The basic steps to pair your Magic Mouse

To connect an Apple Magic Mouse, turn it on, open System Settings or System Preferences on your device, go to Bluetooth, and select the Magic Mouse from the list of available devices. The pairing usually takes less than a minute. Once connected, the mouse will stay paired to that device unless you unpair it or connect it to a different device.

The Magic Mouse works with Mac computers running macOS 10.5 or later, and with iPad models running iPadOS 13.1 or later. You'll need fresh batteries (two AA batteries) or a charged battery if you have a newer model with built-in rechargeable battery. The mouse has a power switch on the bottom — make sure it's in the on position before you start pairing.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn on the Magic Mouse using the switch on the bottom, then open Bluetooth settings on your Mac or iPad and select it from the available devices list.
  • The pairing process takes less than a minute and happens automatically once you select the mouse in Bluetooth settings.
  • A Magic Mouse can be paired to multiple devices but will only actively connect to one at a time.
  • If the mouse doesn't appear in your Bluetooth list, check that it's powered on, the batteries are fresh, and you're within 10 feet of your device.

Pairing on a Mac with System Settings

On newer Macs running macOS Ventura or later, open System Settings from the Apple menu. Click Bluetooth in the left sidebar. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on — you'll see a toggle at the top. The Magic Mouse should appear in the list of available devices within a few seconds of turning it on.

Click the Magic Mouse in the list. Your Mac will connect automatically and show "Connected" next to the device name. You can now close System Settings and start using the mouse. The connection will restore automatically the next time you turn on the Magic Mouse near your Mac.

Pairing on an older Mac with System Preferences

If you're using macOS Monterey or earlier, the process is nearly identical but uses System Preferences instead of System Settings. Open System Preferences from the Apple menu and click Bluetooth. Turn on Bluetooth if it's off, then wait for the Magic Mouse to appear in the device list.

Click the Magic Mouse and select "Pair". Your Mac will connect within seconds. You'll see "Connected" next to the device name when pairing is complete. Close System Preferences and your mouse is ready to use.

Pairing on an iPad

On iPad, open Settings and tap Bluetooth in the left sidebar. Make sure Bluetooth is on. Turn on your Magic Mouse and wait for it to appear in the list of available devices — this usually takes 5 to 10 seconds.

Tap the Magic Mouse in the list. Your iPad will connect automatically. You'll see "Connected" next to the device name. Close Settings and you can start using the mouse with your iPad. The connection will restore automatically when you turn the mouse on near your iPad in the future.

What to do if the Magic Mouse doesn't appear

If the Magic Mouse isn't showing up in your Bluetooth list, first check the power switch on the bottom of the mouse — it should be in the on position. If it's on, check that the batteries are fresh. Weak batteries are the most common reason a Magic Mouse won't appear in Bluetooth settings.

Make sure you're within 10 feet of your device and that no other devices are actively using the mouse. If the mouse was recently paired to a different device, it may still be trying to connect to that device instead. Move away from the other device or turn off Bluetooth on it temporarily. If you've tried all this and the mouse still doesn't appear, restart your Mac or iPad and try again.

Switching the Magic Mouse between devices

A Magic Mouse can be paired to multiple devices, but it will only actively connect to one at a time. To switch it to a different device, simply turn off Bluetooth on the current device or move the mouse out of range. Then turn on Bluetooth on the device you want to use it with and turn on the Magic Mouse. It will connect to the nearest device it's already paired with.

If you want to unpair the mouse from a device entirely, open Bluetooth settings, find the Magic Mouse in the list, and click the X or "Remove" button next to it. The mouse will no longer connect to that device automatically. You can pair it again at any time by following the same steps as the initial pairing.

Checking your Magic Mouse battery level

On a Mac, you can see your Magic Mouse battery level in the Bluetooth menu. Click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar at the top of your screen and look for the Magic Mouse in the list — the battery percentage appears next to it. On iPad, open Settings, tap Bluetooth, and look for the battery percentage next to the Magic Mouse name.

If your Magic Mouse uses replaceable batteries, replace them when the level drops below 20 percent to avoid unexpected disconnections. If you have a newer Magic Mouse with a built-in rechargeable battery, connect it to a USB-C cable when the battery is low. The mouse will continue to work while charging, though at a slower response rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Magic Mouse with Windows?

No. Apple Magic Mouse is designed only for macOS and iPadOS. Windows computers don't have native support for Magic Mouse gestures and may not recognize it at all. If you need a mouse for Windows, you'll need a standard Bluetooth mouse designed for Windows or a wired USB mouse.

Why does my Magic Mouse keep disconnecting?

The most common cause is low battery. Check the battery level in Bluetooth settings and replace or recharge the batteries if needed. If the battery is fine, try moving closer to your device — interference or distance can cause drops. Restart your Mac or iPad if disconnections continue.

Can I pair one Magic Mouse to multiple Macs at the same time?

You can pair a Magic Mouse to multiple Macs, but it will only actively connect to one at a time. To use it with a different Mac, turn off Bluetooth on the current Mac or move the mouse out of range, then it will connect to the other Mac automatically.

Do I need to install drivers for the Magic Mouse?

No. macOS and iPadOS have built-in support for Magic Mouse, so no drivers or software installation is needed. Pairing through Bluetooth settings is all you need to do.

What's the difference between Magic Mouse and Magic Mouse 2?

Magic Mouse 2 (released in 2015) has a rechargeable battery instead of replaceable AA batteries, and a Lightning port on the bottom for charging. Both pair the same way through Bluetooth settings. Magic Mouse 2 works with the same Mac and iPad models as the original Magic Mouse.