Some macOS 12 Monterey users reporting missing Bluetooth PAN option

Some macOS Monterey users are now reporting yet another issue with the OS which is preventing them from connecting to a Bluetooth PAN network.

Bluetooth PAN (Personal Area Network) is used for seeking an internet connection on a Mac or MacBook using a Bluetooth-compatible device such as an iPhone or iPad.

However, some users are complaining that this functionality has gone missing ever since they upgraded to macOS Monterey.

As a result, those affected took to Reddit and the Apple forum to raise the complaints and here are some reports for reference:

I’m using a recently bought 2020 M1 MBA. I’ve been using Bluetooth PAN to share internet connection on previous devices (MBP 2017). But on this 2021 M1 MBA, that option is not visible in the Networks section of System Preferences. I choose + icon, it is missing in there as well. Has it been removed ? I recently updated to Monterey, not sure it was available on Big Sur either. (Source)

I have the exact same issue with my M1 pro MacBook, no bluetooth pan in network settings. iPhone won’t personal hotspot via bluetooth ‘MacBook Pro 2021 not supported’ Personal hotspot works fine via USB and WIFI, so a bluetooth issue with the new MacBooks. Was on the phone to apple support for a long time and was told that bluetooth tethering is not supported on Mac only windows?! (Source)

Users say that a PAN connection is not even an option on macOS Monterey. The feature was previously accessible through two different sources, a direct ‘Bluetooth PAN’ option in Network settings and a ‘+’ option.

But, users now say that Apple has removed this feature in the latest macOS version. However, it’s still unclear if this feature is been removed or it’s a bug in the software.

A workaround here is to either use a different source of the internet or connect the phone via USB. Although this will do the work, a wireless connection becomes more convenient.

Missing Bluetooth PAN on macOS Monterey is frustrating since users can’t use one simple feature after paying a lot of money. This function is easily available in any cheaper laptops without any issue.

Unfortunately, Apple has not yet acknowledged if this is a bug or its intended behavior. And whenever they do, we will let you know by updating the space down below with the latest information.

For what it’s worth, we have a dedicated macOS Monterey tracker which combines all the latest news and ongoing bugs issues related to Apple’s latest macOS.

Note: We have more such stories in our dedicated Apple section, so make sure to follow them as well.

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