Mac Mini 2020 setup WITHOUT Apple mouse & keyboard

[circatee]

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

 

[Apple_Robert]

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.

 

[circatee]

Ugh, why Apple, why? Sorry, rhetorical, I get it. A shame really...

 

[D.T.]

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.

 

[circatee]

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]

@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!

 

[iPhil]

When I purchased the M1 mini base model. December 2020; I immediately was doing the initial setup process via BT keyboard and trackpad albeit Apple branded..

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.

 

[Beyo]

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.

 

[Beyo]

(Cannot delete post)

 

[MBAir2010]

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]

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.

 

[tonmischa]

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:

How to Pair a Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse in macOS Recovery

All modern Macs with Apple silicon feature a built-in recovery system called macOS Recovery that includes various utilities that can be accessed...

www.macrumors.com

NOTE: This only works for Apple Silicon.

 

[tacman7]

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]

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]

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.

 

[Bazza1]

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]

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!