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Are you having bluetooth issues with your M1 mac?

  • Yes. With an Apple keyboard only.

  • Yes. With an Apple mouse or trackpad only.

  • Yes. With an Apple keyboard and an Apple mouse or trackpad.

  • Yes. With an Apple Airpods product only.

  • Yes. With an Apple Airpods product and an Apple keyboard and/or an Apple mouse or trackpad

  • Yes. With third party bluetooth devices.

  • Big Sur has messed up bluetooth on my Intel mac. This is a Big Sur issue. Not an M1 issue.

  • No. I have bluetooth devices connected to my M1 mac and I am having no issues.

  • I dont use any bluetooth devices with my M1 mac, but I want to be part of a poll.


Results are only viewable after voting.

brilliantthings

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Feb 13, 2011
876
410
There has been a lot of talk about bluetooth issues with M1 macs. I am interested to know what proportion of people are having these issues. Let’s do a poll.
 

turbineseaplane

macrumors P6
Mar 19, 2008
17,469
40,326
I'm a day into testing out an M1 MBA and 99% in total love with it...

But my Magic Trackpad is laggy and delayed over BT, no matter what I try...
...plug it in with a lightning cable and it's perfect...

Something is wrong with either the hardware for bluetooth or with Big Sur bluetooth software

Not. Good.

I wish I knew what to blame here (Big Sur or Apple Silicon Machine) as I need to figure that out before mid January when the return window comes up.

If it's software I may keep it and hope, but hardware bluetooth issue?
No way, no how. Should be a recall quite frankly if that were the issue.
 
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Quackers

macrumors 68000
Sep 18, 2013
1,938
708
Manchester, UK
The only BT device I have is the Apple Magic Mouse 2 and so far nothing wrong with that.
The main viewpoint seems to be that it's likely caused by interference, it seems. We wait for Apple unless we can stumble on a fix - like some have.
 

turbineseaplane

macrumors P6
Mar 19, 2008
17,469
40,326
The main viewpoint seems to be that it's likely caused by interference, it seems.


The Magic Trackpad I have:

1. Works perfectly when connected with a cable
2. Works poorly, in the exact same spot when on Bluetooth
3. When placed in the same exact spot as my Thinkpad BT mouse (which works perfectly), still works poorly as in #2

The issues I'm having are with the Apple Magic Trackpad on Bluetooth, only.

My Apple Magic keyboard, placed right next to the Thinkpad BT mouse and Magic Trackpad on the desk, works flawlessly.

This same Magic Trackpad has always worked perfectly with other Macs and even Windows in this exact same desk arrangement and location of computer hardware.

It feels like a Big Sur/software issue to me perhaps.
Very odd indeed
 
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segfault66

macrumors newbie
May 6, 2009
10
2
Recently my 2019 MBP 16" has become my desktop in clamshell mode. With my previous 2015 iMac 27", I had (left to right) a Magic Trackpad 2, Keychron K2 keyboard, and Magic Mouse 2, all connected via Bluetooth with no issues. With the MBP, the keyboard and mouse lag with the trackpad connected. WiFi is on 5GHz. I've tried turning WiFi off. I've tried with the external monitor off. I've tried deleting preferences in /Library/Preferences and ~/Library/Preferences, resetting the SMC, etc. I have simply given up on using the Magic Trackpad 2. I believe the Magic Trackpad 2 is causing interference with the keyboard and mouse.
 

Artiste212

macrumors regular
Aug 26, 2012
143
73
I was told by an Apple consultant that there is a problem with Bluetooth devices not being recognized after a shutdown or restart on M1 Macs that have FileVault activated (all of them?).

I also found that when my Bluetooth 4 speaker abruptly disconnects, for example if its battery dies, it messes up the bluetooth for my Magic Trackpad 2 and Magic Keyboard 2. The workaround was to move the speaker further away, and it also worked to plug UBS-Lightning cable into my trackpad - turn off bluetooth - then start it again.

For the startup issue, I need to plug in the trackpad. They said they're working on this.
 

loby

macrumors 68000
Jul 1, 2010
1,885
1,517
I was told by an Apple consultant that there is a problem with Bluetooth devices not being recognized after a shutdown or restart on M1 Macs that have FileVault activated (all of them?).

I also found that when my Bluetooth 4 speaker abruptly disconnects, for example if its battery dies, it messes up the bluetooth for my Magic Trackpad 2 and Magic Keyboard 2. The workaround was to move the speaker further away, and it also worked to plug UBS-Lightning cable into my trackpad - turn off bluetooth - then start it again.

For the startup issue, I need to plug in the trackpad. They said they're working on this.
Did the Tech say anything about a fix like "Apple is aware and is working on the issue...?"
 

