For most HK-808 adapters with Broadcom BCM20702 chips, macOS Big Sur and later removed native support. The solution is BrcmPatchRAM – a set of kernel extensions that upload firmware to the dongle at boot.
How to install (requires some technical skill):
Alternatively, for non-technical users, using OpenCore Legacy Patcher (commonly used to run newer macOS on old Macs) includes Bluetooth firmware patches that often revive HK-808 dongles.
If the Bluetooth menu shows "No Information," the adapter is likely powered down. Resetting the Mac's NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory) can resolve this, as Bluetooth settings are stored there. Hk-808 Bluetooth Usb Adapter Driver For Mac
Even when the driver works, the HK-808 on Mac is not perfect:
| Feature | Works? | Notes | |---------|--------|-------| | Mouse/Keyboard | ✅ Yes | Stable for Logitech, Apple Magic Mouse (BLE) | | Audio (AirPods) | ⚠️ Sometimes | Occasional stutter, no AAC codec | | File transfer | ✅ Yes | OBEX works via Bluetooth File Exchange | | Continuity/Handoff | ❌ No | Apple proprietary features require Broadcom chip | | Wake from sleep | ❌ No | Dongle often disconnects after sleep | | Apple Watch unlock | ❌ No | Requires HID over GATT + Secure enclave |
The HK-808 is fine for basic peripherals. It is not a replacement for Apple’s native Bluetooth module. For most HK-808 adapters with Broadcom BCM20702 chips,
There is no official HK-808 driver from the manufacturer for Mac. Instead, you can use:
⚠️ Note for macOS 11+ (Big Sur and later): Driver kexts must be approved in Security & Privacy, and many third-party Bluetooth drivers no longer work due to Apple’s stricter security. Your best bet is native support.
Before troubleshooting, identify the chipset: ⚠️ Note for macOS 11+ (Big Sur and
In the world of PC peripherals, few devices are as ubiquitous—or as frustrating—as the tiny, $10 Bluetooth dongle. Among the most widely cloned and distributed models is the HK-808. Sold under dozens of brand names (CSR, Orico, no-name gray labels), this miniature adapter promises to add instant Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity to any computer.
But if you are a Mac user, plugging in an HK-808 is not a plug-and-play fairy tale. It is a lesson in hardware compatibility, deprecated drivers, and the quiet war between open-source standards and Apple’s walled garden.