Bluetooth MIDI in DeviceJockey

DeviceJockey supports Bluetooth MIDI in two modes:

  • MIDI Central – connect to other devices that are currently advertising.

  • MIDI Device – advertise your own device so others can connect.

Supported connection types

  • Mac ↔ Mac

  • Mac ↔ iOS / iPadOS

Bluetooth MIDI connections are always bidirectional.
For example, if one Mac is advertising (peripheral role) and the other is connecting (host role), both can send and receive MIDI data.

Example A: Connecting two iOS devices with Bluetooth MIDI

Device A

Open Settings → Bluetooth MIDI in DeviceJockey and tap MIDI Device to start advertising.

Device B

Open Settings → Bluetooth MIDI in DeviceJockey and tap MIDI Central.

  • Device A will appear in the list on Device B.
  • Select it to connect.
  • Device A / Device B: Confirm the pairing prompt if shown.
  • Once connected, both devices can send and receive MIDI data.

Example B: Connecting a Mac and an iOS device with Bluetooth MIDI

On the Mac

Open Audio MIDI Setup → MIDI Studio → Bluetooth and enable Advertise.

On the iOS device

Open Settings → Bluetooth MIDI in DeviceJockey and tap MIDI Central.

  • The Mac will appear in the list on the iOS device.
  • Select it to connect.
  • Mac / iOS Device: Confirm the pairing prompt if shown.
  • Once connected, both devices can send and receive MIDI data.

You can also reverse the roles:

  • If you tap MIDI Device on iOS, the Mac can connect to it from Audio MIDI Setup → Bluetooth.

  • Always make sure that only one side advertises while the other side connects.

Troubleshooting: Endless “Connecting…” or no connection

If a Bluetooth MIDI connection does not complete and stays stuck in Connecting…, the problem may be caused by a leftover pairing in the system’s Bluetooth settings.

How to fix it:

  • Open the Bluetooth settings on your iOS device or Mac.
  • Locate the device you are trying to connect to (e.g. your Mac, iPhone, or iPad).
  • Tap Forget This Device (iOS) or Remove/Ignore (macOS).
  • Turn Bluetooth off and back on again.
  • Retry the connection in DeviceJockey:
    • On one device, go to Settings → Bluetooth MIDI → MIDI Device (advertise).
    • On the other device, go to Settings → Bluetooth MIDI → MIDI Central (connect).

  • You only need to remove the entry if the connection keeps failing.

  • Once the devices pair successfully for MIDI, leave the entry in the Bluetooth list. Removing it every time is not necessary.