Does MacBook Pro Have Bluetooth (How to Turn It On)

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MacBook Pros have Bluetooth, and it is one of the best features the computer offers. 

I’m Jon, a Macbook Pro power user, and owner of a 2019 model. I use Bluetooth with my Macbook Pro daily – with my mice, keyboard, Airpods, and Airplay. I put together this guide to show you how to turn it on and use it.

So, keep reading to learn all about Bluetooth with your MacBook Pro. 

Does My MacBook Pro Have Bluetooth?

Almost all MacBook Pro computers do come equipped with Bluetooth technology. If you happen to have a really old model, it might not. It is easy to check if your computer has Bluetooth built-in by following these steps:

1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
2. Click on System Preferences (System Settings on macOS Ventura and above).
3. Click on the Bluetooth Icon.

If your computer is an older model and does not have this symbol in System Preferences (System Settings on macOS Ventura and above), you might not have Bluetooth on your computer. 

Unless your MacBook Pro was manufactured before 2011, it will have Bluetooth capabilities. 

How to Turn Bluetooth On

To use Bluetooth with your MacBook Pro, you need to turn it on. Use the steps below to turn on Bluetooth and pair devices.

1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
2. Click on System Preferences (System Settings on macOS Ventura and above).
3. Click on the Bluetooth Icon, and you’ll see this window:
4. Make sure that Bluetooth is turned on here. If it is off, click on Turn Bluetooth On on the left side.

You can also turn on your Bluetooth from the top menu screen by clicking on the Bluetooth icon on the top of your screen and then clicking Turn Bluetooth On.

Check out this article by Andrew Gilmore if you want to fix macbook black screen.

How to Connect Your MacBook to Other Devices via Bluetooth

Now that you know how to turn on Bluetooth, the next step is connecting or pairing a Bluetooth device.

Follow the instructions below to connect all your Bluetooth devices.

1. Turn on the device you wish to connect via Bluetooth.
2. Make sure your MacBook Pro’s Bluetooth is turned on.
3. Press the discoverable button on your Bluetooth-enabled device (this varies from device to device)
4. Your MacBook should recognize the pairing request and open up the Bluetooth window.
5. Click the device you want to connect with from the list in your MacBook Pro’s window.
6. Your device is now connected to your MacBook Pro with Bluetooth.

If you have a mouse or keyboard that came with your MacBook Pro, these might automatically connect over Bluetooth, and you won’t have to go through the above steps to make the connection.

In fact, most Apple devices like Airpods, Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboards, etc., give the option to connect when the device is near your MacBook Pro. For example, if you open your Airpod’s case near your Mac, a small window will pop up asking you to connect. And after doing that if your AirPods won’t pair then you can follow these steps.

And if you have already connected a device, your MacBook will remember the device.

Check out this resource for other Bluetooth troubleshooting tips and advice if you have any Bluetooth issues.

Final Thoughts

Bluetooth is one of the most helpful features on your MacBook Pro, and to turn it on, just go to System Preference -> Bluetooth, then click “turn on.”

I use Bluetooth to play music with my AirPods, type with my wireless keyboard, and navigate with my wireless trackpad.

It is a straightforward technology, but if you have any issues, check out the troubleshooting tips in the paragraph above.

What do you usually use Bluetooth for? 

Jonathon is a mechanical engineer with over ten years of experience. He is an Apple fan who currently holds a Macbook Pro (512 GB, 16GB RAM), iPad Pro 12.9", iPhone 11 Pro Max, Apple Watch 3, and 4x Acer 23" monitors.