Help troubleshooting interference issues on M2 Mini

[jmpage2]

I'm kind of out of ideas on this one so curious if anyone has any advice on how I can do a deeper dive on troubleshooting issues with my M2 Mini I've had for about a year.

The machine replaced an i7 iMac that had no WiFi or BT interference issues I can remember. I was able to use Apple Magic Trackpad and Apple wireless keyboard without issues and even use Universal Control between that computer and an M1 MacBook Pro I have.

With the new machine it's been nothing but problems. Frequent disconnects of Universal control where the cursor will drop back to the primary computer (the Mini) and won't "push" over to the other desktop for a period of up to a minute.

Even worse, and happening more frequently, the Mouse cursor will simply vanish. Pushing volume up/down on the wireless keyboard does nothing. Then after maybe 15-30 seconds the peripherals will be reconnected... mind you, no disconnect/reconnect is ever shown by the UI. It's like the BT radio simply stops talking to the peripherals.

Things I've tried:

Unplug power strips, power supplies, cables to other devices.
Power off any other device within a few feet of the Mini other than my Studio 27" display.
Moving the Mini to a different part of my desk (it's only about 18" away from the KB and Trackpad)
Replace the KB
Replace the Trackpad
Run a USB cable to the keyboard and/or trackpad plugged into the Mini
Completely wipe and reinstall the operating system and restore my applications and user account from a TM backup (an Apple specialist insisted this would solve the problem)

I'm out of ideas.

The machine is out of warranty (didn't buy Apple Care) and I don't know what it's going to take to fix it short of drop kicking it out of a window and replacing it with a different machine like a Studio.

Any input is welcome.

 

[Bigwaff]

Run a USB cable to the keyboard and/or trackpad plugged into the Mini

No problems with wired keyboard and/or mouse?

 

[jmpage2]

No problems with wired keyboard and/or mouse?

There are still problems.

Unless I misunderstand, even when the KB/mouse are cabled they are still utilizing BT to talk to the Mac.

 

[Bigwaff]

Unless I misunderstand, even when the KB/mouse are cabled they are still utilizing BT to talk to the Mac.

That maybe true but I'm asking whether the issue occurs with an actual wired keyboard and mouse. If it does, it's probably not the bluetooth signal.

 

[jmpage2]

That maybe true but I'm asking whether the issue occurs with an actual wired keyboard and mouse. If it does, it's probably not the bluetooth signal.

Ah, I understand now.

I don't know that I even have a wired kb/mouse to use but I guess I can see if I can find one to try.

Let's just say that the issue does not occur at all with hardwired peripherals. What would the next step be for a resolution? It would seem to indicate that there is either a defective BT radio in the Mac, something in the Mac needs to be reset (beyond a software reinstall which I've already done) or that there is an interference source causing problems that I have not been able to identify.

 

[Bigwaff]

Interference...you have nothing on top of or have the mini sitting on top of anything?

Have you tried changing which TB port the ASD display is connected to? Even better experiment.. do you have another display you can use instead of the ASD?

 

[jmpage2]

There's nothing on or under the Mini. I've also tried moving it around my desk a limited amount (within reach of cables) to see if location affects it (it doesn't).

I've also tried disconnecting various peripheral power supplies, moving cables from the neat cable organizer under the desk to throwing everything on the floor, etc.

I haven't tried ditching the Apple display because it seems like a real stretch that Apple's own display is interfering with the computer that they also build.

I like the idea of trying a traditional wired kb and mouse... so I guess I will try that and see what happens, assuming I can even dig up an ancient kb and mouse.

 

[Bigwaff]

I haven't tried ditching the Apple display because it seems like a real stretch that Apple's own display is interfering with the computer that they also build.

Ok then.....

 

[jmpage2]

Ok then.....

Yes, okay then.

If you can point me to a single documented and confirmed case where the Apple display caused these serious interference issues with Apple computers and peripherals than maybe you can convince me to rip the apple display off of the desk mount, go find another display, attach the mount to it and mount it on my desk.

Otherwise, I think I'll avoid doing that at this time.

 

[Bigwaff]

Otherwise, I think I'll avoid doing that at this time.

You could just move the mini to where another display is located (assuming you have one available).

 

[HiVolt]

There were BT issues since the beginning of Apple Silicon M1 macs. some have them, some don't. M2 hasnt been immune my friend had issues with his m2 macbook pro 13", it was logitech keyboard/mouse in bluetooth mode, not apple stuff.

he ended up having to use the logitech dongle while attached to a usb-c hub when he has it attached to a monitor.

