How to Fix Bluetooth Preference Pane Not Available on Mac

Bluetooth is a standardized protocol for sending and receiving data via a 2.4GHz wireless link. In this guide, you will learn how to fix is issue “cannot open the Bluetooth preference pane because it is not available”. It is used for exchanging data between fixed and mobile devices over short distances using UHF radio waves in the industrial, scientific and medical radio bands. Please see How to fix Bluetooth not available on MacBook, and Best MacBook you can find in the year 2022.

You can use Bluetooth to connect certain devices to your device without a cord. After you pair a Bluetooth device for the first time, your devices can pair automatically. Kindly refer to this guide on how to remove a Bluetooth device and connect a new Bluetooth device to a MacBook.

Why deleting the Bluetooth .plist files is not sufficient to fix this issue?

When you are faced with this error, merely deleting the Bluetooth .plist files will not resolve this issue. This is because this solution is meant to fix the following problem “Bluetooth not available”. See this how-to article for more information on how to fix Bluetooth not available on MacBook.

A close-up of a computer screen showing Bluetooth settings with a toggle switch and the current date and time displayed.

Screenshot of the macOS System Preferences window showing an error message indicating that the Bluetooth preferences pane cannot be opened as it is unavailable, with options to connect a device.

Fix the issue “Cannot open Bluetooth Preference Pane”

You will have to reset the SMC for Notebook computers with a non-removable battery. You may shut down or leave your MacBook on. Both work despite the recommendation by Apple to have it shut down, regardless, just follow the steps below to reset the SMC.

Note: Resetting the SMC doesn’t affect the contents of NVRAM or PRAM

1: Shut down your Mac (optional).
2: On your built-in keyboard, press and hold all of the following key.See the image below for more information.
– Control on the left side of your keyboard
– Option (Alt) on the left side of your keyboard
– Shift on the right side of your keyboard.

3: Keep holding all four keys for 10 seconds.
4: Release all keys, then press the power button to turn on your Mac.

Instructions for shutting down a Mac and resetting it, featuring icons for power and keys to hold down. — Simultaneously press all these key together at once

As you can see below, after resetting the SMC and restarting our MacBook, and turning it back on, the Bluetooth option will be available and you will be able to switch the Bluetooth on again as shown below.

Screenshot of macOS System Preferences showing the Bluetooth settings with a toggle switch highlighted.

Now you can now search and connect new devices. See how to remove a Bluetooth device and connect a new Bluetooth device to a MacBook.

Bluetooth settings screen showing connected and available devices, including JBL LIVE650BTNC headphones and a TV, with a connect button highlighted.

For Mac devices with a battery that can be removed fix to the Bluetooth preference pane is not available

Kindly follow the steps discussed below. This applies to all MacBook Pro and MacBook models introduced in early 2009 or earlier etc.

Shut down your Mac.
Remove the battery. (If you need help removing it, contact an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider.)
Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.
Reinstall the battery.
Press the power button to turn on your Mac.

You may be interested in these: How to add a device to Windows. Also, see Unable to Turn Bluetooth On or Off on Mac.

I hope you found this blog post helpful. In this guide, you have learned how to fix “Cannot open the Bluetooth Preference Pane because it is not available on Mac”.

If you still cannot connect to a Bluetooth accessory to your iPhone or iPad after following the above steps, please visit this Apple support. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comment session.