Wired and wireless mice both work with Mac computers, but the connection method depends on the type of mouse you have

A wired mouse connects through a USB port on your Mac — just plug it in and it works immediately. A wireless mouse connects through Bluetooth, which requires a few steps in your Mac's settings. Both types work with any recent Mac model, whether you're using a MacBook, iMac, Mac mini, or Mac Studio.

The mouse you choose doesn't have to be made by Apple. Any mouse that supports macOS will work, including popular brands like Logitech, Microsoft, and Razer. The connection process is the same regardless of brand.

Key Takeaways

  • Wired mice plug directly into a USB port and start working without any setup steps.
  • Wireless mice need to be paired through your Mac's Bluetooth settings before first use.
  • You can switch between multiple mice on the same Mac by pairing them all and selecting which one to use.
  • If your mouse stops responding, toggling Bluetooth off and on usually fixes the connection.

Connecting a wired mouse through USB

Plug the mouse's USB cable into any available USB port on your Mac. On a MacBook, this is usually a USB-C port on the side. On an iMac or Mac mini, look for USB-A ports on the back or sides of the computer.

The mouse will begin working within a few seconds. You do not need to install software or change any settings. If the mouse has extra buttons or features, your Mac may prompt you to download software from the manufacturer, but basic clicking and scrolling work immediately.

Pairing a wireless mouse through Bluetooth

Turn on your wireless mouse and make sure it is in pairing mode. Most mice enter pairing mode automatically when turned on for the first time, or when you hold down a dedicated pairing button for three to five seconds. Check your mouse's manual if you are unsure — the pairing button is often on the bottom or side of the device.

On your Mac, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. Click Bluetooth in the left sidebar. Your Mac will begin searching for nearby devices. When your mouse appears in the list, click it to pair.

Once paired, your mouse will reconnect automatically whenever it is turned on and within range of your Mac. You do not need to repeat the pairing process unless you pair the mouse with a different computer.

Using multiple mice on the same Mac

You can pair more than one wireless mouse to your Mac and switch between them at any time. Pair each mouse through Bluetooth using the steps above. Only one mouse will be active at a time, but you can use whichever one you prefer without unpairing the others.

If you want to use a wired mouse and a wireless mouse together, plug in the wired one and pair the wireless one through Bluetooth. Both will work simultaneously, though your Mac will prioritize input from whichever mouse you use most recently.

Troubleshooting a mouse that stops responding

If your wireless mouse stops moving or clicking, first check that it is turned on and has batteries with charge remaining. Replace the batteries if needed, or plug in a rechargeable mouse to charge it.

If the mouse is on and charged, toggle Bluetooth off and on. Click the Apple menu, select System Settings, click Bluetooth, and switch the toggle off. Wait five seconds, then switch it back on. Your mouse should reconnect within a few seconds.

If the mouse still does not respond, unpair it and pair it again. In System Settings > Bluetooth, find your mouse in the list, click the information icon next to it, and select Remove. Then turn your mouse off and on again to re-enter pairing mode, and pair it as you did the first time.

Adjusting mouse speed and button settings

Once your mouse is connected, you can change how fast the cursor moves and how the buttons work. Click the Apple menu, select System Settings, then click Mouse in the sidebar.

You can adjust Tracking speed to make the cursor move faster or slower across the screen. You can also change what the right-click button does, enable or disable scrolling direction, and adjust the double-click speed. These settings apply to whichever mouse is currently active.

Connecting a mouse to a MacBook with limited ports

If you have a newer MacBook with only USB-C ports, a wired mouse requires a USB-C to USB-A adapter, which you can buy separately. Wireless mice are often more convenient for MacBooks since they do not take up a port and reduce cable clutter.

Some MacBook users prefer a wireless mouse because it frees up the USB-C ports for charging and other devices. A wireless mouse with a long battery life means you can work for weeks or months between charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to install software to use a mouse on my Mac?

No. Any wired or wireless mouse will work with basic clicking and scrolling without software. If your mouse has extra buttons or special features, the manufacturer may offer software to customize them, but this is optional.

Can I use a Windows mouse on a Mac?

Yes. Most mice work with both Windows and Mac computers. The connection method is the same — plug in a wired mouse or pair a wireless one through Bluetooth. Some mice made specifically for Windows may have extra buttons that do not work on Mac, but standard clicking and scrolling will function normally.

Why is my wireless mouse draining batteries so quickly?

Wireless mice typically last weeks or months on a set of batteries, depending on how much you use the computer. If batteries drain in days, the mouse may be in pairing mode constantly, or the batteries may be old. Try fresh batteries first. If the problem continues, unpair and re-pair the mouse to ensure it is not stuck searching for a connection.

Can I connect a mouse to my Mac while it is sleeping?

A wired mouse will wake your Mac when you move it or click. A wireless mouse will also wake your Mac, but only if Bluetooth is still on. If your Mac is shut down completely, you will need to turn it on manually — the mouse cannot wake it from a powered-off state.

What if my mouse is paired but not showing up in Bluetooth settings?

Turn the mouse off completely, wait ten seconds, and turn it back on. If it still does not appear, unpair it by clicking the information icon next to its name in Bluetooth settings and selecting Remove. Then restart the pairing process from the beginning.