A mouse not working on a Mac is usually caused by a drained battery, a loose cable, a disconnected Bluetooth pairing, or a problem with the USB port. Start by checking the mouse’s power and connection, then reconnect it through System Settings > Bluetooth if it is wireless. If the mouse still does not respond, test another port, restart your Mac, and determine whether the problem is with the mouse or the Mac.
Quick Answer
Try these fixes in order:
- Turn the mouse off and back on.
- Replace or recharge its batteries.
- Check the cable, receiver, or USB connection.
- Disconnect and reconnect the mouse in System Settings > Bluetooth.
- Try a different USB port or connect the mouse directly to your Mac.
- Restart the Mac.
- Test the mouse on another computer, or test another mouse on your Mac.
The steps below cover wireless, Bluetooth, wired, and USB mice.
Check the Mouse’s Power and Physical Connection
Before changing settings, make sure the mouse is receiving power and communicating with the Mac.
Wireless and Bluetooth mice
For a wireless mouse that uses batteries or a rechargeable battery:
- Turn the mouse off.
- Replace its batteries or charge it fully.
- Turn the mouse back on.
- Check for a power switch, status light, or pairing button.
- Move the mouse closer to the Mac while testing it.
If the mouse uses a USB receiver, make sure the receiver is firmly connected to the Mac. If you use a USB hub, docking station, or monitor with built-in USB ports, connect the receiver directly to the Mac temporarily. A hub or dock can sometimes cause connection problems.
Some mice have separate power and pairing controls. Turning the mouse on does not always place it in Bluetooth discovery mode. Follow the mouse manufacturer’s instructions to activate pairing mode if necessary.
Wired or USB mice
For a wired mouse:
- Disconnect the mouse from the Mac.
- Inspect the cable for cuts, fraying, or bent connectors.
- Reconnect it firmly.
- If the mouse has a detachable cable, check both ends.
- Try another USB port.
If your Mac has only USB-C ports and the mouse uses USB-A, check the adapter or hub as well. A faulty adapter can prevent the mouse from working even when the mouse itself is fine.
Avoid forcing a connector into a port. If the plug does not fit easily, check that you are using the correct adapter or orientation.
Reconnect a Bluetooth Mouse
If a Bluetooth mouse is not responding, remove its existing connection and pair it again.
You may need to use your Mac’s built-in trackpad, a laptop trackpad, or keyboard navigation while the mouse is disconnected.
- Open the Apple menu and select System Settings.
- Select Bluetooth in the sidebar.
- Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
- Find the mouse under My Devices or nearby devices.
- If it appears as connected but does not work, turn the mouse off and back on.
- If that does not help, click the information button next to the mouse.
- Select Forget This Device or the equivalent removal option shown on your Mac.
- Confirm the removal.
- Put the mouse into pairing mode.
- Find it under nearby Bluetooth devices and select Connect.
The exact labels can vary slightly depending on the macOS version and the mouse. If the mouse does not appear, keep it close to the Mac, confirm that it is charged, and make sure it is not actively connected to another computer, tablet, or phone.
If you cannot use the pointer
If the mouse is the only pointing device and it is disconnected, use the Mac’s built-in trackpad if available. You can also navigate many macOS controls with the keyboard:
- Press Tab to move between controls.
- Press Space bar to select a highlighted button or checkbox.
- Use the arrow keys to move through lists.
- Press Return to activate a selected item.
- Press Command-Space bar to open Spotlight and search for apps or settings.
Keyboard navigation may work differently depending on the current app and your accessibility settings.
Check Bluetooth and Other Nearby Connections
Bluetooth devices can interfere with troubleshooting when a mouse is paired with the wrong device or when several devices are competing for a connection.
Try the following:
- Turn off the mouse.
- Temporarily turn off Bluetooth on nearby computers, tablets, and phones that may have used the mouse.
- Turn the mouse back on and place it in pairing mode.
- Open System Settings > Bluetooth on your Mac.
- Select the mouse when it appears.
- Follow any instructions shown on the screen.
If Bluetooth itself appears unavailable or does not turn on, restart the Mac and check again. Do not repeatedly remove unrelated Bluetooth devices unless you are prepared to pair them again.
Restart the Mac
A restart can clear a temporary connection or input-device problem.
Before restarting, save your work. A restart closes open apps, and any unsaved changes could be lost.
- Save documents and close important apps.
- Open the Apple menu.
- Select Restart.
- Wait for the Mac to start again.
- Test the mouse before reconnecting unnecessary accessories.
If the Mac is not responding normally, avoid holding down the power button unless standard restart controls are unavailable. A forced shutdown can cause unsaved work to be lost.
Try a Different USB Port or Adapter
A mouse may work normally while a particular port, hub, dock, or adapter does not.
For a USB or wired mouse:
- Disconnect the mouse.
- Connect it to another compatible USB port.
- If you are using a hub or dock, bypass it and connect the mouse directly to the Mac.
- If an adapter is required, try another compatible adapter.
- Test the mouse again.
If other USB devices also fail in the same port, the port, adapter, or hub may be the source of the problem. If only the mouse fails, continue with the mouse-specific checks below.
Check Mouse Settings
If the pointer moves but clicks, scrolling, or other functions do not work correctly, review the mouse settings.
- Open the Apple menu.
- Select System Settings.
- Select Mouse.
- Check the tracking speed, secondary click, and scrolling options.
- Adjust the settings temporarily to determine whether the problem is limited to one function.
If the mouse works but the pointer moves too slowly or quickly, change Tracking speed. If right-clicking does not work, check the Secondary click setting.
Some mice require the manufacturer’s software for extra buttons, gestures, or custom features. Basic pointer movement and clicking should generally be tested first without relying on optional software.
