OS X 10.8: Using Internal Bluetooth in Android in a VM

These steps will enable the internal bluetooth module to be used by an Android guest operating system, using the following configuration:

First, we want force OS X to release the Bluetooth device. To do that, open Terminal and enter the following commands:

  • sudo launchctl unload /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.blued.plist

  • sudo kextunload -b com.apple.iokit.BroadcomBluetoothHCIControllerUSBTransport

  • sudo kextunload -b com.apple.iokit.AppleBluetoothHCIControllerUSBTransport

Then, install VirtualBox and the extension pack. Next, create a new VM, I used "Other Linux" with a 8GB disk.

Open the settings for the newly created VM, and go to Ports -> USB. Check "Enable USB Controller" and also "Enable USB 2.0 (EHCI) Controller". Then, add a USB filter and select "Apple Inc. Bluetooth USB Host Controller [0201]".

Finally, install Android to the VM and you should see Bluetooth enabled in Settings -> Wireless & Networks.

As usual, please post any questions and we'll try to help!

Geoffrey O'Donnell2 Comments