How to Connect Your Aerox 5 Wireless Mouse to a Computer

Connecting the Aerox 5 Wireless for the first time

The Aerox 5 Wireless is a gaming mouse made by SteelSeries that connects to your computer using a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle. To set it up, you need to insert batteries into the mouse, plug the dongle into a USB port on your computer, and turn the mouse on. The connection happens automatically — you do not need to install software first, though SteelSeries offers a companion app called GG that lets you customize buttons and lighting.

The mouse comes with two AA batteries in the box. Open the battery compartment on the bottom of the mouse, insert the batteries with the correct polarity (the + side faces up), and close the compartment. Then plug the wireless dongle into any available USB port on your computer — a USB-A port on the back or side of a desktop, or any USB port on a laptop. Flip the power switch on the bottom of the mouse to the ON position. Your computer should recognize the mouse within a few seconds, and the cursor will respond to movement.

If the cursor does not move after 10 seconds, try moving the mouse closer to the dongle, or restart your computer. The dongle has a range of about 6 meters (20 feet) in open space, though walls and metal objects can reduce that distance. Keep the dongle within line of sight of the mouse for the most reliable connection.

Key Takeaways

Insert two AA batteries into the mouse, plug the wireless dongle into a USB port, and flip the power switch to ON — the mouse connects automatically without software.
The dongle uses a 2.4 GHz wireless signal with a range of about 6 meters, so keep it reasonably close to where you use the mouse.
If the mouse does not respond, move it closer to the dongle, check that the power switch is ON, and verify the batteries are inserted correctly.
The SteelSeries GG app is optional but lets you remap buttons, adjust DPI settings, and customize the RGB lighting on the mouse.

Reconnecting after the mouse loses connection

If your Aerox 5 stops responding mid-use, the wireless connection has dropped. This usually happens if the mouse moves out of range, the batteries are dying, or the dongle is blocked by interference. First, check that the power switch on the bottom of the mouse is still in the ON position — it can accidentally flip to OFF if the mouse is bumped. Then move the mouse closer to the dongle and wait 5 seconds for the connection to restore.

If the mouse still does not respond, the batteries may be low. Replace them with fresh AA batteries and try again. If you have replaced the batteries and the mouse still will not connect, unplug the dongle from the USB port, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. This resets the connection. Turn the mouse off and back on again. In most cases the mouse reconnects within a few seconds of this restart cycle.

Using the mouse on a different computer

The Aerox 5 Wireless can be used on any computer with a USB port. Simply unplug the dongle from your current computer and plug it into a USB port on the new computer. The mouse will connect automatically — there is no pairing process or software registration to complete. You can switch the dongle between computers as often as you like.

If you want to use the mouse on multiple computers at the same time, you will need a separate dongle for each computer. SteelSeries sells additional 2.4 GHz dongles, though they are not included with the mouse. One dongle can only maintain a connection to one computer at a time.

Adjusting mouse settings without the GG app

The Aerox 5 Wireless works with basic mouse functions on any computer without any software installed. You can move the cursor, click, and use the side buttons right away. However, the mouse has a DPI button on the bottom that cycles through preset sensitivity levels — by default these are 400, 800, 1600, and 3200 DPI. You cannot change these presets or remap the buttons without the SteelSeries GG app.

If you want to customize the mouse beyond these defaults, download the GG app from the SteelSeries website. The app runs on Windows and macOS. Open it, connect the mouse, and you can reassign the side buttons to different functions, create DPI profiles for different games, and adjust the RGB lighting. Changes you make in the app are stored on the mouse itself, so they persist even if you unplug the dongle and use the mouse on another computer.

Fixing USB port and interference issues

If the mouse connects but feels sluggish or the cursor jumps around, the dongle may be experiencing interference from other wireless devices. USB 3.0 ports and hubs can also cause interference with 2.4 GHz wireless signals. Try plugging the dongle into a different USB port — preferably a USB 2.0 port on the back of a desktop computer, away from other USB devices. If you are using a laptop, try a port on the opposite side from where you hold the mouse.

Move the dongle away from Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth speakers, and other wireless devices. If you have a USB hub, plug the dongle directly into the computer instead. Some users report better performance when the dongle is elevated slightly above the desk surface, so try propping it up with a small stand or moving it to a higher shelf. If the problem persists after trying these steps, the dongle or mouse may be defective — contact SteelSeries support with your purchase information.

Replacing batteries and checking power

The Aerox 5 Wireless uses two AA batteries. SteelSeries estimates battery life at around 60 hours of continuous use, though this varies depending on whether the RGB lighting is on and how often you move the mouse. When the batteries are running low, the mouse may disconnect more frequently or feel less responsive. Replace the batteries as soon as you notice this behavior.

To replace the batteries, flip the mouse over and locate the battery compartment on the bottom. Slide or unclip the compartment cover (depending on your mouse revision) and remove the old batteries. Insert two fresh AA batteries with the + side facing up, close the compartment, and turn the mouse back on. The connection should restore immediately. Keep a spare pair of AA batteries near your desk so you always have replacements ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to install software to use the Aerox 5 Wireless?

No. The mouse works immediately after you insert batteries and plug in the dongle — your computer recognizes it as a standard wireless mouse. The SteelSeries GG app is optional and only needed if you want to remap buttons, adjust DPI presets, or customize the RGB lighting.

Can I use the Aerox 5 Wireless with a Mac?

Yes. The mouse works on macOS without any software, just like on Windows. If you want to use the GG app to customize settings, download it from the SteelSeries website — it is available for both Windows and macOS.

What should I do if the mouse connects but the cursor is slow or jumpy?

Try plugging the dongle into a different USB port, preferably one on the back of your computer or away from other USB devices. USB 3.0 ports and hubs can interfere with the wireless signal. Also move the dongle away from Wi-Fi routers and Bluetooth devices, and make sure the batteries are not low.

How far away can the mouse be from the dongle?

The wireless range is about 6 meters (20 feet) in open space, but walls, metal objects, and other wireless devices can reduce this distance. For the most reliable connection, keep the dongle within a few meters of where you use the mouse.

Can I use one dongle with multiple mice?

No. Each dongle can only connect to one mouse at a time. If you want to use multiple Aerox 5 mice on the same computer, you need a separate dongle for each one.

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