Mac desktops forum: 27"iMac bluetooth devices won't connect

try deleting the BlueTooth preferences.

com.Apple.Bluetooth.plist

You will find it in users\yourusername\library\preferences

Drag it onto the desktop, close the windows and log out.
Log back in and try the pairing again


P

I had the exact same scenario, now fixed: 27" iMac (5 months old) with BT mouse, keyboard and touchpad.

First caps lock got funny, then the mouse wouldn't scroll (still moved and clicked) and the touchpad just wouldn't.

Rebooted. then the BT devices would not connect at all... well, they 'flicked' into connect for a few seconds, but remained unresponsive, then disconnected... then repeat.

All batteries changed, updates sought & installed, numerous reboots with devices off then on. No change so I hit Google, found this thread.

The Bluetooth prefs were not where mrmacfixit suggested: for me, in "users\yourusername\library\preferences" I found only Bluetooth prefs for audio and FileExchange.

I have 10.7.4 and the file com.Apple.Bluetooth.plist was actually in \Library\Preferences\ (aka Finder > Go > Computer > Mac HD > Library) you may need to 'show hidden files and folders first'.

I switched off BT, deleted the com.apple.Bluetooth.plist AND the com.apple.Bluetooth.plist.lockfile, restarted and everything was fixed.

Note: if you do not switch off Bluetooth before deleting/moving the prefs files, they will be replaced almost immediately and I wanted to reboot and be clean before getting new ones.

I am having the same problem with my iMac with quad core and 8 Gb RAM bought in early 2010. My bluetooth mouse and keyboard appear to want to connect because their green lights are flashing but the message on the screen keeps showing "trying to connect" and sometimes my computer says they are connected for a few seconds, but no tracking or response to typing. Sometimes it automatically starts trying to establish a bluetooth connection with my cell phone. Then at other times there is no problem...

I tried resetting preferences, restart etc but this intermittent problem does not seem to go away!!!!

Does anyone know what is going on and how to fix it?

Plus, my Mouse and Keyboard are battery eating monsters.

Thanks for the advice. Looks like there is no way to avoid taking the computer in.

The cat kept knocking my wireless mouse off my desk. It stopped connecting and I thought it was probably toast from the drops. Checked it against a wireless mouse & computer at school. No luck.
I took it into our local Apple store (darn (its in a big mall devoted to relieving people of their money (and tacky besides))) figuring the warranty would cover a new mouse. They pulled out a laptop and started messing. They got the mouse working, and reset to factory specs. Took it home and it instantly worked. Turns out they have diagnostic and repair apps not available to the general public. No new mouse for me. Darn again. (and no trouble since - that was the middle of November).
Intel iMac 27" OS 10.6