There are a lot of changes that have happened in MacOS bluetooth over the years. The way to connect to devices has changed as a result of that.
The current method of Pairing and Selecting a device works best for iPhone/iPad, but with other devices your mileage will vary.
Device does not show up in “Select Bluetooth Device”
There are two options.
On the device you are connecting to, exit the bluetooth settings and go back in. The device could/should show up in 15 seconds or so.
On the Mac exit the dialog box and go back in. If it still does not show up…
Does the Mac show up in the device bluetooth settings?
For some devices like the Meta Quest, some android tablets, this is the way to connect. In the bluetooth settings locate and pair with the Mac. The device will now show up in the “Select Bluetooth Device” dialog and you can select it.
I can connect to a device but the KeyPad window just keeps spinning
There are some devices that just done work. Please send me a note and I will see what I can do. Would you be willing to help me debug this?
Why does this happen?
Unfortunately all hardware is slightly different. There are versions of bluetooth, old bluetooth implementations, device specific features (like some TV’s only support a keyboard manufactured by their OEM).
This is a software implementation of hardware. Do let me know when you run into a device that does not work. My application does not “call home” so the only feedback I can depend on is somebody telling me by email tools@toolbunch.com.