VirginiaValley

macrumors newbie
Jan 16, 2021
1
0
The migration to MacBook Pro M1 has been painful. Cannot pair with any keyboard or mouse we have, Apple and non-Apple. Have turned off FileVault, followed all other suggestions found. Will have to call Apple again. They promised my old Apple Cinema display would work with M1, it is not compatible. Other annoying migration issues. Worst product roll out I have seen from Apple in my 30 years of loyalty.

PS: Just realized that I can pair to our Sony 65 inch tv in the room directly above me. Wonder if that is causing interference?
 
Last edited:

Fred Zed

macrumors 603
Aug 15, 2019
5,883
6,555
Upstate NY . Was FL.
Well I was going to say No to BT issues, but unsure if I truly have an issue or not however.
In summary using AirPods to listen to Apple Music via BT it gets disconnected when around 10' or so away from MBP after a few mins. Sitting next to MBP no issues.
Same AirPods connected to iPhone 12 PM never disconnect. On the face of it, it looks like the MBP has a weaker BT output connectivity ?

EDIT. When it does disconnect, it won't while playing a song, only occurs when pausing or forwarding a track via headphones.
 
Last edited:

RobM_

macrumors member
Mar 5, 2021
31
39
I’ve had intermittent problems with my Apple Keyboard disconnecting for a few moments for a while. But today, since installing the latest Big Sur beta, I didn’t have any… maybe coincidence but a promising sign.
 
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5425642

Cancelled
Jan 19, 2019
983
554
I was told by an Apple consultant that there is a problem with Bluetooth devices not being recognized after a shutdown or restart on M1 Macs that have FileVault activated (all of them?).

I also found that when my Bluetooth 4 speaker abruptly disconnects, for example if its battery dies, it messes up the bluetooth for my Magic Trackpad 2 and Magic Keyboard 2. The workaround was to move the speaker further away, and it also worked to plug UBS-Lightning cable into my trackpad - turn off bluetooth - then start it again.

For the startup issue, I need to plug in the trackpad. They said they're working on this.
Correct regarding filevault if you install logitech options they will give you a popup with tha info
 

loby

macrumors 68000
Jul 1, 2010
1,885
1,517
Install Logitech options did solve the issue for me
I did that, but it didn't resolve the issue. I put the blue tooth adapter into the USB slot and now it works. Direct blue tooth connection doesn't work yet on M1 Mac mini.
 

SamPotts

macrumors 6502
Sep 25, 2010
278
59
Sydney, Australia
I had no issues until 11.2.3 was installed. I realise it was just an update for WebKit but as a result, I often come back to a disconnected Apple keyboard or trackpad. I have to power cycle them for them to work. I also have sleep disabled so in theory, they shouldn't disconnect. Prior to 11.2.3, I had no issues at all.
 

ThunderRobot

macrumors regular
Aug 10, 2008
200
5
Glasgow, Scotland
I have an Apple keyboard, Magic Mouse 2 and Magic Trackpad 2 connected to an M1 MacBook Air.

Bluetooth can be perfect for hours - and then out of nowhere it will rapidly disconnect and reconnect the peripherals three or four times in a row over a few seconds. With the keyboard and trackpad, if they're connected via lightning, they're fine. That obviously isn't an option for Apple's mouse.

11.2 has made it a little better, but not fixed it. And whilst I can deal with the issue and generally stick to the trackpad, my partner only used a mouse and it's driving her mental.

Typically the Air is connected to a Belkin Thunderbolt Dock and display, however this issue happens regardless. I can be sitting on the sofa with the Air in my lap and I'll see the disconnect / reconnect dance happen.

It's incredibly frustrating and I'm hoping that 11.3 will bring some resolution.

I have an Intel iMac running Big Sur 11.2.2 with an Apple Magic Keyboard, Apple Magic Trackpad 2 and AirPods all over bluetooth with no issues. For me, that makes it an M1 issue, not a Big Sur issue (although I realise it's not as simple as that).
 

Psychbum

macrumors regular
Sep 18, 2012
222
50
AirPods are awful with this M1/Big Sur MBP, I just can't keep them connected! - constantly dropping out!

Apple, so far have shown they don't want to know. Its either an issue that's under reported, or a user specific apparently! ?
 

Psychbum

macrumors regular
Sep 18, 2012
222
50
My AirPods will connect to Mac but as soon as a notification hits up my iPhone, its drops out and connects to iPhone.

This is more than likely poor software management between the two devices as opposed to bluetooth being bad on the MacBook.
 

