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circatee

Contributor
Original poster
Nov 30, 2014
4,492
3,047
Georgia, USA
Evening all. I am on the verge of purchasing a Mac Mini. And, I know it does not come with a mouse and keyboard.
So, I am going to purchase a Logitech MX Keys Advanced Wireless keyboard; I already have an MX Master mouse.

The question is, once I power on the Mac Mini, will it allow me to connect the two items, via Bluetooth? I would hate to need to have wired items first, before then being able to connect via Bluetooth. Hence, my question.

Thanks in advance
 

D.T.

macrumors G4
Sep 15, 2011
11,050
12,467
Vilano Beach, FL
I believe the initial setup on a Mini includes a BT config prompt, if/when a USB KB isn't detected - and peripherals that use a USB dongle will work as well (as that's, as the computer sees it, just a USB device). I know my (BT) mouse worked on a brand new Mini on the first start. I think there might be some janky BT implementations on some peripherals that might be the cause of not being detected.

I just got back a repaired '15 MBP, and had an existing Magic KB/TP combo, that came right online with the machine during a fresh OS install / initial startup.
 
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circatee

Contributor
Original poster
Nov 30, 2014
4,492
3,047
Georgia, USA
Another idea I have, is this. I own an MacBook Air, 2015.

So, I could just get an adapter for an HDMI cable (connect to a Samsung monitor). Thus simply use the MBA with the new Logitech Keys keyboard and MX Master, connected to my monitor. My hesitation with that is, will the MBA display decently on the Samsung monitor (C49") and can I use the MBA with the lid shut, since it would be connected to a monitor...
 

njvm

macrumors regular
Jul 17, 2018
208
62
@D.T. is correct - if the Mini cannot find a keyboard and mouse a prompt comes up asking if you want to set-up BT devices.

Incidentally, I was never able to get the Keys keyboard or MX Master mouse to stay reliably connected to the Mini (Intel 2018) using either BT or the USB Dongle - in the end, I bought a wired daskeyboard and Magic Mouse and have not had any problems since!
 
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Beyo

macrumors member
May 29, 2017
97
49
Poznań
On first boot, you will need to connect the keyboard and mouse directly to the mini. Once the mini is set up, you should able to use wirelessly.
No you do not. I have now the same problem and cannot figure it out but I remember with my previous mini I was able to do with Logitech keyboard , I don’t remember how I did it maybe it require to go into recovery mode I am sure there was a keyboard symbol in the upper menu when you could configure it at first but on the M max’s it is not there I am seriously consider returning my fresh m2pro to the store and stick with iPad.with such amount I wont go to the store for 400zl Apple keyboard or some of wired crap keyboard just to set up a computer.
 
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MBAir2010

macrumors 604
May 30, 2018
6,975
6,354
there
in my experience with a macmini from 2012,
the newer OS would ask if there is a BT keyboard or mouse during the install process after the hello and before the language option, since Mojave I think. (I used a Satechi BT mouse and anker keyboard)

sadly the mini bricked this march so I cant test that today.
and I might replace that with a 2014 or a m2 2023 next month so I need to know as well.
 

MBAir2010

macrumors 604
May 30, 2018
6,975
6,354
there
SO
I just chatted with an  specialist online just now since i'm in the same predicament.
they confirmed that we can use a 3rd party BT keyboard to set up the macMini
I took screenshots if anyone is interested.

1696863995843.png


1696863921666.png
 
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tonmischa

macrumors regular
Apr 22, 2007
184
243
We once deployed a Mac to a home office worker. Due to a misunderstanding I had bluetooth turned off.
But the employee had only a BT non-Apple mouse.

Here is how to force a Mac with Bluetooth turned off to recognize a BT non-apple mouse:

NOTE: This only works for Apple Silicon.
 
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tacman7

macrumors member
Dec 16, 2022
36
5
I bought a BT keyboard with 3 connections so you could switch to a different computer.

I was going into Recovery mode and it would say no keyboard, I found that if I press on the keys while booting to recovery the keyboard shows up, doesn't work if it doesn't connect during bootup for me.
The midi doesn't work like all the info about MacOS, I have to hold power button for 22 seconds until I hear my interface click then I go into Recovery. Less time goes to regular boot up.
 

circatee

Contributor
Original poster
Nov 30, 2014
4,492
3,047
Georgia, USA
SO
I just chatted with an  specialist online just now since i'm in the same predicament.
they confirmed that we can use a 3rd party BT keyboard to set up the macMini
I took screenshots if anyone is interested.
Feel free to post the photos, it would benefit visitors...
 

Nychot

macrumors 6502a
Aug 15, 2011
790
71
Evening all. I am on the verge of purchasing a Mac Mini. And, I know it does not come with a mouse and keyboard.
So, I am going to purchase a Logitech MX Keys Advanced Wireless keyboard; I already have an MX Master mouse.

The question is, once I power on the Mac Mini, will it allow me to connect the two items, via Bluetooth? I would hate to need to have wired items first, before then being able to connect via Bluetooth. Hence, my question.

Thanks in advance
I just set up a brand new m1 new in box I bought on ebay. I also have an apple Bluetooth kb and trackpad. But I was required to have them wired from the USB on the mac mini to a charge strip.
 
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Bazza1

macrumors 6502a
May 16, 2017
751
581
Toronto, Canada
I did my first setup at the Apple Store I bought it at as no one there could definitively confirm that first boot could be done on a wireless keyboard / mouse, so I had them provide wired versions to get past that as part of my agreement to buy Mini. Upshot of that experience - I think MacOS needs wired input. But who knows - experience may vary?

I already had bluetooth keyboard and mouse waiting at home, from previous use with clamshelled Air.

I have since picked up a wired keyboard from Value Village should I ever need to do a full reinstall / first boot of the OS - just in case...
 

MBAir2010

macrumors 604
May 30, 2018
6,975
6,354
there
On Nov 1st 2023 I received a refurbished MacMini 2020 from OWC with Sonoma
I used a satechi™ bluetooth mouse and keyboard which detected both during installing of Monterey.
sadly, I had to reinstall Sonoma due to some snafu.

the point ion this post is to confirm one does not need a  BT keyboard or mouse.

hope this helped!
 
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