You want to connect a headphone to the MacBook and just when you need it, the Bluetooth refuses to turn on. If your MacBook’s Bluetooth is not turning on either, we will explain why along with some solutions. The reason behind this could be software glitches or even hardware issues. Now, on with the fixes.
Table of Contents
1. Can’t Find Bluetooth Icon
If you are unable to find an option to enable Bluetooth in the menu bar, here are two ways to turn on Bluetooth on MacBook. We will also explain how to add the Bluetooth icon to the menu bar so in the future, you can enable/disable it from any screen.
Enable Bluetooth From Control Center
Check if the Bluetooth icon is visible on the top-right corner of your screen.Â
If not, well, you need to look someplace else.Â
1. Simply click on the Control Center icon on the top right.
2. You will see the Bluetooth icon here.
3. Try turning it on and see if it works.
Enable Bluetooth From Settings
You can also add the Bluetooth icon to the menu bar from here.
Let’s look at how you can do this.
1. Go to the Apple menu on the top-left corner of the screen.
2. Now, open System Settings.
3. Click on the Bluetooth option on the left sidebar.
4. Switch on the Bluetooth on the right.
2. Restart Mac
Simply restart your Mac and see if it fixes Bluetooth not turning on issue. Mostly, if there are any errors or bugs, it gets flushed out once you restart or reboot your system.
Let’s check out the steps below. Make sure to save all your work before restarting.
1. Go to the Apple menu on the top-left corner of the screen.
2. Click on Restart.
Wait for the system to close all the apps and other background processes. Once it restarts, you can check if Bluetooth works as it should.
3. Reset Bluetooth Module
Another method you can try is simply resetting the Bluetooth Module. This will clear up minor glitches and help restore proper connectivity.
There are two ways to reset the Bluetooth Module and it will depend on your macOS version.
For Big Sur and Earlier
If you are using macOS Big Sur and an earlier version on your MacBook, try this simple method that will reset your Bluetooth settings.
1. Hold the Shift (Right) + Option (Right) on your keyboard.
2. Use your trackpad and click on the Bluetooth icon on the top-right of your menu bar.
3. Click on Debug and choose Remove all devices.
4. Now, again, click on Debug and select Reset the Bluetooth Module.
5. Restart your system, try turning on your Bluetooth, and connect your devices.
For Monterey and Ventura
If you have updated your macOS to Monterey or Ventura, you can try using Terminal to reset the Bluetooth module.
Follow the steps below.
1. Press Spacebar + Command on your keyboard to open Spotlight Search.
2. Now, type Terminal and open it.
3. Enter the following command below and press Return.
sudo pkill bluetoothd
4. Type your MacBook password and hit Return.
Now, wait for the system to reset your Bluetooth. This may disconnect you from any Bluetooth devices connected to your Mac.
4. Reset SMC
You can try resetting the SMC on your Mac It is a more advanced troubleshooting step and can help address various hardware-related issues.
For Apple Silicon
1. Go to the Apple menu on the top-left corner of your screen.
2. Click on Shut Down.
3. Now, keep the lid closed for 30 seconds.
4. Power on your Mac.
For T2 chip Mac
You can check whether your Mac has the T2 chip from this list.
1. Go to the Apple menu on the top and click on Shut Down.
2. Press Control (left) + Option (Right) + Shift (Right) on your keyboard.
3. Now, press the Power button as well.
4. Keep holding all the buttons for 7-10 seconds.
5. Release the button now.
Wait a few more seconds, then power on your Mac normally.
For non-T2 chip Mac
1. Go to the Apple menu on the top and click on Shut Down.
2. Press Control (left) + Option (left) + Shift (left) on your keyboard.
3. Now, press the Power button.
4. Keep pressing the four keys for 10 seconds.
5. Release them.
Press the power button now to start your Mac normally.
5. Reset NVRAM
Well, you can try resetting NVRAM on your MacBook, which can fix any hardware-related issues including Bluetooth which is not turning on on your Mac.
Also, you cannot reset NVRAM on an Apple silicon Mac since it is not required, as mentioned by Apple. You can give it a restart, and it will be enough.
Follow the steps below to reset NVRAM on Intel-based Macs.
1. Go to the Apple menu in the top-left corner and click on Shut Down.
2. Press the Power button to start your Mac.
3. Then, immediately press Option + Command+ P+ R on your keyboard.
4. Keep pressing them for 20 seconds and release them.
Your Mac will now restart after the NVRAM is reset. Try making the necessary settings as needed once the system starts, and check if Bluetooth is working normally.
6. Delete PLIST Files
PLIST files, or property lists, store configuration and preference settings for apps and other system services. These files sometimes become problematic, resulting in problems like the one you are facing where Bluetooth is not turning on.
1. Minimize all the apps on your screen.
2. Now, click on Go in the menu bar at the top.
3. Open Go to Folder.
4. Copy and paste the command below and hit Return.
~/Library/Preferences/
5. Look for PLIST files related to Bluetooth settings. The names might be like:
- com.apple.Bluetooth.plist
- com.apple.Bluetoothxxxx.plist
6. Drag these files to the Trash or make a two-finger tap and choose Move to Trash.
7. Empty the Trash.
The PLIST files are now deleted. Restart your Mac to allow your system to create new PLIST files with default settings.
7. Run First Aid
Running First Aid can effectively diagnose and potentially fix issues related to your Mac’s storage drive, which could indirectly affect system functionality like Bluetooth.
Check out the steps below. Make sure to save all your work before trying these steps.
1. Press Spacebar + Command to open Spotlight Search.
2. Enter Disk Utility and open it.
3. Select your system drive, such as Macintosh HD, from the left sidebar.
4. Select First Aid at the top menu bar on your screen.
5. Choose Run in the dialog box.
6. Click on Continue to start running First Aid.
This might take a few minutes or even a few hours. It will eventually check for any errors and repair them. To save the changes, you can restart your Mac.
8. Upgrade macOS
Upgrading your macOS to the latest version may also work. Apple often releases certain bug fixes that can eventually solve your Bluetooth issues.Â
1. Go to the Apple menu at the top-left of your screen.
2. Now, click on System Settings.
3. Scroll down and open General on the left sidebar.
4. On the right, open Software Update.
5. Wait for the system to check for any updates available.
6. Then, click on Update Now.
The whole process might take a few minutes, and your system will be updated. Now, after the system restarts, you can check your Bluetooth.
Bluetooth Is Now Ready to Connect
Bluetooth on MacBook is usually used for connecting peripherals. You don’t need Bluetooth to transfer files because that’s not how things work in the Apple ecosystem. Hopefully, Bluetooth is now working on your Mac.
