Reinstating a missing Bluetooth device (Mac OS X)

For some reason, my Bluetooth device disappeared from my Macbook Pro. When I clicked on the Bluetooth status and/ or went to check via Systems Preference - Network, it said my Bluetooth device was not installed.

OS X Bluetooth missing

Which was strange because it was working fine just before I shutdown the Mac.

I searched the Apple Support forums. There were a few similar problems reported and most solutions required a reboot. Specifically, I did this and it worked:
Resetting your Mac's PRAM and NVRAM

Resetting PRAM and NVRAM

  1. Locate these keys: Command-Option-P-R keys. You’ll need to press them once you restart your Mac.
  2. Shut down the computer, and then turn it back on.
  3. Quickly press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys before the gray screen appears.
  4. Continue holding until you hear the startup sound for the second time.
  5. Then release the keys.

Source: docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=2238

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This entry was posted on 25 February, 2008 at 5:08 pm and is filed under Mac Stuff. Tagged: , , . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

2 Responses to “Reinstating a missing Bluetooth device (Mac OS X)”

  1. simonjgreen Says:
    12 June, 2008 at 3:16 pm

    Hi,

    I found this problem on my Mac Mini was down to overheating:
    http://bluhaloit.wordpress.com/2008/06/11/solve-intermittent-bluetooth-problems-on-the-mac-mini/

  2. Ryan Says:
    13 July, 2008 at 10:53 pm

    Hey,

    Thanks for the information. My bluetooth disappeared when I turned on my Powerbook this morning and this solved it. I had tried repairing my permissions before I tried this which didn’t help. So, not sure if repairing the permissions also had anything to do with the fix.

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