I am a total macbook nub. I just bought a 2013 MacBook Pro and took it home to find out it doesn't have bluetooth. Does anyone know if i can have it installed? Thanks in advance. 
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Can I have a Bluetooth module installed on a 2013 MacBook pro?
- Thread starter badwithbuttons
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I am pretty sure all MacBooks have had some form if Bluetooth for a lot longer than 2013. Have you checked in the system information under Bluetooth?
hey robotica thanks for the reply... Yeah, i have been through all the apple customer support as well and their senior advisor said that it must be a hardware problem. I am updated to catalina and all that. The guy at customer support said these A1502's had bluetooth as an option in late 2013 when this came out. I am disappointed here, i love using bluetooth for music and totally assumed this 2013 would have bluetooth. If it is an easy install, I will buy the part and try it myself. Unless you guys seriously advise against it. A shops gonna charge me at least $200 in labor. Any advice or experience here??
EDIT: I found this part on amazon. Does anyone have any experience installing these? Will the computer immediately recognize this as bluetooth hardware and therefore enable the function or will I have to do some extra steps after installing? Thanks!
EDIT: I found this part on amazon. Does anyone have any experience installing these? Will the computer immediately recognize this as bluetooth hardware and therefore enable the function or will I have to do some extra steps after installing? Thanks!
Odyson - Airport Wireless Card (WiFi + Bluetooth 4.0) Replacement for MacBook Pro 13" Retina A1502 (Late 2013, Mid 2014)
Odyson - Airport Wireless Card (WiFi + Bluetooth 4.0) Replacement for MacBook Pro 13" Retina A1502 (Late 2013, Mid 2014)
www.amazon.com
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I guess, as long as your machine is a late 2013 model, it should be fine. The early 2013 uses a different wireless board, apparently. About This Mac will report the model.
You can look over the replacement instructions first.
You can look over the replacement instructions first.
hmm... I think the customer "support" guy gave you the wrong idea about bluetooth.
Bluetooth is included. It's a second function of the same card that provides WiFi. There's no option that allows you to order a MacBook Pro without Bluetooth.
You simply have a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth card, with a failed Bluetooth section. It's certainly worth trying a replacement card for less than $20. The replacement job is not hard. Should take no more than 10 or 15 minutes. You do need the correct tools for that replacement. The link that MacCheetah3 posted above is a good one that shows you everything about the repair.
Bluetooth is included. It's a second function of the same card that provides WiFi. There's no option that allows you to order a MacBook Pro without Bluetooth.
You simply have a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth card, with a failed Bluetooth section. It's certainly worth trying a replacement card for less than $20. The replacement job is not hard. Should take no more than 10 or 15 minutes. You do need the correct tools for that replacement. The link that MacCheetah3 posted above is a good one that shows you everything about the repair.
maccheetah, i did not mention that i have the 13" ... do you think its the same method? i'll check this site out and see if theres a video for the exact job on the 13". so i have a wifi card with a failed bluetooth section? gotcha. so replacing it sounds like the way to go. i'll order the screw set and be good to go ya? do you think i'll have to deal with any software bs? thanks!
failed bluetooth section eh? no macbooks come without bluetooth?! these customer support people are ignorant af i talked to 3 different people and they all told me different stuff i'm pretty sure. Thanks. only $20 for a replacement card?! sweeeet
"What would I do?" I don't use eBay for anything, never have, not gonna start. I'm not interested in sorting out who has a good feedback, and don't want to "read between the lines" about the condition of something that I am looking to buy.
eBay always feels like buying something from a pawn shop, and all the bad connotations that are part of that. Do I sound like someone with an attitude about eBay? I have no experience, and have no interest in gaining any future knowledge about eBay.
That's just me.
I lied about using eBay. I do occasionally compare prices on eBay. In my recent experience as a part-time Mac repair guy, looking for 8 to 12 year old Mac parts -- good prices usually are for parts that are not in stock. My experience only, that tends to be eBay sellers.
(But, my own record continues: I have not ever purchased anything on eBay.)
If you find the right part for sale, and you like the price, buy it.
eBay always feels like buying something from a pawn shop, and all the bad connotations that are part of that. Do I sound like someone with an attitude about eBay? I have no experience, and have no interest in gaining any future knowledge about eBay.
That's just me.
I lied about using eBay. I do occasionally compare prices on eBay. In my recent experience as a part-time Mac repair guy, looking for 8 to 12 year old Mac parts -- good prices usually are for parts that are not in stock. My experience only, that tends to be eBay sellers.
(But, my own record continues: I have not ever purchased anything on eBay.)
If you find the right part for sale, and you like the price, buy it.
I hear ya. Yeah it sounds like you've never bought anything off ebay and you never will. Tell me more about how you feel regarding eBay! sooooo. It's just a plug n play repair? Will I need to install some bluetooth software? I am so far behind on computer tech repair, and I have actually only owned a mac computer for 12 hours. Grew up on windows. I love the thing except that I cant stream my music out to my stereo bluetooth style. Whack! Should I just install the card and hope it starts working or is there more to it after?
Here are the 13-inch instructions.
MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2013 AirPort Board Replacement
Use this guide to replace the AirPort card.
www.ifixit.com
Yes, plug and play. The software is included with macOS.
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Thank you good sir.Here are the 13-inch instructions.
MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2013 AirPort Board Replacement
Use this guide to replace the AirPort card.
Yes, plug and play. The software is included with macOS.
The wifi/BT card should be in the laptop with three wires connected to the top part of the card. If you see the three wires but no card then you can easily get a replacement card from eBay. I sourced a wifi/BT card for 2013-2015 MBP so that I could upgrade from the 802.11n card to an 802.11ac card. These cards are plug and play and work as I now have 802.11ac on my Early 2013 MBP 15-inch.
It was a very easy upgrade
It was a very easy upgrade
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