Question

Mac: Connect a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse

Answer 1

Pair a Bluetooth mouse or keyboard with the Mac
1st step:
2nd step:
3rd step:
4th step:
5th step:
6th step:
7th step:
8th step:

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Every Mac has a built-in Bluetooth module that can be used to wirelessly connect keyboards and mice to the computer..

If your neck hurts from working on the Macbook, it's time for an ergonomic external monitor. So that it can be used sensibly on the Macbook, an additional mouse and keyboard should not be missing, of course preferably without a cable. Since every Mac now has a Bluetooth module, you can easily pair Bluetooth keyboards and mice. It doesn't matter whether it's Apple accessories or third-party devices like Logitech.

Pair a Bluetooth mouse or keyboard with the Mac

1st step:

Turn on Bluetooth on the Mac by opening the system settings and selecting " Bluetooth ".

2nd step:

If it does not show “Bluetooth: On”, click “ Activate Bluetooth”. The use of Bluetooth affects the battery life of Macbooks. Make sure that the check mark " Show Bluetooth in the menu bar " is ticked: This way you can switch off Bluetooth quickly while on the move. More on this later in step 6.

3rd step:

Now switch on the Bluetooth device . Refer to the manual to find out how to get it into pairing mode . This is different for every device.

4th step:

The device now appears in the list of Bluetooth devices , in our case it is a Logitech keyboard that can be connected to several devices. Click on “ Connect ”.

5th step:

If necessary, macOS now requires that a security code be entered for keyboards . Otherwise, the “Connect” symbol disappears from the Bluetooth overview and instead “ Connected ” appears under the device . You can now use the keyboard or mouse. You don't have to constantly reconnect and disconnect the device: Since the Mac and keyboard / mouse are now paired, they automatically connect as soon as they are within range, i.e. at a distance of less than 10 meters.

6th step:

On the Macbook, however, you save electricity when the Bluetooth module is off: It is constantly looking for devices that are connected or can be connected, which is nibbling on the battery. You can now easily switch off Bluetooth while on the move via the menu bar with " Deactivate Bluetooth ". At home or in the office, where your workstation is with a monitor, external mouse and keyboard, you can switch it on again at the same point with " Activate Bluetooth ".

7th step:

Of course, you can also disconnect a connected device at any time: To do this, click on the menu line icon , select it and click on " Disconnect ". The next time you turn on the device or restart your Mac, it will be connected again.

8th step:

To permanently disconnect a device , for example because you want to use it on another computer, you can remove it from the Bluetooth system settings by clicking the X to the right of the mouse or keyboard . macOS asks again, then the device is disconnected.

By the way: Not only Bluetooth mice and keyboards can be connected to the Mac in this way. Bluetooth boxes, hands-free systems, headsets or stereo systems can easily be connected to the computer. However, other Bluetooth devices may require an additional driver, which you can obtain from the manufacturer if Mac support is provided.

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