Connect your Onn wireless mouse in three steps
An Onn wireless mouse connects to your computer through a small USB receiver that plugs into your computer's USB port. The mouse and receiver communicate wirelessly, so you do not need a cable between them. Most Onn mice are ready to pair out of the box — you insert batteries, plug in the receiver, and the mouse works within seconds.
The exact steps depend slightly on which Onn model you own, but the process is the same for nearly all Onn wireless mice sold at Walmart. If your mouse came with printed instructions, follow those first — they are specific to your model. If you no longer have them, the steps below cover the standard setup.
Key Takeaways
- Insert two AA or AAA batteries into the mouse (check the battery compartment on the bottom to see which size your model needs).
- Plug the USB receiver into any available USB port on your computer — it does not matter which one.
- Turn on the mouse using the power switch on the bottom, and it will connect automatically within a few seconds.
- If the mouse does not respond, restart your computer or try a different USB port, as some ports may not be active until the system fully boots.
Insert batteries into the mouse
Flip the mouse over and look for a small door or panel on the bottom. Press or slide it according to how it is designed — most Onn mice have a sliding panel that moves toward the front of the mouse. The battery compartment will open and show you where the batteries go.
Check the inside of the compartment or the bottom of the mouse itself for markings that show which way the batteries should face. Usually a plus sign (+) and minus sign (−) indicate the correct direction. Insert two AA batteries if the compartment has two slots, or two AAA batteries if it has two smaller slots. Close the panel firmly until you hear or feel it click into place.
If the batteries do not fit or the compartment looks different from what you expected, your mouse may be a different model than the standard Onn wireless mouse. Check the model number on the box or the bottom of the mouse and search for that specific model's instructions online.
Plug the USB receiver into your computer
Locate the USB receiver — it is a small rectangular device, usually about the size of a lighter, that came in the box with your mouse. The receiver has a USB connector on one end that looks like a flat rectangular plug. Plug it into any USB port on your computer.
USB ports are usually on the back of a desktop computer or the sides of a laptop. It does not matter which port you use. If all your ports are occupied, you can use a USB hub or unplug another device temporarily. Once the receiver is plugged in, your computer will recognize it automatically — you do not need to install software for most Onn mice.
Turn on the mouse and wait for connection
Look at the bottom of the mouse for a small power switch or button. It is usually labeled "On" and "Off" or marked with a line and circle symbol. Slide or press it to the "On" position. Within a few seconds, the mouse should connect to the receiver and be ready to use. You may see a small light on the mouse or receiver blink briefly to show the connection is active.
Move the mouse around to test it. The cursor on your screen should follow your hand movements. Click the left and right buttons to make sure they respond. If nothing happens, move to the troubleshooting section below.
What to do if the mouse does not respond
If the cursor does not move or the buttons do not work, the most common cause is that the USB receiver is plugged in before the computer finished starting up. Unplug the receiver, restart your computer completely, and then plug the receiver back in once the desktop is fully loaded. Wait ten seconds and try moving the mouse again.
If that does not work, try a different USB port. Some ports on older computers or certain laptops do not provide power until the operating system fully loads. Unplug the receiver from its current port and try a port on the opposite side of your computer or a different location on the back panel.
Check that the batteries are inserted correctly and have power. Remove them, wait five seconds, and reinsert them in the same direction. If the mouse still does not work, the batteries may be dead — try a fresh pair. If you have a second set of batteries available, swap them in to rule out a battery problem.
Pairing a mouse that lost connection
If your mouse was working before but stopped responding, it may have lost its wireless connection. Turn the mouse off and back on using the power switch. Wait five seconds and try moving it again. This resets the connection between the mouse and receiver.
If the mouse still does not respond, unplug the USB receiver for ten seconds, then plug it back in. Turn the mouse off and on again. Some Onn mice have a small pairing button on the bottom near the battery compartment — if you see one, press and hold it for three seconds while the receiver is plugged in. The light on the mouse or receiver should blink to show it is pairing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to install software or drivers for my Onn wireless mouse?
Most Onn wireless mice work without any software installation. Windows and Mac recognize them automatically as standard mice. If your mouse came with a CD or instructions to download software, only follow those steps if the mouse does not work after plugging in the receiver. Most users never need the software.
Can I use the same USB receiver with multiple mice?
No. Each Onn wireless mouse is paired to its own receiver. If you have two Onn mice, each one comes with its own receiver, and you would need to plug both receivers into your computer to use both mice. You cannot swap receivers between different mice.
How long do the batteries last in an Onn wireless mouse?
Battery life varies by model and how much you use the mouse, but most Onn wireless mice run for several months on a pair of AA or AAA batteries. When the mouse starts moving slowly or stops responding, replace the batteries. Some models have a low-battery indicator light that warns you before the batteries die completely.
What if my computer does not have a USB port available?
You can use a USB hub, which plugs into one USB port and provides multiple additional ports. Plug the mouse receiver into the hub instead of directly into your computer. Make sure the hub is powered if it requires external power. Most unpowered hubs work fine for a wireless mouse receiver.
Can I use my Onn wireless mouse with a tablet or phone?
Standard Onn wireless mice with USB receivers do not work with tablets or phones because those devices do not have USB ports and do not support USB receivers. Onn does make some Bluetooth mice that connect to mobile devices, but those are a different product and require a different setup process.