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Mac mini 2018 Bluetooth issues?
- Thread starter jclardy
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I'm almost the same but I was going to get one to upgrade from my base model nTB 2016 MacBook Pro. really wanted to spec out a mini but after reading this thread I'm now looking at other options.
Oddly, in the last little while (several weeks at least) I haven't had any issues with mine for BT, and that's with the USB3 cable to the hub in my monitor plugged into the "outside" USB-A slot (and a USB-2.0 cable to the UPS on the "inner" slot). It's a pretty chunky Dell USB cable, if it's not shielded I can't imagine why else its so thick.
I ended up changing my mind and ordered one will give it ago if its more trouble then its worth I'll send it back.
I think so, I have the application and tried to follow the instructions to use it. When I option-click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar, it shows the MAC id of the BT Dongle (different from that of the native BT module). It can "see" my Bluetooth units in the menu, but I haven't been able to successfully connect/use anything, e.g. my Magic Keyboard or AirPods.
Today, I sadly saw the Bluetooth and the WiFi drop out issues on the base Mini on display at the 5th Avenue store. It was connected to the new Ultrafine 23” monitor.
As troubling, the 21.5” iMacs around the Mini also had no WiFi connection.
I so wanted a Mini, but these issues have pushed me away too.
As troubling, the 21.5” iMacs around the Mini also had no WiFi connection.
I so wanted a Mini, but these issues have pushed me away too.
I have read through this entire thread and I don't even own a 2018 Mac Mini.
I am considering one to replace my aging 2010 MacPro 5,1. Been reading the Mac Mini threads, mostly about eGPUs, and then saw this.
As a Mac Pro user, this BT issue sounds very familiar. We have similar issues with Mac Pros. It's tough to get a BT (or WiFi) signal through an aluminum box.
One of the culprits for us has been plugging in USB3 PCIe cards. USB3 frequency is the same as BT. They wreak havoc on the BT signal, especially if they are used in slots 2 or 3. Not so bad in slot 4.
So after reading through all this, I would not be surprised if the internal USB3 bus is doing the same thing in the new Mac Minis. This is of big concern and I can sense it from reading all your responses. I think I'll put on hold the idea of purchasing a new Mac Mini. I might have to sell my car and buy the new Mac Pro (not a fan of the iMac's screen)!
Note; Has anyone here tried using snap-on ferrite cores on their USB3 cables? They may limit the cable from becoming an USB3 antenna.
I am considering one to replace my aging 2010 MacPro 5,1. Been reading the Mac Mini threads, mostly about eGPUs, and then saw this.
As a Mac Pro user, this BT issue sounds very familiar. We have similar issues with Mac Pros. It's tough to get a BT (or WiFi) signal through an aluminum box.
One of the culprits for us has been plugging in USB3 PCIe cards. USB3 frequency is the same as BT. They wreak havoc on the BT signal, especially if they are used in slots 2 or 3. Not so bad in slot 4.
So after reading through all this, I would not be surprised if the internal USB3 bus is doing the same thing in the new Mac Minis. This is of big concern and I can sense it from reading all your responses. I think I'll put on hold the idea of purchasing a new Mac Mini. I might have to sell my car and buy the new Mac Pro (not a fan of the iMac's screen)!
Note; Has anyone here tried using snap-on ferrite cores on their USB3 cables? They may limit the cable from becoming an USB3 antenna.
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I had the same MacPro and i never had any BT issues. I didn't have a USB3 PCIe card though so i think you might be right. I only have problems with my MacMini when i plug in a USB3 hard drive. My AirPods would stay connected with the MacPro even when i go well outside the house. I can't get to the bedroom door without them disconnecting from the MacMini.
Also, there's a lot of people having problems with the Magic Trackpad 2. I couldn't see how this would be any worse than the Magic Mouse but it definitely is. I bought one 2 weeks ago and it disconnects at least 5 or 6 times a day. Also, i fully charged it before using it and i've already had to charge it again yesterday.
I've been using one for a few months. I charge it when the battery reaches 50%, which is about 6 days. It should last a lot longer than that if the battery is supposed to last 1-2 months (according to Apple).
Just to add my experience and help offset some of the (justifiable) doom and gloom.
I initially experienced a few WiFi issues out of the box on my Mini (purchased end of May 2019), along with a couple of T2 bridge crashes. I was ready to send it back at one point, but decided to evaluate it further before doing so. My Mini has been rock solid since and I have had no WiFi disconnects and my bluetooth seems to be working without issue as well (bluetooth mouse, speaker and Apple Watch unlock). I really like this Mini, seems to be a great performer, and I have decided not to return it.
I initially experienced a few WiFi issues out of the box on my Mini (purchased end of May 2019), along with a couple of T2 bridge crashes. I was ready to send it back at one point, but decided to evaluate it further before doing so. My Mini has been rock solid since and I have had no WiFi disconnects and my bluetooth seems to be working without issue as well (bluetooth mouse, speaker and Apple Watch unlock). I really like this Mini, seems to be a great performer, and I have decided not to return it.