 

[MacCheetah3]

USB 3 causing interference with bluetooth

I recently bought a USB 3 Areca 4 bay hard drive raid, to connect to my Mac Pro 4,1. To get the best performance I also bought a Caldigit USB 3 pci card. I installed the card and connected the raid unit. The setup works well and gets decent speed. HOWEVER, ever since then I've notice my Apple...

forums.macrumors.com

USB 3 and USB-C devices can cause problems with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, but there's a solution

USB 3 and USB-C devices are everywhere, and they offer a great speed boost for peripherals and storage devices. But there's a possible downside that not many people are aware of -- they can have an adverse effect on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections.

www.zdnet.com

Even Microsoft notes it:

• Make sure your Bluetooth device is in range. If your Bluetooth device is unresponsive or sluggish, check to make sure it’s not too close to any other USB device that’s plugged into a USB 3.0 port. Unshielded USB devices can sometimes interfere with Bluetooth connections.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

I'm kind of out of ideas on this one so curious if anyone has any advice on how I can do a deeper dive on troubleshooting issues with my M2 Mini I've had for about a year.

The machine replaced an i7 iMac that had no WiFi or BT interference issues I can remember. I was able to use Apple Magic Trackpad and Apple wireless keyboard without issues and even use Universal Control between that computer and an M1 MacBook Pro I have.

With the new machine it's been nothing but problems. Frequent disconnects of Universal control where the cursor will drop back to the primary computer (the Mini) and won't "push" over to the other desktop for a period of up to a minute.

Even worse, and happening more frequently, the Mouse cursor will simply vanish. Pushing volume up/down on the wireless keyboard does nothing. Then after maybe 15-30 seconds the peripherals will be reconnected... mind you, no disconnect/reconnect is ever shown by the UI. It's like the BT radio simply stops talking to the peripherals.

Things I've tried:

Unplug power strips, power supplies, cables to other devices.
Power off any other device within a few feet of the Mini other than my Studio 27" display.
Moving the Mini to a different part of my desk (it's only about 18" away from the KB and Trackpad)
Replace the KB
Replace the Trackpad
Run a USB cable to the keyboard and/or trackpad plugged into the Mini
Completely wipe and reinstall the operating system and restore my applications and user account from a TM backup (an Apple specialist insisted this would solve the problem)

I'm out of ideas.

The machine is out of warranty (didn't buy Apple Care) and I don't know what it's going to take to fix it short of drop kicking it out of a window and replacing it with a different machine like a Studio.

Any input is welcome.

Haul the Mini in to Apple and get them to check it out

 

[SRQrws]

Have you tried turning the Mini upside down? When I had one, it greatly improved WiFi speed and Bluetooth connectivity.

 

[iSuzan]

I have this problems when using Universal Control since one of the last Sonoma updates.

As soon as the second Mac is disconnected and Universal Control is not used everything is normal again.

It is annoying, because it worked perfectly before.

@jmpage2 you are using Sonoma?

 

[jmpage2]

I have this problems when using Universal Control since one of the last Sonoma updates.

As soon as the second Mac is disconnected and Universal Control is not used everything is normal again.

It is annoying, because it worked perfectly before.

@jmpage2 you are using Sonoma?

Yes, I'm using Sonoma, I was having some disconnection issues before but it has been particularly bad over the past 9-12 months.

I've considered that I might just completely disable universal control and use a separate kb/mouse for the Mini and the MacBook which is really obnoxious but if it improves things guess I might have to do it.

 

[jmpage2]

Have you tried turning the Mini upside down? When I had one, it greatly improved WiFi speed and Bluetooth connectivity.

I will try that, thanks.

 

[jmpage2]

Haul the Mini in to Apple and get them to check it out

It's out of warranty. I'd happily shell out the hundreds of dollars Apple would want to replace the motherboard on it if I KNEW it would fix the problem but I have a feeling Apple would just do it as a guess and I'd potentially be in the same situation.

 

[Fishrrman]

I didn't read all the replies.

OP wrote at one point:
"Unless I misunderstand, even when the KB/mouse are cabled they are still utilizing BT to talk to the Mac."

Then, try this.
1. Turn BT OFF.
2. NOW connect the keyboard and mouse via USB.
3. Does this change anything? The idea is to cut off BT completely.

I've posted many times to this forum:
BT is a weak-signal technology that can be problematical on the Mini and Studio, and it's "baked into the hardware design" and probably will never be "fixed" by Apple (how can you fix a hardware problem without changing the hardware?).

