Bluetooth headset troubleshooting

Over the years Apple has incorporated various ways to connect audio devices to the computer, starting with the standard headphone jacks and including support for USB and FireWire, as well as Bluetooth options for those who have a Bluetooth headset. In most instances, Bluetooth devices should be easily configurable, but there are times where you may run into trouble when connecting headsets and other audio devices via Bluetooth.

First be sure your Bluetooth device is paired properly:

1. Enable Bluetooth in the system preferences.
2. Start the Bluetooth setup assistant by clicking the " " sign at the bottom of the device list.
3. Turn on the headset and use the manufacturer's instructions to make it available (usually by pressing some reset or "connect" button).
4. Follow the onscreen instructions to pair the device with the computer.

If you are planning on using this device as the default, be sure to select it in the "Sound" system preferences. Keep in mind that certain applications will require you to specifically select the Bluetooth audio device instead of using it by default, so if an application does not recognize the device, try searching through the application's preferences for audio options.

People might experience various problems when using Bluetooth headsets:

1. Static heard through the device.
   If you hear buzzing and static in your Bluetooth headset, Apple suggests it may be from interference with other wireless devices in the vicinity. Since Bluetooth uses similar frequencies as other wireless devices (mice, phones, Wi-Fi connections, and other Bluetooth devices), you may hear communication from these other devices in the Bluetooth audio. Troubleshooting this will require you to methodically turn off each device to see if it's causing the interference.
   
2. Audio reverting to internal speakers, especially after system sleep.
   The system will always default to the internal audio system if it loses connection to the Bluetooth device. When the computer is put to sleep this can happen, and in addition, if the Bluetooth device goes into a power-saving mode, the system may also switch even when it is still on. When this happens you will need to re-select the Bluetooth device in the audio "output" section of the "Sound" system preferences. For convenience, you can enable the Bluetooth menu in the "Bluetooth" system preferences, and if you've made Bluetooth devices "Discoverable," you should be able to quickly select the device again if the connection is lost.
   
3. Apple Bluetooth mouse behaving erratically.
   If you are using an Apple Bluetooth wireless mouse and upon pairing a new Bluetooth headset the mouse behaves erratically, you will need to update the mouse's firmware. The firmware should be available in Software Update, but is also available for download here.
   
4. Mute and volume controls not functioning properly.
   Bluetooth audio does not interface with the system-wide volume settings, and as such may not respond to the volume and mute keys on the keyboard for audio from some applications. In this knowledgebase document, Apple suggests using the individual volume controls for applications (i.e. the volume slider in iTunes) to adjust sound volume when using Bluetooth headsets.
   

In addition to specific problems with Bluetooth devices, sometimes the whole Bluetooth system may become unavailable, resulting in the system preferences not opening and devices not working. This may be because of problems with the BSD subsystem, which can be reinstalled by following these instructions in OS 10.2 and 10.3. For versions 10.4 and higher, the BSD subsystem is automatically installed, and if a reinstallation of the latest combo system updater (10.4 PPC, 10.4 Intel, 10.5) does not work, then reinstalling the operating system using an Archive and Install method of installation (to preserve user data, applications, and settings) should get Bluetooth to run again.

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