Connect a Bluetooth Device

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You can make wireless connections to devices such as mice, keyboards, headsets, and cell phones by using the Bluetooth networking technology. Bluetooth works by creating a temporary wireless network between your Mac and the device. Networking requires special equipment, but with Bluetooth devices, the networking is built in, so no extra equipment is needed.

For Bluetooth connections to work, your Mac must support Bluetooth (all newer Macs do) and your device must be Bluetooth enabled. Also, your Mac and the Bluetooth device must remain within about 30 feet of each other.

Connect a Bluetooth Device

Connect a Bluetooth Device without a Passkey

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Click System Preferences () in the Dock.

Click Bluetooth.

The Bluetooth preferences appear.

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Click On ( changes to ).

Click Discoverable ( changes to ).

Click Set Up New Device.

The Bluetooth Setup Assistant appears.

Perform whatever steps are necessary to make your Bluetooth device discoverable.

Note: For example, if you are connecting a Bluetooth mouse, the device often has a separate switch or button that makes the mouse discoverable, so you need to turn on that switch or press that button.

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A A list of the available Bluetooth devices appears here.

Click the Bluetooth device you want to connect.

Click Continue.

Perform the steps required to pair your Mac and your device.

Your Mac connects with the device.

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Click Quit.

TIPS

What does it mean to make a device “discoverable”?

This means that you configure the device to broadcast its availability for a Bluetooth connection. This is important because you usually want to use a Bluetooth device such as a mouse or keyboard with a single computer. By controlling when the device is discoverable, you ensure that it works only with the computer you want it to.

What does “pairing” mean?

As a security precaution, many Bluetooth devices do not connect automatically to other devices. This makes sense because otherwise it means a stranger with a Bluetooth device could connect to your cell phone or even your Mac. To prevent this, most Bluetooth devices require you to enter a passcode before the connection is made. This is known as pairing the two devices.

A Bluetooth mouse and a Bluetooth headset do not require any extra pairing steps, although with a headset you must configure your Mac to use it for sound output. However, pairing devices such as a Bluetooth keyboard and a Bluetooth cell phone does require an extra step.

In most cases, pairing is accomplished by your Mac generating a 6- or 8-digit passkey that you must then type into the Bluetooth device (assuming that it has some kind of keypad). In other cases, the device comes with a default passkey that you must enter into your Mac to set up the pairing.

Connect a Bluetooth Device

Connect a Bluetooth Device with a Passkey

Turn the device on, if required.

Turn on the switch or press the button that makes the device discoverable, if required.

Follow steps 1 and 2 from earlier in this section and click Add ().