The basic steps to connect your Logitech wireless mouse

Most Logitech wireless mice connect in one of two ways: through a small USB receiver that plugs into your computer, or through Bluetooth if your mouse and computer both support it. The USB receiver method is more common and works on almost any computer. Bluetooth is faster to set up if your device has it built in, but the USB receiver is more reliable if you have connection problems.

Before you start, make sure your mouse has fresh batteries installed and the power switch on the bottom is turned on. You'll see a small light on the mouse when it's powered up. If the light doesn't turn on, the batteries are dead or installed backwards.

Key Takeaways

  • USB receiver mice need the small dongle plugged into any USB port on your computer, then the mouse will connect automatically within seconds.
  • Bluetooth mice require you to hold the pairing button on the mouse for three to five seconds, then select it from your computer's Bluetooth settings.
  • If your mouse doesn't connect, restart your computer and try again — this fixes most connection problems.
  • The Logitech Unifying Receiver can connect up to six Logitech devices at once, so you can use the same dongle for a keyboard and mouse together.

Connecting a USB receiver mouse

Find the small USB receiver that came with your mouse. It's usually a tiny rectangular dongle about the size of a stick of gum. Look in the box your mouse came in, or check if it's already plugged into your computer from a previous setup.

Plug the receiver into any open USB port on your computer. On a desktop, this is usually on the back or front of the tower. On a laptop, it's on the side. Your computer will recognize the receiver automatically — you don't need to install software first. Within a few seconds, your mouse should start working. Move it around to test.

If nothing happens after 10 seconds, unplug the receiver and plug it back in. If the mouse still doesn't work, restart your computer with the receiver plugged in. Windows and Mac both load the correct drivers when you restart.

Connecting a Bluetooth mouse

Check the bottom of your mouse for a small button labeled "Pairing," "Connect," or sometimes just a Bluetooth symbol. On some Logitech mice, you hold this button for three to five seconds until a light on the mouse starts blinking. This puts the mouse into pairing mode, which lasts about two minutes.

On Windows, open Settings, then go to Bluetooth & devices. Click "Add device" and select "Bluetooth." Your mouse should appear in the list within a few seconds. Click it to connect. On Mac, open System Settings, go to Bluetooth, and look for your mouse in the list. Click "Connect" next to it.

Once your mouse appears as "Connected" in your settings, you're done. The connection will stay active every time you turn the mouse on, as long as it's within about 30 feet of your computer.

What to do if your mouse won't connect

The most common reason a Logitech mouse won't connect is dead batteries. Replace them with fresh ones and make sure the power switch on the bottom is in the on position. A small light should glow on the mouse when it's powered up.

If the batteries are fine, restart your computer. This clears out connection problems that happen when the computer's Bluetooth or USB drivers get confused. Unplug the USB receiver or turn off the mouse before restarting, then turn it back on after your computer finishes booting up.

For USB receiver mice, try plugging the receiver into a different USB port. Some ports on older computers don't work properly. If you have a USB hub, plug the receiver directly into your computer instead of the hub.

For Bluetooth mice, forget the mouse from your computer's settings and pair it again from scratch. On Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth > Devices, find your mouse, click the three dots next to it, and select "Remove device." Then hold the pairing button again and reconnect it.

Using the Logitech Unifying Receiver with multiple devices

If you have a Logitech keyboard and mouse, you can use the same USB receiver for both. The Unifying Receiver is a single dongle that connects up to six Logitech devices at once. This saves you a USB port and keeps your desk cleaner.

To add a second device to a Unifying Receiver that's already plugged in, hold the pairing button on the new device for three to five seconds. The receiver will find it automatically. You don't need to unplug anything or restart your computer.

If you lose the original receiver, Logitech sells replacement Unifying Receivers separately. Any Unifying Receiver will work with any Logitech device that supports it, so you don't need the exact original one.

Checking your connection in Windows and Mac settings

On Windows, you can see if your mouse is connected by opening Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices. Your mouse should appear in the list with a status that says "Connected." If it says "Paired" but not "Connected," click it and select "Connect."

On Mac, open System Settings > Bluetooth. Your mouse should appear with a status that says "Connected." If it doesn't, click "Connect" next to the mouse name. If your mouse doesn't appear in the list at all, it's not in pairing mode — hold the pairing button again for three to five seconds.

You can also test your mouse by moving it around and clicking. If the cursor moves and clicks register, your connection is working. If the cursor jumps or freezes, your batteries may be low or the mouse is too far from the receiver.

When to use the Logitech software

Your Logitech mouse works without any software installed. The basic functions — moving the cursor and clicking — work immediately after you connect it. You don't need to download anything to get your free guide.

Logitech does offer optional software called Logitech Options or Logi Options+ that lets you customize button functions, adjust pointer speed, and set up gestures on some mice. You can download this from Logitech's website if you want these features, but it's not required to use your mouse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Logitech wireless mouse without the receiver?

Only if your mouse has Bluetooth built in. Most Logitech wireless mice come with a USB receiver and do not have Bluetooth. Check your mouse manual or the box it came in to see which type you have. If it came with a receiver, you need that receiver to use the mouse.

Why does my mouse keep disconnecting?

Low batteries are the most common cause. Replace them with fresh ones. If the batteries are new, move the receiver or mouse closer to your computer — wireless signals weaken over distance. For USB receivers, try a different USB port. For Bluetooth, restart your computer and re-pair the mouse.

Can I connect my Logitech mouse to multiple computers?

A USB receiver mouse can only connect to one computer at a time. You would need to unplug the receiver and plug it into a different computer. A Bluetooth mouse can be paired to multiple computers, but it only connects to one at a time. You'll need to disconnect it from one computer before connecting to another.

What if I lost the USB receiver?

Contact Logitech support with your mouse model number and they can send you a replacement receiver. You can also buy a universal Logitech Unifying Receiver online, which works with most Logitech wireless mice and keyboards. The model number is usually on the bottom of your mouse or in the original box.

Does my mouse need to be charged?

No. Logitech wireless mice use replaceable AA or AAA batteries, not rechargeable batteries. When the batteries run low, replace them with fresh ones. Some mice have a battery indicator light that dims when batteries are getting weak.