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Yes had same experience here. The trackpad would often report very low or no battery when it never would have before. Wasn't sure if bad reading from MM or actual battery drain with limited testing I did at the time. Disconnects were happening with only monitor connected as well (usb-c video, usb2 rated data) no multiple USB connects like some report.
Nope. I moved the mini from the right side of the TV to the left. Then no more issues.
However the maid came last week and cleaned behind the TV console and now it’s worst than before. I’m currently traveling so I’ll check when I’m back home. Sometimes when I unplug for several days the devices it works again, magically.
However the maid came last week and cleaned behind the TV console and now it’s worst than before. I’m currently traveling so I’ll check when I’m back home. Sometimes when I unplug for several days the devices it works again, magically.
I just had bluetooth die on me twice now in 2 days now,
monitor plugged in using USB-C to DP, Headphones plugged into the headphone plug nothing else plugged in the mouse and keyboard just stopping doing things, the bluetooth icon next to the clock shows stuff is still connected I just keep moving my mouse around and it will all come good after 1-2 minuets.
monitor plugged in using USB-C to DP, Headphones plugged into the headphone plug nothing else plugged in the mouse and keyboard just stopping doing things, the bluetooth icon next to the clock shows stuff is still connected I just keep moving my mouse around and it will all come good after 1-2 minuets.
Can some summ up whats the best solution for connection loss on apple mouse & keyboard (because of using USB ports). External Bluetooth adapter should solve the connection problems?
Like this one:https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0096Y2HFW/ref=psdc_1626220031_t2_B01F75JR42
Thank you!
Like this one:https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0096Y2HFW/ref=psdc_1626220031_t2_B01F75JR42
Thank you!
This was driving me insane it was getting so bad my mouse would either connect and disconnect or lag like crazy. Switching the mouse on and off fixes it temporarily and is quicker than waiting for it to sort itself out but not a long term fix.
This got to a point where it was happening probably every 10 minutes.
I switched the Mac Mini to use the 5GHZ Wifi band and have had zero problems in about a week now.
This got to a point where it was happening probably every 10 minutes.
I switched the Mac Mini to use the 5GHZ Wifi band and have had zero problems in about a week now.
Let's ask it this way: is there anyone who doesn't have this issue?
I really don't know, but given the amount of posts maybe all the Mac Mini 2018 have this issue? If not, I will certainly need to replace my unit!
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Nope, not in my experience. I use only Ethernet and still have the Bluetooth issues. But above there is someone saying that switching the Mac Mini to use only 5 GHz band will help. May just be a coincidence.
I use Ethernet and WiFi (so unlock with watch works) and I no longer have issues once I made a dedicated 5Ghz wifi SSID my bluetooth issues went away knock on wood.
I found the Mac mini kept giving preference to 2.4Ghz once the mini went to sleep and waking up on WiFi networks that had the 5/2.4Ghz as one SSID.
Default set up i5/8gb ram - 6 months - only problem BT headphones from Sony fail to connect.
Trackpad/Keyboard/other make earphones/camera all No problem. The Sony earphones connect to both our phones and my MacPro.
Checked Sony website - no response to question - Apple have no answer as individual non connections could be anything - however gave me list of try this stuff - gave up and bought usb-c dongle for them.
Like many of you, I'm also having issues with mouse lag and I've tried everything to solve the issue using the internal MM2018 bluetooth... I've tried & moved several 3.0 & 2.0 hubs, moved external SSD enclosures, unplugged everything, you name it... So after reading this thread, it seems many of you have had much success with an external BT dongle so I purchased a IOGear GBU-521 4.0 BT dongle and a 6FT 3.0 Extension Cable. I ran Bluetooth Explorer, located the dongle and made it Active, then used the Terminal command sudo nvram bluetoothHostControllerSwitchBehavior=always, and rebooted.
My problem is, after the MM is booted up, it doesn't see the dongle... as if BT is Off but it isn't. Using a USB mouse, I have to locate the Mac's Bluetooth Prefs, remove both Magic Mouse 2 and Magic Keyboard, connect with them again and all goes well but it may take a couple times before I succeed.
Anyone have any ideas as to why I can't connect to the dongle, immediately after booting up?
I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks.
My problem is, after the MM is booted up, it doesn't see the dongle... as if BT is Off but it isn't. Using a USB mouse, I have to locate the Mac's Bluetooth Prefs, remove both Magic Mouse 2 and Magic Keyboard, connect with them again and all goes well but it may take a couple times before I succeed.
Anyone have any ideas as to why I can't connect to the dongle, immediately after booting up?
I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks.
Last time I used Bluetooth Explorer the notes said:
“Bluetooth Explorer states the selection you make only lasts until reboot.”