Connect your Logitech wireless mouse in three steps

A Logitech wireless mouse connects to your computer through a small receiver (called a dongle) that plugs into a USB port, or through Bluetooth if your mouse and computer both support it. Most Logitech mice ship with the receiver already paired, so you typically just plug it in and turn the mouse on. If that does not work, or if you are setting up a mouse you bought used, you can re-pair them using Logitech's pairing button or through your computer's Bluetooth settings.

The exact steps depend on which type of connection your mouse uses. USB receiver mice are faster to set up and work with almost any computer. Bluetooth mice give you one fewer cable but require your computer to have Bluetooth built in. Either way, the process takes less than five minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Logitech wireless mice come pre-paired to their receiver in most cases, so plugging the receiver into a USB port and turning on the mouse is usually all you need.
  • If your mouse does not respond after plugging in the receiver, check that the mouse is powered on and the batteries are not dead.
  • USB receiver mice work with any computer that has a free USB port, while Bluetooth mice require your computer to have Bluetooth capability.
  • If you need to re-pair a mouse to its receiver, hold down the pairing button on the bottom of the mouse for three seconds until the light blinks.

Setting up a USB receiver mouse

Most Logitech wireless mice ship with a USB receiver that stays plugged into your computer. This is the fastest way to connect because the mouse and receiver are already paired at the factory.

Step 1: Plug in the receiver. Locate the small USB receiver (it looks like a tiny stick or dongle) in the box with your mouse. Plug it into any open USB port on your computer — front or back, it does not matter. Your computer will recognize it automatically; you do not need to install software first.

Step 2: Install batteries. Open the battery compartment on the bottom of the mouse (usually a sliding door) and insert the batteries that came in the box. Most Logitech mice use two AA or AAA batteries. Make sure the positive and negative ends line up with the markings inside the compartment.

Step 3: Turn on the mouse. Look for a power switch on the bottom of the mouse, usually near the battery compartment. Slide it to the ON position. The light on the bottom of the mouse should blink once or twice, then stay steady. Move the mouse around — your cursor should move on the screen.

If the cursor does not move, check that the batteries are fresh and installed correctly. If the receiver light is not blinking, try unplugging it and plugging it back in. Wait ten seconds between unplugging and plugging back in.

Setting up a Bluetooth mouse

Some Logitech mice connect through Bluetooth instead of a USB receiver. These mice have no receiver to plug in, but your computer must have Bluetooth built in. Most laptops and newer desktop computers have Bluetooth; older desktops often do not.

Step 1: Turn on the mouse. Slide the power switch on the bottom of the mouse to ON. The light should blink, indicating the mouse is searching for a Bluetooth connection.

Step 2: Open Bluetooth settings on your computer. On Windows, click the Start menu, type "Bluetooth settings," and open the Bluetooth & devices page. On Mac, click the Apple menu, select System Settings, then click Bluetooth in the left sidebar.

Step 3: Put the mouse in pairing mode. Hold down the pairing button on the bottom of the mouse for three seconds. The light will blink faster, showing the mouse is ready to pair. On Windows, click "Add device" and select your mouse from the list. On Mac, your mouse should appear in the Bluetooth list — click it to connect.

Once your mouse appears in the Bluetooth list and shows "Connected," you are done. The mouse will reconnect automatically each time you turn it on, as long as Bluetooth is enabled on your computer.

Re-pairing a mouse that stopped working

If your mouse was working and suddenly stopped responding, the connection may have dropped. This happens occasionally with wireless mice, especially if the receiver gets unplugged or the mouse moves out of range.

For USB receiver mice: Unplug the receiver from the USB port, wait ten seconds, and plug it back in. Turn the mouse off and back on. If that does not work, hold down the pairing button on the bottom of the mouse for three seconds until the light blinks rapidly. The receiver light should also blink. Wait five seconds — they should sync and both lights should go steady.

For Bluetooth mice: Go to your Bluetooth settings and "Forget" the mouse (on Windows, right-click the mouse and select Remove; on Mac, click the X next to the mouse name). Turn the mouse off and back on, then repeat the pairing steps from the section above.

If re-pairing does not work, the batteries may be dead. Replace them with fresh batteries and try again. If the mouse still does not respond, the receiver or Bluetooth module inside the mouse may be damaged.

Troubleshooting common connection problems

The cursor moves slowly or jumps around. This usually means the mouse sensor is dirty. Flip the mouse over and look at the bottom. If you see dust or debris around the sensor (the small red or blue light), gently wipe it with a dry cloth. Also check that nothing is blocking the path between the mouse and receiver — metal objects and thick walls can interfere with the wireless signal.

The mouse works for a few minutes then stops. The batteries are likely dying. Replace them with fresh ones. If you just replaced the batteries and the problem continues, the mouse may be too far from the receiver. USB receiver mice typically work up to 10 feet away; Bluetooth mice work up to 30 feet, but walls and interference can reduce that range.

The receiver is plugged in but the mouse does not respond. Make sure the mouse is powered on — check the switch on the bottom. If the switch is on but nothing happens, try holding down the pairing button for three seconds. If the receiver light does not blink at all when you do this, the receiver may not be getting power. Try a different USB port.

Your computer does not see the mouse in Bluetooth settings. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your computer's settings. On Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices and toggle Bluetooth to On. On Mac, go to System Settings > Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is enabled. Then turn the mouse off and back on to trigger pairing mode again.

When to use the Logitech software

Logitech makes optional software called Logitech Options or Logitech G Hub that lets you customize your mouse — change the cursor speed, reassign buttons, or set up profiles for different programs. You do not need this software to use your mouse; it will work fine without it.

If you want to customize your mouse, you can download the software from Logitech's website. Search for your specific mouse model and look for the Downloads section. The software will detect your mouse automatically once it is connected and powered on.

If you are having connection problems, uninstall the Logitech software and try connecting the mouse again. Occasionally the software can interfere with the connection, especially on older computers or if the software is outdated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to install software before plugging in the receiver?

No. The receiver works immediately when you plug it in — your computer recognizes it as a standard mouse without any software. You only need to install Logitech's optional software if you want to customize button functions or cursor speed.

Can I use one receiver with multiple Logitech mice?

No. Each Logitech wireless mouse is paired to one specific receiver. If you have multiple mice, each one comes with its own receiver. You can switch between them by plugging in different receivers, but one receiver cannot control two mice at the same time.

What if I lost the receiver that came with my mouse?

Logitech sells replacement receivers on their website. Search for your mouse model and look for the receiver in the accessories section. You will need the exact model number of your mouse to order the correct receiver. Once it arrives, follow the re-pairing steps to connect it to your mouse.

Can I connect a Logitech mouse to a tablet or phone?

Only Bluetooth Logitech mice can connect to tablets and phones. USB receiver mice cannot work with devices that do not have USB ports. To connect a Bluetooth mouse to a tablet or phone, go to the device's Bluetooth settings and follow the same pairing steps as you would for a computer.

Why does my mouse keep disconnecting from Bluetooth?

Bluetooth interference is the most common cause. Keep the mouse within 30 feet of your computer and away from thick walls, metal objects, and other wireless devices like routers or microwaves. If disconnections continue, try replacing the batteries — low battery power can cause Bluetooth to drop out.