The basic steps to connect an Onn wireless mouse

An Onn wireless mouse connects to your computer in one of two ways: either through a USB receiver that plugs into your computer, or through Bluetooth if your mouse and computer both support it. Most Onn mice use the USB receiver method, which is simpler and works with almost any computer made in the last ten years. The mouse will not work until you complete the pairing process, which takes about two minutes and requires no software installation.

The exact steps depend on whether your mouse came with a USB receiver or uses Bluetooth. If you have the receiver, you will plug it in first, then turn on the mouse and press a pairing button. If your mouse uses Bluetooth, you will turn on the mouse, then search for it in your computer's Bluetooth settings and select it from the list. Either way, once the mouse is paired, it should work immediately.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Onn wireless mice come with a small USB receiver that plugs into any USB port on your computer — no software installation needed.
  • The pairing button on the bottom or side of the mouse must be pressed within a few seconds of plugging in the receiver for the connection to work.
  • If your mouse uses Bluetooth instead of a receiver, you will find it in your computer's Bluetooth settings under a name like "Onn Mouse" or a model number.
  • Once paired, the mouse will reconnect automatically each time you turn it on, as long as the receiver stays plugged in or Bluetooth stays enabled.

Connecting a USB receiver mouse

If your Onn mouse came with a small USB dongle or receiver, this is the most common connection method. The receiver is a tiny rectangular device, usually about the size of a USB thumb drive, that stays plugged into your computer. Find an open USB port on your computer — the back of a desktop tower, the side of a laptop, or a USB hub if you have one — and push the receiver in until it clicks.

Once the receiver is plugged in, turn on the mouse by flipping the power switch on the bottom to the "On" position. Within a few seconds, look for a small button on the bottom or side of the mouse labeled "Pair," "Connect," or sometimes just a symbol of two linked circles. Press and hold this button for about three seconds. The mouse should now be paired with the receiver. You will know it worked when you move the mouse and the cursor on your screen moves with it.

If the cursor does not move, try these steps: unplug the receiver and plug it back in, wait ten seconds, then press the pairing button again. Make sure the mouse batteries are not dead — if the mouse has a battery indicator light, it should glow when you press the pairing button. If you still have no luck, move to the troubleshooting section below.

Connecting a Bluetooth mouse

Some Onn mice connect through Bluetooth instead of a USB receiver. These mice have no receiver to plug in. To connect a Bluetooth mouse, first turn on the mouse using the power switch on the bottom. Then look for a pairing button — usually on the bottom or side — and press it for three to five seconds. The mouse should enter pairing mode, often shown by a blinking light.

On your computer, open the Bluetooth settings. On Windows, right-click the Start menu, select "Settings," then go to "Devices" and "Bluetooth & other devices." On a Mac, click the Apple menu, select "System Settings," then "Bluetooth." In either case, look for your mouse in the list of available devices. It will appear as "Onn Mouse," "Onn Wireless Mouse," or a model number like "Onn M18." Click or select it, and your computer will pair with the mouse. Once paired, the mouse will reconnect automatically whenever it is turned on and Bluetooth is enabled on your computer.

What to do if the mouse does not pair

If you have followed the pairing steps and the mouse still does not work, start by checking the batteries. Open the battery compartment on the bottom or side of the mouse — it usually slides or twists open — and replace the batteries with fresh ones. Most Onn mice use AA or AAA batteries. Insert them with the correct polarity (the + side should face the direction marked in the compartment) and close the compartment securely.

Next, try unpairing and repairing. For a USB receiver mouse, unplug the receiver from your computer, wait ten seconds, plug it back in, and press the pairing button again. For a Bluetooth mouse, go to your Bluetooth settings, find the mouse in the list of paired devices, and select "Remove" or "Forget." Then turn off the mouse, turn it back on, press the pairing button, and search for it again in Bluetooth settings.

If the mouse still will not pair after fresh batteries and a full unpair-repair cycle, the receiver or Bluetooth module may be faulty. At that point, contact the retailer where you bought the mouse — Onn products are sold primarily at Walmart — or check the warranty information that came in the box.

Using the mouse after it is paired

Once your Onn mouse is paired, it will work like any other wireless mouse. Move it on a flat surface to move the cursor on your screen. Click the left button to select items, right-click to open menus, and scroll with the scroll wheel if your model has one. The mouse will stay connected as long as the receiver is plugged in (for USB mice) or Bluetooth is enabled (for Bluetooth mice).

If the mouse stops responding during use, the batteries may be low. Replace them with fresh ones. If you are using a USB receiver and the mouse suddenly stops working, try unplugging the receiver and plugging it back in. For Bluetooth mice, turn the mouse off and back on, or toggle Bluetooth off and back on in your computer settings. These simple steps usually restore the connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to install software or drivers for an Onn wireless mouse?

No. Onn wireless mice work with plug-and-play USB receivers or standard Bluetooth, so your computer recognizes them immediately without any software. Windows and Mac both have built-in support for wireless mice, and the mouse will function right away once paired.

Can I use an Onn mouse with a tablet or phone?

Only if your tablet or phone supports Bluetooth and your Onn mouse is a Bluetooth model, not a USB receiver model. USB receiver mice will not work with tablets or phones because they have no USB ports. Check your mouse documentation to see which type you have.

What if I lose the USB receiver?

You will need to buy a replacement receiver. Onn does not sell receivers separately in most cases, so you may need to purchase a new mouse. Some third-party wireless receivers are compatible with Onn mice, but compatibility is not may provide — check the product description before buying.

Can I use one receiver with multiple Onn mice?

No. Each USB receiver is paired to one mouse. If you want to use multiple wireless mice on the same computer, you will need a separate receiver for each one, or use Bluetooth mice instead.

Why does my mouse cursor jump around or freeze?

This usually means the batteries are low or dying. Replace them with fresh batteries first. If the problem continues, try moving the mouse closer to the receiver (for USB mice) or your computer (for Bluetooth mice). Interference from other wireless devices, metal objects, or thick walls can weaken the signal.