Check for Software That Controls the Mouse
Third-party mouse utilities can change button behavior, scrolling, gestures, or connection handling. If the mouse stopped working after installing or updating such software, check the app’s settings and make sure it is running correctly.
You can also quit the utility temporarily and test the mouse using the standard macOS settings. Do not uninstall software or delete configuration files unless you know which settings it controls and have a way to reinstall or restore it.
If the mouse works without the utility, the problem may be related to that software rather than the mouse hardware or Bluetooth connection.
Test the Mouse and Mac Separately
The fastest way to identify the source of a mouse problem is to test each component independently.
Test the mouse on another computer
Connect or pair the mouse with another compatible computer. If it does not work there either, check its battery, cable, receiver, or hardware. A failed mouse may need repair or replacement.
Test another mouse on the Mac
Connect a different wired, USB, or Bluetooth mouse to your Mac. If the second mouse works, the original mouse or its receiver is likely the problem.
If no mouse works, the issue may involve Bluetooth, USB hardware, macOS input settings, or another system-level problem.
Test without a hub or dock
If the mouse works when connected directly but not through a dock or hub, troubleshoot the dock, hub, cable, or adapter. Check for firmware updates from the accessory manufacturer if appropriate, but avoid installing unrelated software merely as a first troubleshooting step.
Check for Interference and Range Problems
Bluetooth performance can be affected by distance, physical obstructions, and nearby wireless equipment.
To reduce connection problems:
- Keep the mouse close to the Mac.
- Remove objects blocking the mouse or its receiver.
- Move the receiver away from other USB devices when possible.
- Test the mouse away from a crowded USB hub.
- Make sure the mouse is not connected to another device.
- Replace weak batteries even if the mouse’s light still turns on.
If the pointer repeatedly freezes or disconnects, note whether the problem occurs only in one location or near one accessory. That can help identify a range or interference issue.
Update macOS and Mouse Software Carefully
If the mouse works intermittently, install available macOS updates through System Settings > General > Software Update when convenient. Updates can include hardware and Bluetooth fixes, but do not begin an update if you have unsaved work or cannot leave the Mac unattended.
For a specialized mouse, check the manufacturer’s official support software only when you need features such as custom buttons, advanced scrolling, or firmware updates. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep the mouse connected during any firmware update. Interrupting a firmware update could leave the device unusable.
Troubleshooting
The mouse appears in Bluetooth but will not connect
Turn the mouse off and back on, charge it, and confirm that it is in pairing mode. In System Settings > Bluetooth, remove the mouse and pair it again. Also check whether another nearby device is connecting to it automatically.
The Bluetooth mouse connects but the pointer does not move
Check the battery or charge level first. Then restart the mouse and Mac. If possible, forget the device in Bluetooth settings and pair it again. Test another Bluetooth or USB mouse to determine whether the issue is specific to the original device.
The mouse moves, but clicking does not work
Check System Settings > Mouse and test both primary and secondary clicking. Inspect the mouse buttons for physical damage. If clicking fails in every app but pointer movement works, the mouse hardware or its configuration software may be at fault.
The pointer is slow, jumps, or freezes
Clean the surface below the mouse and use it on a suitable, non-reflective surface. Replace or recharge the battery, move closer to the Mac, and disconnect the mouse from other devices. For a USB mouse, try another port and bypass any hub.
A wired mouse is not detected
Reconnect it, try another USB port, and remove any hub or adapter from the connection. Test another compatible mouse in the same port. If several USB devices fail, the port or adapter may be the problem.
The mouse stopped working after waking the Mac
Turn the mouse off and on, wait a few seconds, and try moving it again. If that does not work, restart the Mac. Re-pair the mouse if the problem continues after every wake from sleep.
The mouse works on another computer but not this Mac
Check the Mac’s Bluetooth or USB connection, restart it, and test with another mouse. For a Bluetooth mouse, remove and pair it again in System Settings > Bluetooth. For a USB mouse, bypass docks, hubs, and adapters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my mouse not working on my Mac?
The most common causes are a dead battery, an interrupted Bluetooth connection, an unplugged cable, a faulty USB port, or a problem with a USB hub or adapter. Check power and connections before changing software settings.
How do I get my Mac to recognize my Bluetooth mouse?
Turn on the mouse and place it in pairing mode. Open System Settings > Bluetooth, turn Bluetooth on, and select the mouse from the list of nearby devices. If it is already listed but does not work, forget the device and pair it again.
Can I use my Mac without a mouse?
Yes. Use the built-in trackpad if your Mac has one, or navigate with the keyboard. Tab, the arrow keys, Space bar, Return, and Command-Space bar can help you reach settings and open apps.
Why does my USB mouse work through one port but not another?
The port, adapter, hub, or dock may have a hardware or connection problem. Try connecting the mouse directly to the Mac and test another compatible port.
Should I reset Bluetooth to fix a mouse problem?
Usually, no. Start with simpler steps: check the battery, restart the mouse, restart the Mac, and remove and reconnect the mouse in System Settings > Bluetooth. More advanced resets can affect other Bluetooth devices and may require pairing them again.
When should I replace the mouse?
Consider replacing it if it fails on multiple computers, has a damaged cable or connector, will not charge, or continues to disconnect after you have tested the battery, connection, ports, and pairing process.
Final Thoughts
When a mouse is not working on a Mac, begin with the basics: power, cable, receiver, Bluetooth status, and USB ports. Re-pair a Bluetooth mouse through System Settings > Bluetooth, connect USB mice directly to the Mac, and test the mouse on another computer when possible. These checks usually reveal whether the problem is the mouse, its connection, or the Mac itself.