The basic steps to connect your Logitech wireless mouse
A wireless mouse connects to your computer without a cable, using a small radio receiver (called a dongle) that plugs into a USB port. Logitech wireless mice come in two types: those that use a proprietary receiver that only works with Logitech devices, and those that use standard Bluetooth. The connection process differs slightly depending on which type you have, but both take about five minutes.
Before you start, check the bottom of your mouse for a label that says either "Unifying Receiver" (Logitech's proprietary system) or "Bluetooth" (the standard wireless protocol). If you see neither label, look in the box your mouse came in — the receiver may be stored separately or attached to the underside of the mouse with a small clip.
The mouse will not work until you complete the pairing process, which tells your computer and mouse to recognize each other. Without this step, your computer will not respond to the mouse movements or clicks, even if the receiver is plugged in.
Key Takeaways
- Logitech wireless mice use either a Unifying Receiver (a small USB dongle) or Bluetooth, and the connection method depends on which type you have.
- Insert fresh batteries into the mouse before you begin, and make sure the power switch on the bottom is turned on.
- For Unifying Receiver mice, plug the receiver into any USB port and press the connect button on the bottom of the mouse within 20 seconds.
- For Bluetooth mice, enable Bluetooth on your computer, then press and hold the connect button on the mouse until the light blinks, and select it from your computer's Bluetooth list.
- If the mouse does not respond after pairing, restart your computer or replace the batteries — dead batteries are the most common reason a wireless mouse stops working.
Connecting a Logitech Unifying Receiver mouse
If your mouse came with a small USB receiver (about the size of a USB flash drive cap), this is the Unifying Receiver system. This receiver is the physical connection between your mouse and computer, so the mouse will only work when the receiver is plugged in.
First, insert two AA or AAA batteries into the battery compartment on the bottom of the mouse — check the label on the mouse to see which size it needs. Make sure the batteries are inserted with the correct polarity (the + and − ends should match the diagram inside the compartment). Flip the mouse over and locate the power switch on the bottom; slide it to the ON position.
Plug the Unifying Receiver into any available USB port on your computer. It does not matter which port you use. Your computer will recognize the receiver automatically — you do not need to install software first, though Logitech software is available on their website if you want to customize button functions or sensitivity later.
Now press and hold the connect button on the bottom of the mouse (usually a small recessed button near the batteries) for three seconds until the light on the mouse blinks. The mouse is now searching for the receiver. Within 20 seconds, your computer should recognize the mouse and the light will stop blinking. Move the mouse around to test it — the cursor should follow your movements when ready.
Connecting a Logitech Bluetooth mouse
Bluetooth mice do not need a receiver — they connect directly to your computer's built-in Bluetooth radio. This means you have one fewer cable to manage, but your computer must have Bluetooth capability (nearly all laptops and many desktop computers do).
Insert batteries into the mouse and turn on the power switch, just as you would with a Unifying Receiver mouse. Then, on your computer, open the Bluetooth settings. On Windows, click the Start menu, type "Bluetooth settings," and open the result. On Mac, click the Apple menu, select System Settings, then click Bluetooth in the sidebar.
Make sure Bluetooth is turned on (you should see a toggle switch set to ON). Now press and hold the connect button on the bottom of your Logitech mouse for five to ten seconds until the light blinks rapidly — this tells the mouse to broadcast its presence to nearby devices. Your mouse should appear in the list of available devices on your computer within a few seconds.
Click or tap the mouse name in the Bluetooth list to pair it. Your computer will confirm the connection, and the light on the mouse will stop blinking. Test the mouse by moving it and clicking — the cursor should respond when ready.
What to do if the mouse does not respond
If you have completed the pairing steps but the mouse still does not move the cursor, the most common cause is dead or incorrectly installed batteries. Remove the batteries from the mouse, wait ten seconds, and reinsert them, making sure they are oriented correctly. If the mouse has a power switch, turn it off and back on.
If the batteries are fresh and correctly installed, restart your computer. This clears any connection errors and forces your computer to re-recognize the receiver or Bluetooth connection. After the restart, move the mouse and click a button to wake it up.
For Unifying Receiver mice, make sure the receiver is fully inserted into the USB port — it should sit flush with the port, not sticking out. Try plugging it into a different USB port on your computer. Some USB ports (particularly those on the back of a desktop computer) have stronger power than others.
If you are using a Bluetooth mouse, check that Bluetooth is still enabled on your computer and that the mouse appears in your Bluetooth settings. If it does not, repeat the pairing process: press and hold the connect button on the mouse for ten seconds, then select it from your computer's Bluetooth list again.
Finding the connect button and receiver on your specific mouse
The connect button location varies by Logitech mouse model. On most models, it is a small recessed button on the bottom of the mouse, near the battery compartment. Some models have the button on the side. If you cannot find it, check the underside of the mouse for a small circular indentation — this is usually the connect button.
For Unifying Receiver mice, the receiver may be clipped to the bottom of the mouse under a small plastic tab, or it may be stored separately in the box. If it is clipped to the mouse, gently slide the tab to release it. The receiver is small and straightforward to lose, so store it in a safe place if you remove it.
If you have lost the receiver for a Unifying Receiver mouse, you can purchase a replacement from Logitech or from electronics retailers. A single receiver can pair with up to six Logitech Unifying devices, so you can use one receiver with multiple mice and keyboards if you have them.
Customizing your mouse after pairing
Once your mouse is connected and working, you can adjust how it behaves by downloading Logitech Options software from Logitech's website. This software lets you change the sensitivity (how far the cursor moves when you move the mouse), reassign button functions, and set up gestures on mice that support them.
You do not need this software for the mouse to work — the default settings are fine for most people. But if you find the cursor moves too slowly or too quickly, or if you want to use the side buttons for specific tasks, the software makes these changes straightforward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Logitech Unifying Receiver mouse on a Mac?
Yes. The Unifying Receiver works on both Windows and Mac computers. Plug it into any USB port and press the connect button on the mouse. Your Mac will recognize it automatically without any software installation.
What if my mouse has a receiver but I want to use Bluetooth instead?
Not all Logitech mice support both connection types. Check the product manual or Logitech's website for your specific model. If your mouse only supports Unifying Receiver, you cannot switch to Bluetooth — you must use the receiver.
How long do batteries last in a wireless mouse?
Battery life depends on how much you use the mouse, but most Logitech wireless mice run for six months to two years on a single set of batteries. The mouse will usually give you a warning (a light on the bottom will change color) when the battery is running low.
Can I pair one Unifying Receiver with multiple mice?
Yes. A single Unifying Receiver can pair with up to six Logitech devices. To add another mouse, plug the receiver into your computer, press the connect button on the new mouse, and repeat the pairing process. Each device will work with the same receiver.
Why does my mouse cursor jump around or freeze?
This usually means the batteries are dying or the receiver is too far from your computer. Replace the batteries first. If the problem continues, move the receiver closer to your mouse or try a different USB port. Interference from other wireless devices (like microwaves or cordless phones) can also cause this — move the receiver away from these devices if possible.