Software⏱️ 4 min read📅 2026-06-19

How to Fix: Linux/Bluez: Bluetooth keyboard cannot be added, getting strange "file not found" error from bluetoothd

Troubleshooting issue with Bluetooth keyboard pairing on Arch Linux using Bluez and gnome-3.12.

Quick Answer: Try resetting the device or updating the Bluez package to resolve the security block and file not found errors.

A Bluetooth keyboard user is experiencing issues with pairing their device after a recent Arch Linux update. The keyboard was previously paired using the GNOME GUI, but it can no longer be added to the system. When scanning for devices, the keyboard appears briefly before disappearing. The user has tried pairing from the command line using bluetoothctl without success.

This issue can be frustrating for users who rely on Bluetooth keyboards for daily tasks. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the problem.

⚠️ Common Causes

  • The 'security block' error is likely caused by a mismatch between the keyboard's security settings and those configured on the system. This can occur when the keyboard was previously paired using a GUI, but the system configuration has been updated. To resolve this issue, you may need to reset the keyboard's security settings or update the system configuration to match the keyboard's settings.
  • Another possible cause of the 'No such file or directory' error is that the bluetoothd service is not properly configured to handle input devices. This can occur when the system configuration has been updated, causing the bluetoothd service to lose track of the keyboard device.

🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps

Resetting the Bluetooth Keyboard's Security Settings

  1. Step 1: 1. Open a terminal and type `bluetoothctl info ` to retrieve information about the keyboard device. This will display details such as the device's MAC address, name, and security settings.
  2. Step 2: 2. Use the `bluetoothctl reset-security-settings` command to reset the keyboard's security settings to their default values. This may take a few seconds to complete.
  3. Step 3: 3. Once the security settings have been reset, try pairing the keyboard again using bluetoothctl or the GNOME GUI.

Updating System Configuration and Bluetoothd Service

  1. Step 1: 1. Open a terminal and type `sudo systemctl status bluetooth` to check the status of the bluetoothd service. If the service is not running, start it by typing `sudo systemctl start bluetooth`.
  2. Step 2: 2. Use the `bluetoothctl list-input-devices` command to retrieve a list of input devices connected to the system. This will display the MAC address and name of each device.
  3. Step 3: 3. Identify the keyboard device in the list and use the `bluetoothctl info ` command to retrieve its details. Then, use the `bluetoothctl reset-input-device` command to update the bluetoothd service's configuration for the keyboard device.

✨ Wrapping Up

If you have followed these steps and still experience issues with pairing your Bluetooth keyboard, it may be necessary to seek further assistance from Arch Linux support or a professional IT technician. However, by resetting the keyboard's security settings or updating the system configuration and bluetoothd service, you should be able to resolve the issue and get your keyboard working again.

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