The simplest way to charge your Magic Mouse

Your Apple Magic Mouse charges through a Lightning port on its underside. Plug the included Lightning-to-USB cable into that port, then plug the other end into any USB power adapter — the one that came with your Mac, your iPhone, or any standard USB adapter will work. The mouse will charge while you use it, though Apple recommends letting it sit for a few minutes to reach a full charge.

You do not need to turn the mouse off to charge it. The battery indicator appears in the menu bar at the top of your screen (look for a battery icon), and it will show you the current charge level. When the mouse is fully charged, that icon will show 100 percent.

A full charge from empty takes roughly two hours. In practice, the Magic Mouse battery lasts weeks between charges because it uses very little power — most people charge it once a month or less often.

Key Takeaways

  • The Lightning port is on the bottom of the mouse, and you use the included Lightning-to-USB cable to charge it.
  • Any USB power adapter works — you do not need Apple's specific adapter, and you can charge while using the mouse.
  • The battery icon in your menu bar shows the current charge level, and a full charge from empty takes about two hours.
  • One full charge typically lasts several weeks of normal use, so you will charge infrequently.

Where the charging port is located

The Lightning port sits on the flat underside of the mouse, toward the back edge. You will need to flip the mouse over to see it. The port is small and rectangular, and it is the only port on the device.

When you plug in the cable, the connector goes in only one way — if it does not slide in smoothly, flip it over and try again. Do not force it. The cable is short (about three feet), so you will be charging the mouse near your desk or workspace.

Using the right cable and power adapter

The Magic Mouse comes with a Lightning-to-USB cable in the box. This is the cable you will use every time you charge. If you lose it, you can buy a replacement Lightning-to-USB cable from Apple or from third-party makers like Anker or Belkin — any standard Lightning-to-USB cable works.

The power adapter (the brick that plugs into the wall) can be any USB adapter. Your Mac's power adapter works. Your iPhone's power adapter works. A generic USB adapter from Amazon works. The mouse draws very little power, so there is no risk of using the wrong adapter.

Do not use a USB-C cable or adapter. The Magic Mouse uses Lightning, not USB-C. If you have a newer Mac with only USB-C ports, you will need a USB-C-to-USB-A adapter to connect a standard USB power adapter, or you can buy a USB-C power adapter separately.

Checking the battery level

The easiest way to see how much charge your mouse has is to look at the battery icon in the menu bar — the row of icons at the top right of your screen. Click that icon and a small menu appears showing the exact percentage. If the icon is not visible, you can turn it on in System Settings.

To turn on the battery icon: open System Settings, click Control Center in the sidebar, then scroll down and toggle on Battery. The icon will appear in your menu bar from that point forward.

When the battery gets very low (usually below 5 percent), your Mac will show a notification asking you to charge the mouse. You can keep using it for a short time after that warning, but charging it soon after will prevent the battery from draining completely.

What to do if the mouse will not charge

If you plug in the cable and the battery icon does not start rising after a minute or two, first check that the cable is fully inserted into the port on the bottom of the mouse. The connection can look seated when it is actually slightly loose.

Next, try a different USB power adapter. Occasionally an adapter fails or does not deliver enough power. If the mouse charges with a different adapter, the first one is the problem.

If the mouse still will not charge with multiple cables and adapters, the Lightning port itself may be damaged or the battery may have failed. This is rare. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to have the mouse inspected. If the mouse is still under warranty (one year from purchase), Apple will replace it at no cost.

Charging habits that extend battery life

The Magic Mouse battery is designed to last for years, but a few habits help keep it healthy. Avoid letting the battery drain completely to zero — charge it when you see the low-battery warning. Do not leave the mouse plugged in for weeks at a time; once it reaches 100 percent, unplug it.

Store the mouse in a cool, dry place if you will not use it for a long time. Extreme heat or cold can damage the battery, though normal room temperature is fine. If you store the mouse for months, charge it to about 50 percent before putting it away, then charge it again before you use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the mouse while it is charging?

Yes. The mouse works normally while plugged in. You can use it right away — you do not have to wait for a full charge. Many people charge their mouse overnight or while working and never notice the cable.

How long does a full charge last?

A single charge typically lasts several weeks of normal daily use. The exact time depends on how much you use the mouse, but most people charge once a month or less. Apple's official estimate is about a month per charge.

What if I lose the charging cable?

You can buy a replacement Lightning-to-USB cable from Apple, Amazon, or other retailers. Any standard Lightning-to-USB cable works — you do not need an Apple-branded one. Prices range from about $10 to $20.

Is it bad to leave the mouse plugged in all the time?

It is not harmful for a day or two, but it is not necessary. Once the battery reaches 100 percent, unplug the cable. Leaving it plugged in for weeks does not damage the battery, but it is wasteful and unnecessary given how long a charge lasts.

Can I charge the Magic Mouse with a USB-C cable?

No. The Magic Mouse uses a Lightning port, not USB-C. If your only power adapter has a USB-C port, you will need a USB-C-to-USB-A adapter to use a standard USB power adapter, or you can buy a USB-C power adapter separately.