I'd be looking for non-Apple keyboard and mouse.

In the meantime, I'll offer this "solution" of sorts:
====================================
Fishrrman's "go your own way" bluetooth connectivity solution:

1. Get a 3rd party USB bt adapter that's compatible with the Mac OS:

Amazon.com: Usb Bluetooth Adapter Mac Compatible

Amazon.com: usb bluetooth adapter mac compatible

www.amazon.com

2. Get a USB3 extension cable, 3-6ft long:

Amazon.com: Usb Extension Cable 3ft

Amazon.com: usb extension cable 3ft

www.amazon.com

3. Put the adapter at the end of the extension cable and plug it into the Mac. Set it up and run that way.

 

[jmpage2]

I didn't read all the replies.

OP wrote at one point:
"Unless I misunderstand, even when the KB/mouse are cabled they are still utilizing BT to talk to the Mac."

Then, try this.
1. Turn BT OFF.
2. NOW connect the keyboard and mouse via USB.
3. Does this change anything? The idea is to cut off BT completely.

I've posted many times to this forum:
BT is a weak-signal technology that can be problematical on the Mini and Studio, and it's "baked into the hardware design" and probably will never be "fixed" by Apple (how can you fix a hardware problem without changing the hardware?).

I'd be looking for non-Apple keyboard and mouse.

In the meantime, I'll offer this "solution" of sorts:
====================================
Fishrrman's "go your own way" bluetooth connectivity solution:

1. Get a 3rd party USB bt adapter that's compatible with the Mac OS:

Amazon.com: Usb Bluetooth Adapter Mac Compatible

Amazon.com: usb bluetooth adapter mac compatible

www.amazon.com

2. Get a USB3 extension cable, 3-6ft long:

Amazon.com: Usb Extension Cable 3ft

Amazon.com: usb extension cable 3ft

www.amazon.com

3. Put the adapter at the end of the extension cable and plug it into the Mac. Set it up and run that way.

Small update.

Yesterday I dug an old wired USB optical mouse out of storage and forgot I had a pretty good Keychron K8 keyboard that I connected in USB wired mode to the Mini.

Connection to the Mini for both devices was wired USB with an Anker USB C adapter.

I still suffered some connectivity issues with Universal Control with the Mini and the MacBook Pro. Occasionally the mouse wouldn't move over to the MBP I'd have to wait a while for it to become available again. At one point after connectivity was re-established the mouse was incredibly laggy on the MBP, to the point it was almost unusable.

Additionally at one point I lost the mouse cursor completely. Something that has been happening for several months now. The KB was still working though (when this happens with the Apple KB/Trackpad the KB also stops responding).

The mouse cursor came back on its own after a period of about a minute.

To say these problems are frustrating is an understatement.

This morning I disconnected the wired set up and connected the Apple KB/trackpad again over BT and have been using them without ever touching the MBP and not Universal Control for a couple of hours and have not had any issues whatsoever.

So, at this point, it seems that my problems really might be software and related to Universal Control being a smoking pile of crap.

It's a shame, because when I was using it on an older MacOS version with an iMac and the MBP it was working perfectly. So well in fact I didn't even have to think about it ever.

A couple of other details that might help others.

I have an enterprise grade wireless mesh system. Both the MBP and the Mac Mini are connected at 5ghz on channel 100 to the same wireless AP.

I know for a fact that Apple is using a similar WiFi system to the one I have in multiple locations so I don't think the use of a mesh system is the problem.

There's a very slim possibility that the problem is related to a 3rd party endpoint security package on the MBP that I am forced to use by my employer (they own the MBP). Their software will re-enable the firewall on the MBP and even though Universal Control is exempted from the firewall policy it is not impossible that their security software is periodically interfering with the connection.

It seems that my best option now is probably to just have a separate input setup for each machine, clutter up my desk with multiple keyboards and trackpads and completely disable Universal Control.

Thanks to everyone for all the help and troubleshooting ideas.

 

[MacCheetah3]

To say these problems are frustrating is an understatement.

This morning I disconnected the wired set up and connected the Apple KB/trackpad again over BT and have been using them without ever touching the MBP and not Universal Control for a couple of hours and have not had any issues whatsoever.

So, at this point, it seems that my problems really might be software and related to Universal Control being a smoking pile of crap.

It's a shame, because when I was using it on an older MacOS version with an iMac and the MBP it was working perfectly. So well in fact I didn't even have to think about it ever.

