However, there are many ways to reset and improve the connection the Magic Mouse has to your Mac.
Problems with the Magic Mouse Connecting
Users have reported quite a few problems with the Apple Magic Mouse. One of the most common is a weak connection or issues pairing it to the Mac’s Bluetooth. However, various issues can keep your Magic Mouse from working correctly, and a few different issues arise depending on which generation of Magic Mouse you’re using.
How to Fix Apple Mouse Not Working on Mac
Test the connection to the computer and the mouse itself to find the source of the connection issue. If you have another Mac, you can test the Magic Mouse on it first to see if it will connect to that one. If it does, you know to focus on problems with the computer rather than the mouse.
Turn the Magic Mouse On and Off
Slide the switch so that no green is showing. Then slide it back over so that you can see green again. Try to pair it to the computer. You can also turn Bluetooth on and off to see if it helps connect the device.
Charge the Mouse Fully
Plugging in the mouse and letting it charge completely is an excellent first step to eliminate any connection issues. While you do, go through the steps to detect it. Always leave the cable connected for at least one minute to ensure that it starts the pairing process. Once you remove the Magic mouse from the charger, try to see if it maintains the Bluetooth connection.
Reconnect the Mouse
Sometimes unpairing and then pairing the mouse again can help make it connect to your Mac. Remember that Bluetooth must be on for you to disconnect the Magic mouse. The option to remove it may not appear if Bluetooth isn’t on. This process should remove and then discover the mouse again. If the mouse isn’t showing up in the Bluetooth window, though, you should reset the Bluetooth device connections on your Mac.
Reset Mac Bluetooth Connections
Resetting the Bluetooth connections for your Mac will remove all connected devices from your Bluetooth list. It can be helpful if the Magic Mouse doesn’t appear at all. If it isn’t directly connected, you will have to pair everything again, including your keyboard. Make sure you’re ready to complete that process before starting. You can use a wired keyboard and mouse to go through this process to make it easier.
Wireless Internet Interference
Experts recommend connecting your mouse to the Mac without the Internet on. The wireless connection could be interfering with the Bluetooth. Try turning off the Internet, restarting your Mac, and then pairing the Magic Mouse again.
Issues With Other Devices
Your Magic Mouse might not be working if it’s actively paired with another device. Check nearby compatible devices and ensure it’s not connected in their Bluetooth settings. If it is, unpair it and connect with the Mac again.
Clean the Magic Mouse
Cleaning the Magic Mouse might help fix issues with it. If you’re having trouble getting smooth movement on the screen, try cleaning it. Consider getting a mousepad instead if you’re using your Magic Mouse on a glass surface. Though optical mice can work on many surfaces, people often experience difficulty on glass.
Older Magic Mice With Batteries
Replace the batteries if you’re using an older Magic Mouse that isn’t rechargeable, r. If the connection is still shaky, try putting a small folded piece of paper under the battery door. It can help the mouse keep the connection when the battery area is too loose. Some users have had luck using this trick to keep the connection stable.
Other Considerations
One of the issues that people repeatedly mentioned was the positioning of the computer and mouse. Users said that sometimes it worked better in one room than another because they thought the placement might interfere with the signal. While it seems unlikely to be a significant concern since the Mac and Magic Mouse are the only two devices connecting to each other, it’s worth trying to test using it in different rooms. Since so many people had that experience and shared it, it’s worth testing. Try it in a different environment to see whether you’re still experiencing the same issues. Position the mouse so that nothing is between it and the Mac. Different materials have different interference potentials. For example, wood and glass are less likely to cause interference. Metal, concrete, and marble are more likely to cause connection issues if they’re between the Mac and the Magic Mouse. You can also try to switch wireless devices in your house to the 5GHz channel, if possible. Like many wireless devices, the Magic Mouse connects on the 2.4 GHz band. Reducing interference on the band can improve connectivity.
Other Mouses Not Working on Mac
If no mice are working on your Mac, the problem is definitely with the computer itself. There are a few things you can do to make it work correctly.
Update Your Mac
You can update your Mac to the latest software if you aren’t running it already. They include bug fixes and access to new features in updates, so updating it can fix the connection issues. Upgrade means that you’re getting an entirely new Mac build. Update means you’re getting the latest release for the one you already have downloaded.
Hubs
Sometimes moving your USB and Thunderbolt hubs farther away from your Mac can help with Bluetooth connection issues. No matter what kind of mouse you’re using, simply switching its position might make a difference.
Dongles
Use a Bluetooth dongle if it comes with your mouse instead of the direct Bluetooth connection. While it might not be ideal since it takes up a port, it might help complete the connection.
Click Settings
Specific settings on your Mac can keep the Magic Mouse and other mouses from working correctly. Check your mouse settings to make sure everything is to your liking. You can also adjust other settings in this menu to make sure whatever mouse you’re using works the way you prefer. Fixing your Magic Mouse or any other mouse connected to your Mac helps you get back to your regular computer routine. Older mouse versions might experience different problems since the features changed over time, but the basic troubleshooting is still the same whether you use replaceable or rechargeable batteries. The real challenge is finding out what’s wrong because once you pinpoint the problem, fixing it should be simple.
