MAC Mini initial setup does not work using combined Bluetooth keyboard and track pad.

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MAC Mini initial setup does not work using combined Bluetooth keyboard and track pad.

Initial setup does not work using combined Bluetooth keyboard and track pad.

Follow published instructions to setup your MAC Mini M4 over bluetooth, i.e. the treble tap of the power button. On entering the Bluetooth pairing code nothing happens, you're just left hanging on the same screen indefinitely with zero feedback as to what has or hasn't happened.

It took me quite a while to stumble across the below YouTube video providing a fix, which involves plugging in a usb mouse despite the fact the Bluetooth track pad has clearly already paired (the on screen pointer responds to it).

https://youtu.be/K6OOUYL_IoM?si=c3mdvKPuU0s0vGkE

It's clearly redundant requiring an additional pointer device to be attached, but even if that is the requirement, there is nothing in the setup process alerting the user to this.

I've posted this as much to help others as anything, but Apple, if you're listening, why is a second pointer device required, and why does setup fail silently without it?

Posted on Dec 3, 2025 10:11 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 3, 2025 10:49 AM in response to mac_no_work

Thank you for sharing your experience with the Community. 👍🏽

If you'd like to share your dissatisfaction with the process with Apple, you can do so here: Product Feedback - Apple

I will add this guidance from Apple: Set up your Mac mini - Apple Support

It includes this:

❝Connect accessories to your Mac

[...]

Connect a keyboard and mouse or trackpad to your Mac mini. At the beginning of setup, you can connect and pair a mouse or trackpad and keyboard with your Mac mini.

Depending on your accessory, you might be able to connect and pair it with your Mac mini with Bluetooth, or you can use a cable to physically connect the accessory to your Mac. Consult the documentation that came with your accessory to learn how to pair or connect it.

If you have additional questions about connecting a mouse, trackpad, or keyboard during setup, see the Apple Support article If your keyboard or mouse won’t connect during Mac setup.❞

The bottom line is: third-party and sometimes even Apple's own Bluetooth accessories may or may not pair with the Mac mini out of the box. The workaround for this, as any veteran Mac user can tell you, is to keep on hand an inexpensive USB keyboard and mouse set. There likely will be times when Bluetooth doesn't work as it should and having a $20 keyboard and mouse set tucked in a drawer can save hours of frustration if that happens.

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