Connecting a Bluetooth MIDI Device on macOS Using Audio MIDI Setup

macOS includes a built-in utility called Audio MIDI Setup that allows you to connect and manage MIDI devices, including Bluetooth MIDI controllers and adapters. This guide walks you through connecting a Bluetooth MIDI device to your Mac.

Requirements

Before you begin, make sure:

• You are running macOS 10.10 (Yosemite) or later
• Your Mac has Bluetooth enabled
• Your Bluetooth MIDI device is:
• • Powered on
  • In pairing / discoverable mode
• The device supports Bluetooth MIDI (BLE MIDI)

Step 1: Open Audio MIDI Setup

1. Open Finder
2. Go to Applications → Utilities
3. Launch Audio MIDI Setup

Alternatively, you can:

• Press Command (⌘) + Space
• Search for Audio MIDI Setup
• Press Enter

Step 2: Show the MIDI Studio Window

If you don’t see any MIDI devices:

1. In the menu bar, click Window
2. Select Show MIDI Studio

This will open the MIDI Studio window where all MIDI devices are displayed.

Step 3: Open the Bluetooth MIDI Configuration

1. In the MIDI Studio window, click the Bluetooth icon

(or from the menu bar: Window → Show Bluetooth Configuration)

A Bluetooth Configuration window will appear, showing nearby Bluetooth MIDI devices.

Step 4: Connect Your Bluetooth MIDI Device

1. Make sure your MIDI device is in pairing mode
2. Look for your device in the Devices list
3. Click Connect next to the device name

Once connected:

• The device will move to the Connected section
• It is now available to all MIDI-capable apps on your Mac

💡 macOS remembers Bluetooth MIDI devices, so future connections usually happen automatically when the device is powered on.

Step 5: Verify the Connection

To confirm the device is connected:

• In Audio MIDI Setup → MIDI Studio, your device should appear active
• Open a MIDI application (DAW, editor, or standalone app)
• Check the app’s MIDI input/output settings and select your Bluetooth device

In the Morningstar Editor, the device will now appear as a MIDI PORT connection. You will no longer see the device listed in the Bluetooth MIDI connection dialog, as it is already connected directly to your macOS.

Disconnecting a Bluetooth MIDI Device

To disconnect:

1. Open Audio MIDI Setup
2. Open Bluetooth Configuration
3. Click Disconnect next to the device

You can also simply power off the Bluetooth MIDI device.

Updated on: 16/01/2026