Query: Mac Mini (M2) - first boot and BT keyboard

[Bazza1]

I'm currently on a MB Air 2017, which I often use in clamshell, using a Logitech K380 BT keyboard, a wireless mouse and hardwired monitor. I am considering the purchase of the M2 Mini as a dedicated desktop (keeping the Air as my work travel device).
Insofar as I've only ever done an Apple first boot / setup on a laptop - so connectivity to the keyboard / trackpad not (supposed to be) an issue, here's my question -

During the first boot / setup, there will come a point where it will ask for input on the installation / connections. Does the OS recognize it hasn't got a hardwired keyboard / mouse attached and ask first if the user wants to connect to them - before it asks for other information?
Or does one need a hardwired keyboard to complete first boot, and only then can you choose to add the (3rd Party) BT keyboard?

I wouldn't want to get through a significant part of first boot only to find I'm stuck unable to complete it because it can't find a keyboard.

Thanks in advance.

 

[pws442]

I am placing faith in this YouTube clip: "Setup Mac Mini M1 for the First Time (Step by Step Full Setup)". It says to use HDMI to display, the supplied power cord; if you have Apple keyboard/mouse/trackpad, you are OK when they are turned on. This display shows something like what you have being connected to the USB ports.

Hope that helps. I have a M1 Mini, and initialized via USB-A to my non-Apple keyboard/mouse and Thunderbolt to my LG 5K monitor. I then switched to the BT Apple Keyboard/Mouse. I will get a M2 Pro Mini in a couple of weeks, and will use my extra Apple Keyboard/Trackpad, along with a HDMI display to start. Then will come Migration Assistant. The latter worked for my 2016 MBP to my M2 MBA.

Good luck! Please post back as to how everything went.

 

[Sonoran49]

I am placing faith in this YouTube clip: "Setup Mac Mini M1 for the First Time (Step by Step Full Setup)". It says to use HDMI to display, the supplied power cord; if you have Apple keyboard/mouse/trackpad, you are OK when they are turned on. This display shows something like what you have being connected to the USB ports.

Hope that helps. I have a M1 Mini, and initialized via USB-A to my non-Apple keyboard/mouse and Thunderbolt to my LG 5K monitor. I then switched to the BT Apple Keyboard/Mouse. I will get a M2 Pro Mini in a couple of weeks, and will use my extra Apple Keyboard/Trackpad, along with a HDMI display to start. Then will come Migration Assistant. The latter worked for my 2016 MBP to my M2 MBA.

Good luck! Please post back as to how everything went.

Pws442, I found the YT video you mentioned and it did show the setup using an Apple wireless keyboard and mouse.

 

[MacintoshDan]

Ive read set up requires an apple keyboard

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

The Logitech BT keyboard you have ... does it have any ability to connect via a USB cable, as well?

If so, connect it that way for "first boot".

Re:
"Ive read set up requires an apple keyboard"

I haven't used an Apple keyboard in many many years.
Setup works just fine with 3rd party (wired) keyboards.

 

[MajorFubar]

Very good question but because I gave up on all wireless keyboards, mice and trackpads over two years ago, I can't advise unfortunately. IMO nothing beats the reassurance of connecting human interface devices to a computer using cables. Along with the near-constant drop-off and reconnect of my devices that drove me insane, I can't tell you how much 'fun' I had trying to put my old iMac into recovery mode with Cmd R on its Apple BT keyboard, which the computer didn't pair with until had it had already booted MacOS (so, too late to go into recovery). Never again am I going through that farcical shenanigans.

 

[stlsports]

I'm currently on a MB Air 2017, which I often use in clamshell, using a Logitech K380 BT keyboard, a wireless mouse and hardwired monitor. I am considering the purchase of the M2 Mini as a dedicated desktop (keeping the Air as my work travel device).
Insofar as I've only ever done an Apple first boot / setup on a laptop - so connectivity to the keyboard / trackpad not (supposed to be) an issue, here's my question -

During the first boot / setup, there will come a point where it will ask for input on the installation / connections. Does the OS recognize it hasn't got a hardwired keyboard / mouse attached and ask first if the user wants to connect to them - before it asks for other information?
Or does one need a hardwired keyboard to complete first boot, and only then can you choose to add the (3rd Party) BT keyboard?

I wouldn't want to get through a significant part of first boot only to find I'm stuck unable to complete it because it can't find a keyboard.

Thanks in advance.

When I got my M1 mini, I had to dig up a hardwired usb keyboard/mouse. Pretty sure the M2 will be the same initially.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

With Apple wireless keyboards, you plug ‘em in to pair it so no worries. If you have a 3rd party Bluetooth keyboard, my guess is you’ll need a USB one to get to the point where you can pair the Bluetooth.

 

[adamcarvell]

I’m same question but I have both Apple wireless mouse and keyboard.

 

[Norco]

When I got my M1 mini, I had to dig up a hardwired usb keyboard/mouse. Pretty sure the M2 will be the same initially.

When I did a clean OS re-install last month, had the same situation. I use Logitech MX peripherals which don't have an option to hardwire to the computer. No clue why Logitech put in such a dumb limitation.

To answer OP: Once the computer initially boots up to perform OS setup, it will complain about missing keyboard/mouse.

 

[now i see it]

Bottom line:
First boot requires either an Apple wired or wireless keyboard and mouse OR a WIRED 3rd party keyboard and mouse

 

[gradi]

The M1 iMac comes with just a Bluetooth Magic keyboard and Magic mouse. I suppose when people first start them up it works.

 

[Mechanism]

I was able to connect and use a Logitech mouse and keyboard, via BT, during initial setup yesterday

 

[pws442]

Pws442, I found the YT video you mentioned and it did show the setup using an Apple wireless keyboard and mouse.

As I said: if you have Apple BT stuff, just turn them on; else USB. The video shows both methods.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

If you have the Apple keyboard & mouse, no worries. Worst case you’ll have to plug them into the computer during setup. The video indicates that they might pair wirelessly too, which is fine - as long as they’re not already paired to a different device, like mine was (the old Mini). So I plugged my keyboard into the new mini, that paired it up, and good to go now.

 

[Bazza1]

Hmm. Sounds like 'Results may vary' above. So, very Apple.

Might not risk it and just pick up a wired keyboard (and maybe mouse) from Value Village for a couple of bucks, get thru boot and then connect up the BT.

Tedious.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[Beyo]

I'm currently on a MB Air 2017, which I often use in clamshell, using a Logitech K380 BT keyboard, a wireless mouse and hardwired monitor. I am considering the purchase of the M2 Mini as a dedicated desktop (keeping the Air as my work travel device).
Insofar as I've only ever done an Apple first boot / setup on a laptop - so connectivity to the keyboard / trackpad not (supposed to be) an issue, here's my question -

During the first boot / setup, there will come a point where it will ask for input on the installation / connections. Does the OS recognize it hasn't got a hardwired keyboard / mouse attached and ask first if the user wants to connect to them - before it asks for other information?
Or does one need a hardwired keyboard to complete first boot, and only then can you choose to add the (3rd Party) BT keyboard?

I wouldn't want to get through a significant part of first boot only to find I'm stuck unable to complete it because it can't find a keyboard.

Thanks in advance.

Don’t switch, you will be stuck as it cannot find the keyboard. I am surprised nobody even took legal action against Apple for this.