Reading your troubleshooting steps, it did seem more and more likely a Universal Control software issue.

I haven’t had any notable (new) OS problems recently 🤞. And I’m also not one to claim the sky is falling any time I do have a problem, — which I realize you’re not saying. Nonetheless, it’s looking more and more...

macOS Sonoma 14.4: Reasons Not to Upgrade [Updated]

Update: Apple has released macOS 14.4.1, which fixes three bugs mentioned in this article. Click the link to learn what they are. Since Apple...

www.macrumors.com

macOS Sonoma 14.4 Bug 'Destroys Saved Versions in iCloud Drive'

Apple's latest macOS Sonoma 14.4 software update appears to be guilty of another bug, this time affecting saved versions in iCloud Drive. ...

www.macrumors.com

… Apple should — though very unlikely will — do another Snow Leopard-type release:

“We have delivered more than a thousand new features to OS X in just seven years and Snow Leopard lays the foundation for thousands more,” said Bertrand Serlet, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “In our continued effort to deliver the best user experience, we hit the pause button on new features to focus on perfecting the world’s most advanced operating system.”

A mentality shared by at least several members here.

Anyway… I’ll include what I was going to add as it might apply to:

It seems that my best option now is probably to just have a separate input setup for each machine, clutter up my desk with multiple keyboards and trackpads and completely disable Universal Control.

There's nothing on or under the Mini. I've also tried moving it around my desk a limited amount (within reach of cables) to see if location affects it (it doesn't).

Have you tried vertical?

Because it didn’t take much to have the Intel Mac mini (for me specifically the 2012) to sound like a mini leaf blower, I’ve been using one of these:

NewerTech NuStand Alloy: Desktop Stand for Apple... at MacSales.com

NUSTBLKMINI NewerTech NuStand Alloy: Desktop Stand for Apple Mac mini 2010 to Current models. Sturdy aluminum alloy base elegantly holds your Mac mini for convenient use. Non-skid rubber feet for stable operation.

eshop.macsales.com

Well, mine is one of the many knockoffs that come and go on Amazon. Obviously, you can simply set your mini on its side on the desk for testing purposes.

The orientation/stand is completely unnecessary for cooling an M-series Mac, however, it does look neat and allows easier access to the power button and ports.

 

[jmpage2]

@MacCheetah3 thanks for the recommendation. Due to the layout of my desk and monitor stands I am using, a vertical position for the Mini would not be practical unless I were to use some kind of under desk mount, which would introduce its own challenges.

 

[MacCheetah3]

Fair.

 

[Sciuriware]

I'm kind of out of ideas on this one so curious if anyone has any advice on how I can do a deeper dive on troubleshooting issues with my M2 Mini I've had for about a year.

The machine replaced an i7 iMac that had no WiFi or BT interference issues I can remember. I was able to use Apple Magic Trackpad and Apple wireless keyboard without issues and even use Universal Control between that computer and an M1 MacBook Pro I have.

With the new machine it's been nothing but problems. Frequent disconnects of Universal control where the cursor will drop back to the primary computer (the Mini) and won't "push" over to the other desktop for a period of up to a minute.

Even worse, and happening more frequently, the Mouse cursor will simply vanish. Pushing volume up/down on the wireless keyboard does nothing. Then after maybe 15-30 seconds the peripherals will be reconnected... mind you, no disconnect/reconnect is ever shown by the UI. It's like the BT radio simply stops talking to the peripherals.

Things I've tried:

Unplug power strips, power supplies, cables to other devices.
Power off any other device within a few feet of the Mini other than my Studio 27" display.
Moving the Mini to a different part of my desk (it's only about 18" away from the KB and Trackpad)
Replace the KB
Replace the Trackpad
Run a USB cable to the keyboard and/or trackpad plugged into the Mini
Completely wipe and reinstall the operating system and restore my applications and user account from a TM backup (an Apple specialist insisted this would solve the problem)

I'm out of ideas.

The machine is out of warranty (didn't buy Apple Care) and I don't know what it's going to take to fix it short of drop kicking it out of a window and replacing it with a different machine like a Studio.

Any input is welcome.

Maybe unrelated, but on my laptop, I have to use a wired mouse in our local gym,
because nowadays fitness equipment seems to abuse bluetooth for communications.
It might be that APPLE mice have got too sensitive, because the laptop 'sees' the wireless mouse
over 100 meters or in house over 14 meters vertical. No wonder ......
;JOOP!