Download and Install the Latest Apple Bluetooth Software Update - currently at version 1.5
This applies to Mac OS 10.5 and earlier:
Download and Install the Latest Apple Bluetooth Firmware Update - currently at version 1.2 NOTE: If you experience problems when attempting to install the firmware updater:
Navigate to /Users/YourUserName/Library/Preferences - trash the file named:
"com.apple.BluetoothFirmwareUpdater.plist"
Open your Utilities folder, launch and run the Firmware Updater again - it should install without incident.
If updater still fails, repair permissions on the startup drive using Disk Utility and try the updater again.
This applies to the original Acrylic plastic Apple BT keyboard: Apple Wireless Keyboard Users - Install Apple Wireless Keyboard Firmware update 1.1
The Apple Wireless Mouse Firmware Update is not needed, nor will it update non-Apple mice.
Note: Downloading the updates does NOT install them
You must launch the updater(s) from your "Utilities" folder to install.
Computer in Discoverable Mode - Reducing Available Bluetooth Bandwidth:
Un-check "Discoverable" in the Settings section of the Bluetooth System Preferences.
Device Not Designated a Favorite: Flag devices as Favorites to auto connect after cold boots, restarts or sleep.
Select device name in Devices section of Bluetooth System Preferences
Click the Add to Favorites button - a red, heart-shaped icon will appear in device's listing.
Bluetooth Network Port Config is active: Uncheck Bluetooth Port Configuration in Network System Pref.
Open Network System Preference - select Network Port Configurations from the Show drop-down menu.
Uncheck the Bluetooth check box - do this for the Location(s) you currently use.
Bluetooth Sharing is Enabled - Reducing Available Bluetooth Bandwidth:
Unless some form of Bluetooth sharing is currently being used, disable all instances.
Open Bluetooth System Preference and select the Sharing section.
In the first column, uncheck all of the ON check boxes
OS Update File Corruption: If You've Installed any of the Mac OS Updates via the Software Update Mechanism:
it's highly recommended that you download and install the corresponding Apple Combined (Combo) OS Update.
IMPORTANT: Switch Bluetooth and Airport OFF before installing OS updates - switch back ON after computer restarts.
The latest Combined OS updates can be found here: 10.4.11 for PPC Combo Update - 180.8MB 10.4.11 for Intel Combo Update - 321.5MB
Remove Potentially Corrupted Bluetooth Preference File if Bluetooth Useability Issues Persist:
Turn Bluetooth OFF - If BT will not turn off, restart computer and attempt to turn off again
If Bluetooth still will not turn off, proceed to the next line below:
Go to /Users/YourUserName/Library/Preferences - trash all files containing "bluetooth" in the file name
Go to /Library/Preferences - trash the file named: "com.apple.Bluetooth.plist"
Restart and turn Bluetooth ON, then re-pair all devices (if they have vanished) - re-check item 4.
Unexplained BT Issues: Erratic device behavior can often be resolved by simply removing the offending
device's pairing, and then pairing again - be sure to set mouse as a Favorite after pairing - see item 5.
Also see item 17 - Bluetooth Mouse Master Reset.
Erratic Bluetooth Performance / BT Devices Don't Stay Paired or Won't Reconnect After Sleep
The most deeply-rooted BT issues on the Mac are typically resolved by performing an SMC reset
Scroll to bottom of linked page for machine-specific instructions.
Mac OS Sleep: Mac OS X v10.4.2 and earlier and 10.4.6 - 10.4.8:
Power off non-Apple BT devices and wait for "Connect Lost" message before allowing computer to sleep.
Or, uncheck the "Allow BT devices to wake this computer" in the Settings section of the BT System Prefs.
Or, set computer sleep interval to a value greater than 15 minutes.
Or, set computer to Never Sleep in the Energy Saver System Preference - Display sleep is fine.
Processor Performance Setting: Optimum Bluetooth performance requires full processor speed.
PPC Macs: In the Options section of the Energy Saver System Pref, set Processor Performance to Highest.
Using USB to Bluetooth Adapters:
If using a USB to Bluetooth adapter (dongle), connect dongle directly to a USB port on host computer.
External USB hubs may introduce excessive latency - slowing BT peripheral response.
Apple Wireless Keyboard Users - This will prevent the erroneous "Connection Lost" messages.
Once all Bluetooth devices you are going to use have been paired, power down all devices.
Turn Keyboard on first, wait 10 seconds, then turn other devices on.
Most people leave their Bluetooth keyboards on 24/7, and this is fine.
Other Bluetooth devices may be switched off and on at will in this case.
If the keyboard is switched off for any reason, turn all BT devices off and power-up keyboard first.
Wireless Device Interference: Certain environmental factors can cause a reduction in 802.11 wireless,
and Bluetooth data transfer speeds. If a reduction in wireless network speed, or BT device lag is encountered:
Turn off wireless networking (AirPort) and Bluetooth at the host computer.
Next, power wireless networking on and verify connection, then power on Bluetooth. NOTE: 2.5Ghz cordless phone handsets WILL cause significant wireless network and BT throughput slowdows -
locate handsets, and their base stations, as far away from computer as possible and/or consider replacing phone(s)
Mousing Surface: Some mousing surfaces may cause a reduction in precision with optically tracked mice.
Cursor instability, wandering and unsolicited motion are common symptoms.
To test for an incompatible mousing surface, place mouse on a sheet of clean, white paper and test.
Non-glossy, evenly-colored surfaces provide the highest precision mousing surface.
Soiled Optical Sensor Window: A dirty optical sensor window can degrade cursor tracking accuracy.
Clean optical sensor window with a lightly water damped cotton-tipped applicator or soft cloth.
Bluetooth Mouse Master Reset: Master reset for RadTech mice logic boards:
Place power switch in the ON position.
Remove batteries for 30 seconds (leave power switch in ON position).
Reinstall batteries and test mouse.
External Devices: Disconnect any externally connected devices and retest for issue(s).
USB, FireWire, Wireless Networking, Modem, Displays and other BT connected devices, etc.
Mouse buttons send a double click when clicked only once:
Install the latest version of RadMouse - click here to download.