macOS · Devices
Check battery level and firmware for paired accessories
Clicking a paired Bluetooth accessory in Bluetooth settings, such as AirPods, a Magic Keyboard, or a Magic Mouse, shows detailed information including battery percentage, firmware version, and connection options specific to that device.
How to open Bluetooth Accessory Details
- Open System Settings → Bluetooth
- Click the info button next to a paired accessory
- Review battery level and firmware version shown
- Use Forget This Device here if you need to unpair and re-pair it
What you should know
- Battery percentage shown for supported accessories like AirPods and Magic peripherals
- Firmware version display for eligible devices
- Options to forget or rename the specific accessory
- Some accessories expose extra controls here, such as noise control settings for AirPods
Why it matters
Wireless accessories running low on battery can disconnect at inconvenient moments, and having per-device battery and firmware visibility directly in Bluetooth settings makes it easy to catch a low Magic Mouse or aging AirPods before they die mid-use. This level of detail also helps when troubleshooting a flaky accessory, since outdated firmware or a failing battery are both common, identifiable causes of unreliable Bluetooth connections.
Best practices
- Check accessory battery levels periodically rather than waiting for a low-battery notification
- Keep accessory firmware updated when prompted, since it can resolve connectivity bugs
- Rename accessories descriptively if you manage several similar devices, such as multiple Magic Keyboards
- Forget and re-pair an accessory here if it repeatedly disconnects, rather than only toggling Bluetooth off and on
Common problems and fixes
- Battery percentage is not shown for an accessory
- Not all Bluetooth accessories report battery level to macOS; this is limited mostly to Apple-made or MFi-certified devices.
- Firmware update option does not appear
- Ensure the accessory is charged and stays connected and nearby, since some firmware updates only install under those conditions.
- Accessory details show as disconnected despite being paired
- Toggle Bluetooth off and on, or forget and re-pair the device if it continues showing as disconnected.
Tips and tricks
- Add the Control Center Bluetooth module for a quick glance at connected accessory battery levels without opening System Settings.
- Check firmware version here before contacting support for a persistent accessory issue.
Frequently asked questions
Why can I see battery levels for AirPods but not for a third-party mouse?
Battery reporting depends on the accessory manufacturer implementing support for it; not all Bluetooth devices provide this data.
Does checking accessory details drain the battery faster?
No, viewing details simply reads status already reported by the accessory and does not affect its battery.
Can I update accessory firmware manually?
Firmware updates for most Apple accessories install automatically when conditions are met; there is typically no manual installer.
Related settings
- Bluetooth DevicesBluetooth settings let you pair and manage wireless accessories such as keyboards, trackpads, mice, headphones, and speakers with your Mac.
- MouseMouse settings control tracking speed, scrolling direction, and secondary-click behavior for any connected mouse, including Apple's Magic Mouse, which also supports its own set of swipe gestures.
- KeyboardKeyboard settings control key repeat speed, modifier key behavior, text input sources, and Dictation — plus Touch Bar customization on supported MacBook Pro models. It's also where you add languages and manage keyboard shortcuts across the system.
More Devices guides for macOS
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- Printers & ScannersPrinters & Scanners settings let you add, configure, and manage printers and scanners connected over USB, Wi-Fi, or a network, including setting a default printer and checking on active print jobs.
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