this happens to me sometimes, sudo systemctl restart bluetooth usually fixes it

Also 8 years isn’t old lol. My gaming PC is 8 years old, I have a dell latitude d400 being a server for xmpp. Why would you junk a working machine

you could try investigating the service logs using journalctl to see what’s happening with the interface when these disconnects occur. something to look for would be like org.bluez.error.failed or host is down type errors. you can use bluetoothctl to manually connect to devices and that can produce error messages as well. the arch wiki has a pretty good resource on troubleshooting bluetooth headsets you might look at too. hopefully the error messages will be able to point you in a solid direction. good luck!

server.c:sap_server_register() Sap driver initialization failed.

afaik that shouldn’t be the problem, sap is SIM access profile, for a bluetooth device to be able to use a phone’s sim card like in fancy car stereos and stuff like that

Nearly all of the time especially on older machines it’s a little addon card. Either mini-PCIE or m2 form factor. They’re not compatible so you need to get the right one.

Getting access to it is usually the only real annoyance if any. Some laptops it’s right under a cover you can just remove and access it, others it may be on the opposite side of the motherboard and require disassembly. You should be careful in removing the antenna leads not to damage them as they’re delicate but otherwise it’s plug and play though you may have to peel back some tape or a plastic flap.

Lastly some newer intel cards (Wifi 6/7) require newer intel processors because they offload some of the functions to the intel processor so check whether that’s mentioned (if it says “requires intel processor” that might be a problem given the age of your laptop). Intel cards are generally pretty good though.

This is the process for a similar model to yours, I cannot guarantee the process is the same though it’s likely similar: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Acer+Nitro+5+AN515-53-55G9+Wi-Fi+Card+Replacement/137041

Looks like it’s pretty easy with a screwdriver.

Could always be other things though. Linux/driver issue or some component on the motherboard overheating or failing under the stress of age and heat. But it’s worth a shot if troubleshooting error messages in Linux doesn’t lead anywhere.

Bluetooth is integrated into the wifi module. I highly doubt connecting to a bluetooth device could damage anything in the actual hardware. I would try uninstalling and reinstalling the most up to date drivers for your wifi card. (I’m not familiar with the procedure on linux so youll have to search for instructions on that.) Sometimes the drivers are bundled or the bluetooth driver may be separate.

Wifi modules are usually socketed on an m.2 A+E keyed connection. So if you really think your card is damaged, or if you want to try to upgrade to a newer intel card, that is an option. Determing compatibility might require some searching of forums. It is very easy to do in general. However, be aware that the wifi/bluetooth anntenae are built in, and the tiny little coax cables are fragile. So handle them very carefully and use a small plastic pry tool to separate the connector from the wifi card rather than just pulling on them.

Okay first off I have no formal education in The Computer but you might know me as an arrogant shithead (also with imposter syndrome) who thinks they know stuff. Anyway, with that as my background

1. my opinion is that it’s a driver issue of some kind, since it happened immediately after you hooked up a new device. Maybe hooking up the earbuds updated your bluetooth driver to a version that Isn’t Working for Some Reason (i know, my knowledge is very technical)

Try going to your device manager for the bluetooth antenna and see if there was a recent driver update and if so maybe try rolling it back to before that

2. what responses did the llm give you? If it’s the same as mine, i apologize, but it told me if you need to replace the bluetooth antenna, it’s bundled in with your wifi antenna. It says it’s part # 50.Q28N2.006

https://www.cdsparts.com/products/acer-nitro-5-an515-41-an515-42-main-wireless-antenna-50q28n2006?srsltid=AfmBOopzmZMcmbpHHIdWDz95MTFbfVUb0tUOQ27WSSo1l3lM9uilWs5L (out of stock but just to give another listing)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/166766923129

It offered me these (bare bones) instructions, which might be a pain in the ass given it saying you’d need to remove the screen bezel

It also mentioned at the end that the bluetooth module is physically on the wifi card, and that replacing the wifi card is easier than replacing the antenna, and im just gonna screen shot what it said about the wifi module and its form factor

Anyway, the lying machine also reiterated my suggestion about it being a driver issue, and also suggested that if it’s difficult or expensive to replace you could also consider a USB bluetooth receiver instead, if you’ve got space for it (not bad advice imo)

Again, if those responses are what google gave you, sorry to reiterate them. I just thought i’d post what i saw in case it gave me more helpful info

In the order in which Id try these things, I’d look at your drivers, then wifi card, then personally I’d give up and get a usb bluetooth dongle because im lazy and i get frustrated working on stuff like computer screens :(

Without the logs everything is speculation. Look in journalctl and see what Bluetooth is actually doing when things disconnect.

Also you’ll get better support making a post here https://forums.linuxmint.com/

If you ask in the beginner questions about how to go about investigating this wonderful dorks will very patiently take you through how you troubleshoot in general. From finding out what software is involved, to looking up the logs, and interpreting errors.

Usually laptop Bluetooth is a part of the WiFi card.

Replacing it costs maybe $20 and requires a screwdriver.

Assuming it’s a hardware issue.