The basic process: pair first, then use

Connecting a Bluetooth mouse to a Mac means telling your Mac that the mouse exists and is allowed to communicate with it — this is called pairing — and then turning on the mouse so it can connect. You do the pairing once. After that, you just turn the mouse on and it reconnects automatically.

The pairing happens in your Mac's System Settings, not on the mouse itself. Most mice have a power button and sometimes a pairing button, but the Mac is where you actually set up the connection.

Key Takeaways

  • Pairing a Bluetooth mouse happens in System Settings under Bluetooth, not on the mouse itself.
  • Your mouse must be powered on and in pairing mode (usually a button you hold for three seconds) before your Mac can see it.
  • Once paired, the mouse reconnects automatically when you turn it on — you do not need to pair it again.
  • If your Mac does not see the mouse, restart Bluetooth by turning it off and back on in System Settings.

Step 1: Turn on the mouse and put it in pairing mode

Find the power button on your mouse — it is usually on the bottom or side. Turn it on. The mouse will light up or show some sign that it is powered.

Next, look for a pairing button. On most mice, this is a small button you hold down for about three seconds until a light blinks or changes color. The light blinking means the mouse is now in pairing mode and looking for a Mac to connect to. If your mouse has no separate pairing button, it may enter pairing mode automatically when you turn it on for the first time — check the instructions that came with it.

Step 2: Open System Settings on your Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen, then click System Settings. (On older Macs running Big Sur or earlier, this was called System Preferences.)

In System Settings, look for Bluetooth in the sidebar on the left. Click it.

Step 3: Select your mouse from the list

Your Mac is now scanning for Bluetooth devices. Within a few seconds, your mouse should appear in the list under "Available devices" or similar. The name will usually be the brand and model — something like "Logitech MX Master 3" or "Apple Magic Mouse."

Click the mouse name. Your Mac will ask you to confirm the pairing. Click Connect or Pair (the button name varies by Mac model). The mouse will move from the "Available devices" list to the "Connected" list, and the light on the mouse will stop blinking.

Step 4: Test the mouse

Move the mouse around on your desk. The cursor on your screen should move with it. Click the mouse button — the click should register on your Mac. If both work, the connection is complete.

From now on, you only need to turn the mouse on. It will reconnect to your Mac automatically without any pairing steps. You do not need to open System Settings again unless you want to disconnect it or pair a different mouse.

What to do if your Mac does not see the mouse

If the mouse does not appear in the Bluetooth list after 30 seconds, the pairing mode may have timed out. Turn off the mouse, wait five seconds, turn it back on, and hold the pairing button again for three seconds. Then go back to System Settings and look for it in the list.

If it still does not appear, try restarting Bluetooth on your Mac. In System Settings, click the Bluetooth toggle to turn it off, wait five seconds, then turn it back on. This clears out any stuck connections and often fixes the problem. Your mouse should appear in the list within a few seconds.

If you have tried these steps and the mouse still will not appear, check that the mouse has fresh batteries (if it uses them) and that the pairing button is actually working — some mice have a very small button that is straightforward to miss. Consult the instructions that came with your mouse for the exact location and how long to hold it.

Disconnecting or forgetting a mouse

If you want to stop using a mouse or pair a different one, go to System Settings, click Bluetooth, find the mouse in the Connected list, and click the X or Remove button next to its name. This "forgets" the mouse so your Mac will not try to reconnect to it automatically.

You can also temporarily disconnect a mouse by turning it off. It will not reconnect until you turn it back on. Forgetting it is different — forgetting removes it from your Mac's memory entirely, so you would have to pair it again from scratch if you wanted to use it later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pair my mouse every time I use it?

No. You pair it once. After that, just turn the mouse on and it reconnects automatically. Pairing is a one-time setup.

Why is my mouse connected but not moving the cursor?

Check that the mouse is not in sleep mode — move it or click a button to wake it up. If that does not work, try turning the mouse off and back on. If the cursor still does not move, go to System Settings, Bluetooth, and click Disconnect, then Reconnect to reset the connection.

Can I use multiple Bluetooth mice with one Mac?

Yes. Pair each mouse separately in System Settings. Only one can be active at a time, but you can switch between them by turning one off and turning another on.

What if I lost the pairing button or cannot find it?

Some mice enter pairing mode automatically when turned on for the first time, or when you hold the power button for a longer period. Check the manual or the manufacturer's website for your specific model. You can also try searching online for your mouse model plus "pairing instructions."

Will my mouse work with other devices after I pair it with my Mac?

It depends on the mouse. Some mice can pair with multiple devices and switch between them. Others pair with one device at a time and need to be forgotten and re-paired to switch. Check your mouse manual to see if it supports multi-device pairing.