the power supply and since 2 months ago my internal microphone picks up the audio very badly and now the bluetooth does not work anymore! I am very unsatisfied, never in my life I needed to buy extended warranty from a Desktop computer, because I always trusted the quality of the company, but now me, and I believe most of people here, have their doubts.

I expect a company solution for this problem as it appears to be serial defect of the AirPort / Bluetooth module

It seems that the problem is recurring.

In another post a guy changed the AirPort/Bluetooth module and even then it did not help. I hope it's a software problem. My internal mic is in trouble too and it does not seem to be hardware, I reinstalled OS X Mojave again and it did not work.

I can't do most of the fixes suggested because without a keyboard, i can't do any input. i can't even enter my password. so all i have is a wifi icon and a clock in the upper right corner and my avatar waiting for my password. i have a logitech mouse bluetoothed in so i can click on the screen, but i do not own a usb keyboard to enter my password and get to the system settings. do i have to go buy a usb keyboard in order to make my imac work with the apple bluetooth keyboard????

i have disconnected bluetooth on iphone, ipad, other keyboard, etc. but i have a smart house via wifi and some bt and i really can't disconnect everything just to hook up a d$%^& apple keyboard that should be plug and play.

2017 27" 5k iMac here. Same issue as everyone else. I have tried all the same fixes as everyone else. None of them work. I have to use a wired mouse to restart the entire system which is a major pain when you are in the middle of a project and not at a good place to do a reboot. Sometimes if I just wait 5 or 10 minutes bluetooth will reconnect my mouse and keyboard, but this is my work machine and time is money. Rebooting the computer is the only guaranteed way I've found to get bluetooth to come back. I used to love this computer and now that has turned into constant frustration as I have to deal with this problem and multiple reboots daily. For the love, please Apple look into this! All of these daily reboots are reminding me of the days when I was on Windows.

Unfortunately it seems that it is not worth buying Apple products anymore! Basic engineering problems and obsolete technology, because the competition is already ahead, the only thing that saves is the operating system, but I already considered the possibility of building a Hackintosh, which today seems to be an excellent alternative due to the poor manufacturing of apple computers.

I'm very frustrated with these bluetooth problem, not even reinstalling, deleting and rebooting, I have a solution! when you go a little deeper, not only does this problem occur, but others with other models of iMac and Macbook Pro, also.

Apple seems to became greedy and not care anymore about their customers! A shame!

iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017). Same bluetooth issues then all the others here.

Apple whats wrong with you?

We are busy and must be productive with your iMacs and have no time to have this problems............

Hello there!

Same probems here. Updated today to the latest OSX but problem remains. I have a Wacom tablet USB and sometimes it's not working shortly and then I have the BT problems.

So I think also problem has to do with USB somehow. Removed Wacom but problem remained.

Sometimes reconnect, wizard, BT not available, or I cannot log in. Strangely I can wake-up iMac always with keyboard so BT problems only starts after wake-up.

Any suggestions are welcome; support by Apple also.

I have this same exact problem on my $4,000. 2018 iMac 27.

I have purchase roughly $30,000. worth of apple products beginning in 1990. To have this happen is completely unacceptable. Try calling about this connection issue and you get a complete runaround. If apple would like to call me they can look up my phone number and do so. If not then it would confirm my suspicion that they dont care one bit.

Guys,

I have exactly the same problem you described above. Any news regarding the solution?