Connect accessories to your iMac
You can connect your iMac with other devices, like a keyboard, mouse, or trackpad; wearable devices like AirPods; and more. There are two ways to connect accessories—wirelessly, with Bluetooth®, or by connecting the accessory to one of the USB-C ports on your iMac with a cable.
If you have a Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, or Magic Trackpad, you can pair it to your iMac with a cable, then disconnect the cable and use it wirelessly with Bluetooth. See Connect a Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, or Magic Trackpad.
What type of accessory do you have?
Wireless accessory If you have a wireless accessory that uses Bluetooth to connect, you can pair it to your iMac. See Connect a Bluetooth accessory. | Wired accessory If you have an accessory that uses a cable, you need to connect it to one of the ports on your iMac. See Connect an accessory with a cable. |
Connect a Bluetooth accessory
The first time you use a Bluetooth accessory with your iMac, you must pair them.
If you want to connect a Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, or Magic Trackpad, see Connect a Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, or Magic Trackpad.
Step 1: Turn Bluetooth on. Click
Step 2: Pair a Bluetooth accessory. Check the documentation that came with your accessory to make sure it’s ready to pair—for example, you may need to flip a switch or press a button on the accessory to turn it on. Your iMac and the accessory must be near each other.
When your accessory is ready to pair, open System Settings on your Mac and click Bluetooth in the sidebar. Select the accessory in the Nearby Devices list, then click Connect.
Step 3: Connect a Bluetooth accessory. Your accessory automatically connects to your iMac after you’ve paired it. If an accessory doesn’t automatically connect, open System Settings and click Bluetooth. Make sure the accessory appears in the My Devices list. If it does appear, click it to connect. If it doesn’t appear, follow the steps to pair the accessory.
Tip: If you want to disconnect a Bluetooth accessory after it’s been connected, open System Settings on your Mac and click Bluetooth. In the My Devices list, move your pointer over the accessory, then click Disconnect when it appears. To forget a Bluetooth accessory so your iMac doesn’t automatically connect to it, click
Connect an accessory with a cable
Step 1: Check the documentation. Review the documentation that came with your accessory to make sure you understand how it works. For example, some accessories have an additional power source that also needs to be plugged in.
Step 2: Use the correct cables and adapters. Your accessory may come with its own cable. If it doesn’t, you need to obtain the correct cable—review the accessory documentation if you’re not sure which type of cable to use.
If the cable you have doesn’t have a connector that fits the Thunderbolt (USB-C) ports on your iMac, you need an adapter. For more information about adapters, what they look like, and what ports to use, see the Apple Support article Adapters for the Thunderbolt or USB-C port on your Mac.
Step 3: Attach the cable to your iMac. Connect the cable, using an adapter if required, to one of the Thunderbolt (USB-C) ports on your iMac. You may also need to connect the cable to a port on your accessory.
Depending on the capabilities of the accessory and the cable, you may also be able to charge the accessory or transfer data when they’re connected.
Tip: Some accessories need to be approved the first time they’re connected. See Use the ports on your Mac to learn more.
Connect a Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, or Magic Trackpad
If your iMac came with a Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, or Magic Trackpad, they are already paired with your Mac. If you purchased a Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, or Magic Trackpad separately or need to pair it again, connect the accessory to your iMac using the cable provided with the accessory. Slide the switch so that green is visible and your accessory pairs with your Mac.
For more information about these accessories, see Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad for iMac.
Want to learn more?
For more about Bluetooth, see Bluetooth settings.
To connect AirPods, see Pair AirPods with an Apple Device.
To learn more about connecting a Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, or Magic Keyboard, see the Apple Support article Set up your Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, or Magic Trackpad with your Mac.
If you see a note that USB devices are disabled, see the Apple Support article If you see USB Devices Disabled on your Mac.