Bluetooth Not Available

Alright, so yesterday I noticed my Bluetooth symbol in the menu bar had a funny symbol on it. I clicked on it and it said "Bluetooth: Not Available". I bought the MacBook a little over a year ago, if that could mean anything. Anyways, what is wrong with my Bluetooth? What should I do? Thanks in advance.

I had the exact same thing happen to me yesterday. I simply rebooted the machine and everything is fine again!

Yep, rebooting the machine did the trick; in case anybody else runs into this problem.

Alright, this problem has returned. However, today I had to reboot 3 times before I got it working again. My MacBook is out of warranty.... I'm thinking about just using a USB Bluetooth Adaptor every time the internal one goes out. I have one laying around anyways. I'm planning on replacing my MacBook in the summer or so anyways.

anything that could be shoving interference the BTs way?

microwave, wifi, that sort of stuff?

major appliances plugged in by computer?

Nah, it used to work just fine, nothing has changed. And it does it at college to (in a classroom that's basically empty other than chairs and desks).

Something is likely interfering with the BT signal. What sticks is the source of the problem doesn't even have to be in the same room to cause trouble.

I'm not the only one with this problem. If you look at the Apple Support Forum:

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=5443059&tstart=0

I didn't see a solution in the thread. :/

Bluetooth Issue:

If your bluetooth service is suddenly not available on your Mac, here is a fix:


01. Click on “Finder” in bottom left of your screen in the Dock
02. Click on your “Home” icon on the left (picture of a house)
03. Double-click on the “Library” folder
04. Double-click on “Preferences” folder
05. Delete file named “com.apple.Bluetooth.plist” (also delete any other item with “com.apple.Bluetooth…”, if any)
06. Shutdown your computer
07. Unplug all USB and Firewire devices
08. Unplug power cord
09. Remove battery (if it’s a Macbook or Macbook Pro)
10. Wait 1-2 min
11. Hold down power button for 10 sec with the battery out (if it’s a Macbook or Macbook Pro)
12. Insert battery (if it’s a Macbook or Macbook Pro)
13. Startup again
14. It should work!

Try the easiest fix -
.

fix for "bluetooth not available" nice tip

Okay, this (below) worked like a charm (for now). If it's only temporary, I'll try to remember to check back in and say so.

frnndo said:

If your bluetooth service is suddenly not available on your Mac, here is a fix:


01. Click on “Finder” in bottom left of your screen in the Dock
02. Click on your “Home” icon on the left (picture of a house)
03. Double-click on the “Library” folder
04. Double-click on “Preferences” folder
05. Delete file named “com.apple.Bluetooth.plist” (also delete any other item with “com.apple.Bluetooth…”, if any)
06. Shutdown your computer
07. Unplug all USB and Firewire devices
08. Unplug power cord
09. Remove battery (if it’s a Macbook or Macbook Pro)
10. Wait 1-2 min
11. Hold down power button for 10 sec with the battery out (if it’s a Macbook or Macbook Pro)
12. Insert battery (if it’s a Macbook or Macbook Pro)
13. Startup again
14. It should work!

Click to expand...

remove com.apple.Bluetooth.plist

I just had the same problem on my iMac and the advice from frnndo fixed it (see quote). Many Thanks frnndo!

frnndo said:

If your bluetooth service is suddenly not available on your Mac, here is a fix:


01. Click on “Finder” in bottom left of your screen in the Dock
02. Click on your “Home” icon on the left (picture of a house)
03. Double-click on the “Library” folder
04. Double-click on “Preferences” folder
05. Delete file named “com.apple.Bluetooth.plist” (also delete any other item with “com.apple.Bluetooth…”, if any)
06. Shutdown your computer
07. Unplug all USB and Firewire devices
08. Unplug power cord
09. Remove battery (if it’s a Macbook or Macbook Pro)
10. Wait 1-2 min
11. Hold down power button for 10 sec with the battery out (if it’s a Macbook or Macbook Pro)
12. Insert battery (if it’s a Macbook or Macbook Pro)
13. Startup again
14. It should work!

Click to expand...

Worked for me!

I had the same problem and I used frnndo's advice and it now works again for me!! thanks frnndo!!

frnndo said:

If your bluetooth service is suddenly not available on your Mac, here is a fix:


01. Click on “Finder” in bottom left of your screen in the Dock
02. Click on your “Home” icon on the left (picture of a house)
03. Double-click on the “Library” folder
04. Double-click on “Preferences” folder
05. Delete file named “com.apple.Bluetooth.plist” (also delete any other item with “com.apple.Bluetooth…”, if any)
06. Shutdown your computer
07. Unplug all USB and Firewire devices
08. Unplug power cord
09. Remove battery (if it’s a Macbook or Macbook Pro)
10. Wait 1-2 min
11. Hold down power button for 10 sec with the battery out (if it’s a Macbook or Macbook Pro)
12. Insert battery (if it’s a Macbook or Macbook Pro)
13. Startup again
14. It should work!

Click to expand...