Ctrlk

Troubleshooting Guide

Hideez USB Bluetooth Dongle – macOS Troubleshooting

General Notes

When plugged into a USB port, the dongle may blink briefly. It may not blink again unless Bluetooth is actively in use.

Note: We do not guarantee successful setup or proper operation of the dongle on Hackintosh systems (non-Apple hardware running macOS).

If the devices still do not connect after following the instructions above, try the following:

Try the following steps:

  1. Unplug the dongle.

  2. Turn off Bluetooth on your Mac.

  3. Plug in the dongle.

  4. Wait 15 seconds.

  5. Turn Bluetooth back on.

  6. Attempt to connect your device.

If your Bluetooth device does not connect:

  • Ensure your macOS is up to date.

  • Try connecting a different Bluetooth device.

  • Test the dongle on another Mac or PC.

  • Be aware that a high number of nearby Wi-Fi networks may interfere with Bluetooth performance.

  • If using a USB hub, try connecting the dongle directly to a USB port on your Mac.

If your Mac only has USB-C ports, use a USB-A to USB-C adapter that supports Bluetooth functionality.

Additional Step

Open Terminal and enter the following command:

  • Press Enter.

  • Enter your Mac password.

  • Wait 5 seconds, then try to reconnect your Bluetooth device.

Still Not Working? Try the Following Solutions

1. Reset the Bluetooth Module

  1. Close all running applications.

  2. Hold Shift + Option, then click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar.

  3. Select Reset Bluetooth Module.

  4. Reboot your Mac.

  5. Reconnect your Bluetooth devices (note: all previous pairings will be removed).

2. Delete Bluetooth Settings Files

  1. Open Finder.

  2. Press Command + Shift + G.

  3. Navigate to: /Library/Preferences/

  4. Delete the following files if present:

  • com.apple.Bluetooth.plist

  • com.apple.Bluetooth.plist.lockfile

  1. Reboot your Mac and reconfigure your Bluetooth devices.

3. Resetting System Management Controller (SMC)

  1. Shut down your Mac.

  2. Hold Shift + Control + Option + Power for 10 seconds.

  3. Release all keys, then turn on your Mac.

  4. Check Bluetooth functionality again.

You can also refer to Apple’s support article for more details.

4. Wake up after sleeping mode

If you're having trouble reconnecting devices or waking your Mac using Bluetooth peripherals on Sonoma:

Run the following command in Terminal:

Note: If your AirPods are not in the case when the Mac wakes up, they may not connect automatically—you’ll need to manually select them from the Bluetooth device list.

5. Post-Reboot or Shutdown Reconnection Issues

To improve device reconnection after shutdown or reboot:

  1. Go to Apple menu → System Settings → Privacy & Security → FileVault.

  2. Click Turn Off FileVault → Turn Off Encryption.

Alternative method to disable FileVault via Terminal:

  1. Open Terminal and run the command:

  1. Follow the on-screen prompts to enter your administrator credentials and confirm the action.

Warning: Disabling FileVault may reduce your Mac’s security. Proceed only if necessary.

6. Devices do not work after restarting or shutting down the MacBook

  1. Open System Settings.

  2. Go to Privacy & Security > Accessories.

  3. Set the Dongle option to Always allow.

After this, the Dongle and connected devices will be automatically available right after macOS starts

7. If Music Playback or Input Devices Lag or Drop Connection

  1. Turn off Wi-Fi on your Mac. This will help identify whether interference is causing the issue.

  2. If Wi-Fi interference is confirmed:

    • Move the Mac away from the router.

    • Use a wired Ethernet connection if possible.

    • Switch your router to a 5 GHz frequency instead of 2.4 GHz.

8. More Bluetooth Troubleshooting Tips

  • Remove Old Bluetooth Connections: If the dongle was previously paired with another device, reset the connection and re-pair.

  • Restart Devices: A soft reset of your Mac or mobile device often resolves minor issues. You can also toggle airplane mode on and off.

  • Ensure Sufficient Battery Power: Low battery levels may disable Bluetooth to save energy.

  • Update Device Firmware: If you're unable to connect, check for firmware updates on your Bluetooth device to ensure compatibility.

Reverting to Internal Bluetooth Controller

If you wish to stop using the external dongle and revert to your Mac's internal Bluetooth module, run this command in Terminal:

Check if the Dongle is configured

  • Go to Apple Menu → About This Mac → System Report.

  • In the sidebar, select Bluetooth.

  • Verify the Manufacturer field. It should reflect Hideez or match the expected values shown in setup documentation or screenshots.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact our Customer Care team at [email protected]. We're always happy to help!

Last updated