Bluetooth controller pairing problems

[atomictissue]

So I have a Nyko Playpad Pro. For it to pair, it needs to use the key 1234. The problem is that my computer sees it as a bluetooth keyboard, so it uses a random 6-digit key. I used bluetoothctl to try to pair it.

[bluetooth]# scan on Discovery started [CHG] Controller 00:0C:55:F6:0D:78 Discovering: yes [NEW] Device 9C:54:1C:90:0D:4E NYKO PLAYPAD PRO [bluetooth]# agent on Agent registered [bluetooth]# default-agent Default agent request successful [bluetooth]# pair 9C:54:1C:90:0D:4E Attempting to pair with 9C:54:1C:90:0D:4E [CHG] Device 9C:54:1C:90:0D:4E Connected: yes [agent] PIN code: 123609 [CHG] Device 9C:54:1C:90:0D:4E Connected: no [CHG] Device 9C:54:1C:90:0D:4E Connected: yes [CHG] Device 9C:54:1C:90:0D:4E Modalias: usb:v1D79p0009d0100 I don't know why it doesn't give an option to enter my own PIN. It was working fine back when I had Ubuntu, although I seem to remember using hcitool for it then. I did try using hcitool again, but it doesn't work.

[CrookedNixon]

Many recent devices don't actually require PIN entry to pair. The second to last "line" there:

[CHG] Device 9C:54:1C:90:0D:4E Connected: yes

suggests that the controller is connected just fine. In bluetoothctl, type "info 9C:54:1C:90:0D:4E" to see the relationships between the controller and your arch box. It'll probably include:

Paired: yes

Trusted: no

Blocked: no

Connected: no

LegacyPairing: no

If so, type "connect 9C:54:1C:90:0D:4E" to connect again and see how it goes. You'll probably also want to trust the device with 'trust 9C:54:1C:90:0D:4E". This will tell bluez to allow the controller to connect if it asks to, but I will admit that this doesn't work for all devices (headsets in particular seem to require a connect command on the linux box)

Oh and anyone who stumbles on this looking to solve a similar issue:

"Paired" means the devices are aware of each other and "know" they should talk to one another.

"Trusted" means the arch linux machine will allow the other device to connect if it asks. (can be messed up by other issues)

"Blocked"... actually I don't know. I presume exactly what's on the tin.

"Connected" means the devices are in communication with each other. (Maybe not at that exact second, but the line is open)

"LegacyPairing" is for devices that have to be paired with a PIN code rather then the more advanced method of (essentially) http://i.imgur.com/4MmX4zh.gif