Wired and wireless mice connect differently, but both take less than a minute
A wired mouse plugs directly into a USB port on your computer. A wireless mouse uses a small receiver that plugs into a USB port, or connects through Bluetooth built into your computer. Both work the same way once connected — the difference is just how you set them up. If your mouse came in a box, check whether it has a cable or a small receiver dongle before you start.
Most mice work right away with Windows, Mac, or Linux without installing anything extra. The steps below cover the most common setups. If your mouse is unusual or very old, the box it came in should have specific instructions.
Key Takeaways
- Wired mice plug into any USB port and work immediately with no setup needed.
- Wireless mice with a receiver need the dongle plugged in first, then the mouse turned on.
- Bluetooth mice require you to put the mouse in pairing mode, then add it through your computer's settings.
- If the mouse does not move after plugging in, try a different USB port or check that batteries are installed and fresh.
- Most mice work with any computer — the brand of mouse does not have to match the brand of computer.
Connecting a wired mouse
Find the USB cable attached to the mouse. Locate any open USB port on your computer — these are the small rectangular slots, usually on the back or side of a desktop, or along the edges of a laptop. Push the cable connector straight in until it clicks or sits flush.
Move the mouse around on a flat surface. The cursor on your screen should move with it. If nothing happens, try unplugging it and plugging it into a different USB port. Some ports on older computers do not work reliably. If you still see no movement after trying two or three ports, the mouse may be broken or the cable may be damaged.
Connecting a wireless mouse with a receiver
Look for a small USB dongle — a tiny stick about the size of a lighter — in the mouse box. Plug this receiver into any USB port on your computer. You do not need to install anything; your computer will recognize it automatically.
Turn on the mouse. Most wireless mice have a power switch on the bottom or side. The mouse and receiver should connect within a few seconds. Move the mouse and check that the cursor moves on screen. If the cursor does not move, make sure the mouse is switched on and check that batteries are installed correctly — the positive and negative ends should line up with the markings inside the battery compartment.
Connecting a Bluetooth mouse
Turn on the mouse and look for a pairing button. This is usually on the bottom or side and may be labeled "Pair" or "Connect," or it may just be a small button you hold for three to five seconds. Hold the button until a light on the mouse blinks or changes color — this means the mouse is in pairing mode and looking for your computer.
On Windows, open Settings, then go to Bluetooth & devices. Click "Add device" and select "Bluetooth." Your computer will search for nearby devices. When you see your mouse name in the list, click it. On Mac, open System Settings, then go to Bluetooth. Your mouse should appear in the list — click "Connect" next to it. On Linux, the steps vary by version, but Bluetooth settings are usually in System Settings or under a Bluetooth icon in the taskbar.
Once your computer shows the mouse as connected, move the mouse to test it. The cursor should follow your movement. If pairing fails, turn the mouse off and on again, press the pairing button once more, and try adding it to your computer again.
What to do if the mouse does not work after connecting
First, check the basics. For a wired mouse, try a different USB port — some ports are slower or damaged. For a wireless mouse with a receiver, make sure the batteries are fresh and installed with the correct polarity. For a Bluetooth mouse, make sure it is turned on and fully charged.
If the mouse is plugged in or paired but the cursor still does not move, restart your computer. Many connection problems clear up after a restart. If the cursor moves but feels jumpy or slow, move the mouse away from other wireless devices like routers or cell phones — these can interfere with wireless mice.
If you have tried these steps and the mouse still does not work, the mouse itself may be faulty. Try borrowing a mouse from someone else and connecting it the same way. If the borrowed mouse works, your original mouse needs replacement. If the borrowed mouse also does not work, the problem may be with a USB port or your computer's Bluetooth hardware.
Using your mouse once it is connected
The left button selects things — click once to open a file or program, or click and drag to move items around. The right button opens a menu of options related to whatever you clicked on. The scroll wheel in the middle lets you move up and down on a page without clicking.
Some mice have extra buttons on the side. These usually go back and forward in web browsers, but they do not work in all programs. You can usually customize what these buttons do through your computer's settings, though the steps differ between Windows and Mac.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any mouse with any computer?
Yes. A mouse from one brand works with any computer — the brand of mouse does not have to match your computer. A wireless mouse made for Windows works fine on a Mac, and vice versa. The only exception is very old mice made for outdated connection types, but modern mice work across all systems.
Do I need to install software or drivers for my mouse?
No, not for basic movement and clicking. Windows, Mac, and Linux all recognize standard mice automatically. Some gaming mice or mice with many extra buttons come with software to customize those buttons, but this is optional — the mouse will work without it.
Why does my wireless mouse keep disconnecting?
The most common cause is weak or dead batteries. Replace them with fresh ones and make sure they are installed correctly. If the mouse still disconnects, move the receiver closer to the mouse, or move both away from other wireless devices like routers. Interference from these devices can break the connection.
Can I connect multiple mice to one computer?
Yes. You can plug in or pair as many mice as you want, and they will all work at the same time. Only one cursor appears on screen, but any mouse can move it. This is useful if you want to switch between a mouse and a trackpad, or if multiple people are using the same computer.
What if my mouse has a receiver but I lost it?
You cannot use the mouse without the receiver — they are paired together and a receiver from a different mouse will not work with it. You would need to buy a replacement receiver made for that specific mouse model, or replace the mouse entirely. Check the manufacturer's website to see if they sell replacement receivers.