TrueBlou

macrumors 601
Sep 16, 2014
4,531
3,619
Scotland
I’ve had no issues with my M1 MBA Bluetooth since getting it in December. I’ve had the following connected:

  • AirPods
  • AirPods Pro
  • AirPods Max
  • Beats Studio 3
  • Sony MX 4’s
  • Bose QC 35
  • B&W PX 7
  • Magic Keyboard
  • Magic TrackPad 2
  • Apple Wireless Keyboard
  • Magic TrackPad 1
  • Magic Mouse
  • Wireless Mighty Mouse (remember those :D)
  • Satechi Bluetooth keyboard
  • Logitech MX Keys for Mac
  • Logitech MX Master 3 Mouse
  • Panasonic SC-PMX3
  • PlayStation DualShock 3 and 4
  • Xbox One Pad
  • Steelseries Nimbus
  • Various 8Bitdo game pads
  • Various Bluetooth speakers
  • El cheapo Bluetooth keyboard and mouse

And whatever else I can’t remember off the top of my head. All of which have worked without a hitch.
 

DonJimmy

macrumors newbie
Feb 18, 2021
21
4
Unfortunately this wasn't an option in the poll, but I have problems with all of my bluetooth devices on my M1 mac mini:

- Logitech Keyboard
- Logitech Mouse
- Apple Airpods max

I have almost constant problems, they happen regularly and often every day. I've been in contact with Apple regarding this and have sent them logs etc. but so far no solution.

- Mouse and keyboard not reacting anymore, just being frozen for a few seconds at a time
- When recording voice using the airpods it constantly cuts out, or sounds weird. It's 99% fine when listening to audio though.

It seems like the problems I see are all about using bluetooth to input data into the mac, and don't happen while transferring data out of the mac.

I've had these issues ever since I got the mac, and no update so far has managed to fix them.
 

AppleTO

macrumors 65816
Oct 31, 2018
1,112
3,063
Toronto, Canada
My issue is mainly with my Logitech mouse but isn’t even Bluetooth specific; it happens with the unifying receiver as well.

Essentially, there is more latency than there should be. The mouse ever so slightly lags behind where it should be and it’s just enough to be super annoying. So far I’ve only ever seen this happen on my M1 air. I’m really hoping a software or firmware update fixes this soon.
 

TrueBlou

macrumors 601
Sep 16, 2014
4,531
3,619
Scotland
Unfortunately this wasn't an option in the poll, but I have problems with all of my bluetooth devices on my M1 mac mini:

- Logitech Keyboard
- Logitech Mouse
- Apple Airpods max

I have almost constant problems, they happen regularly and often every day. I've been in contact with Apple regarding this and have sent them logs etc. but so far no solution.

- Mouse and keyboard not reacting anymore, just being frozen for a few seconds at a time
- When recording voice using the airpods it constantly cuts out, or sounds weird. It's 99% fine when listening to audio though.

It seems like the problems I see are all about using bluetooth to input data into the mac, and don't happen while transferring data out of the mac.

I've had these issues ever since I got the mac, and no update so far has managed to fix them.

It must be frustrating for Apple about as much as end users, I know firsthand the lengths they will go to to try and rectify problems. I’ve had an engineer at my house for several days in the past (for a different issue of course), so they really do care and do try.

The difficulty is (as always) in the variables. At a base level, for instance, we have the same hardware and the same software. On a virgin installation you would expect both systems to perform identically. If they aren’t, then it likely points to a hardware issue.

Once you start installing software, the variables vastly multiply, making the discovery of faults caused by software much more difficult.

I’ve used at least one of the products you have, the APM, without issues at all. And while the Logitech keyboard and mouse may/may not be different models, the Bluetooth hardware is most likely the same.

If it were me, I’d probably do a clean install and if the problem exists right from the get go, I’d be arguing that there’s the possibility of a hardware fault.

Simply because the problem doesn’t exist on other systems with the same configuration of hardware and software, where it should be performing identically (or damn near).

It would be lovely if every device that rolls off the production line was perfect. But that is, and always has been, impossible. There’s no 0% failure rate in manufacturing.

When you’re churning them out at the rate Apple does, let’s say 25 million Macs per year. Then let’s pluck another conservative 2% fault rate out of thin air, that’s half a million iffy Macs per year finding their way into customers hands. (Which is in part responsible for many of the complaints we often see on the forums, claiming mass devastation of the products - which it isn’t, it’s just typical and expected failures. Obviously not in every case, and I’m not aiming that part at you in any way, shape, or form).

All of which aimless waffling gets to this, there’s a decent chance of getting an iffy Mac. So, as I said, if I were in your position, and If it doesn’t perform as it should on a virgin installation, with no extra software installed at all, I’d be aiming for a replacement due to hardware failure.

Jeebus I waffle on something rotten when my morphine kicks in..... who can I annoy next :D
 
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