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User profile for user: AppleQuerier
AppleQuerier Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Cannot rename Magic Trackpad 2 in Catalina when connected via USB

System Preferences>Trackpad>Set Up Bluetooth Trackpad>{right_click on device} should show 3 options: Disconnect, Rename or Remove. It didn't, no matter how many times I tried. Just the one option to Remove the device from the list of recognized devices.


Same results with System Preferences>Bluetooth>{right_click on device} = Only the option to Remove.


Eventually, I tried unplugging the Magic Trackpad 2 from the USB cable that is used to pair it.


Finally the missing Disconnect and Rename options magically appeared.


I don't see this subtle requirement to disconnect the cable (but not disconnect Bluetooth) documented anywhere else, so I hope this helps someone.


It's too bad Apple doesn't recognize a problem with this undocumented user interface requirement. To me, the user interface would be more "just works"-y if you could rename the device when you're connected. Like, no need whatsoever to explain why you can't do something until you do something else.

Posted on Jul 30, 2020 12:43 PM

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User profile for user: Barney-15E
Barney-15E
User level: Level 10
116,572 points

Posted on Jul 31, 2020 4:34 AM

I don't have one, but based on the info you posted, I imagine it is because it is not connected via Bluetooth when you have the cable attached. It is working through the USB, not Bluetooth. If there is no "Disconnect" option, then it is not connected through BT. You can only rename Bluetooth devices while they are connected via Bluetooth. I'm not sure that is documented anywhere, either, but then Apple doesn't document much at all. They have always expected you to just try stuff and see what happens.

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User profile for user: Barney-15E
Barney-15E
User level: Level 10
116,572 points

Jul 31, 2020 4:34 AM in response to AppleQuerier

I don't have one, but based on the info you posted, I imagine it is because it is not connected via Bluetooth when you have the cable attached. It is working through the USB, not Bluetooth. If there is no "Disconnect" option, then it is not connected through BT. You can only rename Bluetooth devices while they are connected via Bluetooth. I'm not sure that is documented anywhere, either, but then Apple doesn't document much at all. They have always expected you to just try stuff and see what happens.

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Cannot rename Magic Trackpad 2 in Catalina when connected via USB

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