Keyboard and mouse do not work after initial startup

[HansBricks]

Hello,

I use a Mac Book Pro (running Mac OS Big Sur 11.1) for my desktop setup, which is connected to a Logitech MX Master 3 mouse, as well as a Logitech MX Keys keyboard ... I also use three external monitors - my Mac Book is in a stand and and turns on automatically as soon as I turn on the power plug (where all devices are plugged in) - so in principle there should be no need taking it out of it's stand....

Now to my problem: If I switch off the Mac Book (happens from time to time, for various reasons), and then switch it on again, then neither my mouse nor the keyboard works, before I initially logged in for the first time - this means taking the Mac Book out of the stand, making space on the desk, opening it, typing in the password (because the fingerprint is not taken initially) and only after a successful first login I can then use the external mouse and keyboard.

My question is: How can I set up Mac OS so that I can use my external devices, in my case mouse and keyboard, at the initial startup/login? I guess it has to work somehow, since Mac OS also runs on the Mac Pro and the iMac, which rely on external devices for input.

Best,

 

[BrianBaughn]

Which model MBP and how is the wireless USB dongle connected (exactly)?

 

[HansBricks]

Its a 2019th 16" MBP with 4k display a.s.o. The stuff is connected via bluetooth - no dongle needed (I thought).

 

[BrianBaughn]

Its a 2019th 16" MBP with 4k display a.s.o. The stuff is connected via bluetooth - no dongle needed (I thought).

Right. Is this a new issue…like since a software update?

 

[HansBricks]

I can't really say that, since all my stuff is new (including the Mac Book). ^^

But I am right, that this isn't quite normal?

 

[HansBricks]

I now tried to solve the Problem by contacting Apple Support ... they didn't know if this is normal (so I still don't know) - is anybody else facing this Problem??? They also tried a few things (resetting memory) nothing worked yet.

What I can say is, it might not be an hardware issue, since (if I start the MBP through dualboot) it works in Windows. ^^

 

[BrianBaughn]

Did Apple suggest resetting your Bluetooth module?

I don't know if these instructions are still valid for Big Sur.

How to Reset Your Mac's Bluetooth Module to Fix Connection Issues

Bluetooth is what your Mac uses to connect to wireless devices like keyboards, mice, trackpads, speakers, and other peripherals. Generally, it's...

www.macrumors.com

 

[HansBricks]

Thank you for helping - there is an option in Big Sur as well - I tried it out but it wasn't successful :/

 

[JCage]

I had this same problem as well, but with my 2020 imac and it sounds like it's a Big Sur issue. I had to keep connecting my apple keyboard in order to log in because the BT failed to recognize the mouse or the keyboard. I like the MX keys. Ended up returning them....for now.

 

[MacCheetah3]

I don’t see it mentioned here yet, but in a another thread I read recently with a similar situation — I can’t find it now, so, sorry to the person for lack of credit — someone asked if FileVault was enabled. Sure enough, that was the cause/problem.

 

[HansBricks]

Ah okay, thanks - in my case it is activated - I will try and report! : )

 

[HansBricks]

I don’t see it mentioned here yet, but in a another thread I read recently with a similar situation — I can’t find it now, so, sorry to the person for lack of credit — someone asked if FileVault was enabled. Sure enough, that was the cause/problem.

After deactivating FileVault everything worked again - btw. the update to Big Sur 11.2 did not solve the problem!
Thanks a lot for helping out! : )

 

[MacCheetah3]

Supposedly, it’s not a flaw. The consensus appears to be when FileVault is enabled, macOS doesn‘t connect any third-party BT devices until after logging in — something like a Safe boot.

If your Logitech devices can use the Unifying receiver, you can use that and re-enable FileVault as a workaround.

 

[HansBricks]

Thanks for answering - ye, maybe it makes sense in some way (I think they've not done it for fun ^^) - in my case that will lead to no hard drive encryption at all - which is the worst solution ... hopefully they'll add an option to make it possible using both FileVault and External BT Devices for login..

 

[circatee]

Same issue for me. So, like others have said, I have turned off the File Vault option. In a moment, I will restart the unit, and see what happens.

PS: A moment ago, I had a Support Chat with Apple, and they had NO IDEA what the issue was. And, they could not even point me to the right logs, to see why the unit restarted on it's own.

 

[circatee]

Update:
Well, just restarted, and Logitech Keys keyboard and Logitech MX Master mouse worked. I was able to log in. Brilliant. Let's see how this does over the coming days.

Thanks for the help/tips...

 

[JCage]

I use picked them up and have both devices connected thru the unifying receiver. No problems at all. Great keyboard and mouse combo.