The basic steps to pair a Bluetooth mouse

A Bluetooth mouse connects to your computer wirelessly using radio signals instead of a cable. To connect one, you turn on the mouse, make sure your computer's Bluetooth is on, then tell your computer to find and remember the mouse. The whole process usually takes under a minute.

Most mice have a small button on the bottom or side labeled "Connect," "Pair," or sometimes just a Bluetooth symbol. Press and hold this button for three to five seconds until a light on the mouse starts blinking — that blinking means the mouse is broadcasting its signal and ready to be found. If your mouse came with instructions, check whether it needs a different action; some older models require you to flip a switch instead.

While the mouse is blinking, go to your computer's settings and turn on Bluetooth if it is not already on. Your computer will then scan for nearby Bluetooth devices. When your mouse appears in the list, click on it. Your computer and mouse will exchange information and remember each other — this is called pairing. After that, the mouse will connect automatically whenever you turn it on and your computer's Bluetooth is active.

Key Takeaways

  • Press and hold the pairing button on your mouse until its light blinks, which signals that it is ready to connect.
  • Turn on Bluetooth in your computer's settings, then select your mouse from the list of nearby devices.
  • Once paired, your mouse will reconnect automatically each time you turn it on, as long as Bluetooth remains on.
  • If your mouse does not appear in the device list, restart both the mouse and your computer's Bluetooth, then try again.
  • Most mice work with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, but check your mouse's documentation to confirm compatibility with your system.

Where to find the pairing button on your mouse

The pairing button is usually on the bottom of the mouse, sometimes hidden under a small rubber panel or battery cover. Look for a button labeled with the Bluetooth symbol (two small triangles pointing toward each other), the word "Connect," or "Pair." On some wireless mice, especially older ones, you may find a small switch instead of a button — flip it to the "Pairing" or "On" position.

If you cannot find a button or switch, check the instruction sheet that came with your mouse. The documentation will show exactly where to look and how long to hold the button. If you no longer have the instructions, the manufacturer's website usually has a PDF you can read by searching for your mouse model number. The model number is typically printed on the bottom of the mouse or inside the battery compartment.

Turning on Bluetooth on Windows computers

On Windows 10 or 11, click the Windows icon in the bottom left corner, then type "Bluetooth" into the search box. Click "Bluetooth and other devices settings" when it appears. You will see a toggle switch at the top of the window — make sure it is turned on (it should be blue).

Once Bluetooth is on, you will see a button that says "Add device" or "Add Bluetooth device." Click this button, then select "Bluetooth" from the menu that appears. Your computer will start scanning for devices. When your mouse appears in the list, click on it once. Windows will pair with the mouse and show a confirmation message when it is done.

Turning on Bluetooth on Mac computers

On a Mac, click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select "System Settings" (or "System Preferences" on older versions). Click "Bluetooth" in the left sidebar. You will see a toggle switch — make sure it is turned on.

Your Mac will automatically scan for nearby Bluetooth devices once Bluetooth is on. When your mouse appears in the list, click on it. Your Mac will pair with the mouse and show "Connected" next to the mouse name when it is done. If the mouse does not appear, make sure the pairing button on the mouse is still blinking, then wait a few seconds and try again.

What to do if your mouse does not appear in the device list

If your mouse is not showing up, the most common reason is that the pairing button was not held long enough or the light is no longer blinking. Go back to the mouse and press the pairing button again for a full five seconds, watching for the light to blink. Then when ready go back to your computer and try to add the device again.

If the mouse still does not appear, restart your computer's Bluetooth. On Windows, go back to Bluetooth settings and toggle the switch off, wait five seconds, then toggle it back on. On Mac, click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar at the top and select "Turn Bluetooth Off," wait five seconds, then turn it back on. After restarting Bluetooth, press the pairing button on the mouse again and try to add it.

If you have tried these steps and the mouse still will not connect, check whether your computer actually has Bluetooth. Some older desktop computers do not have Bluetooth built in — if that is the case, you can buy a small USB Bluetooth adapter that plugs into your computer and adds Bluetooth capability. These adapters are inexpensive and work with most mice.

How to reconnect a mouse that was previously paired

Once your mouse is paired with your computer, it will reconnect automatically the next time you turn it on. You do not need to press the pairing button again or go through the settings. Just turn on the mouse, make sure your computer's Bluetooth is on, and the mouse will connect within a few seconds.

If your mouse does not reconnect automatically, first check that Bluetooth is turned on in your computer's settings. Then turn the mouse off and back on. If it still does not connect, you may need to "forget" the mouse and pair it again. On Windows, go to Bluetooth settings, right-click the mouse name, and select "Remove device." On Mac, click the X next to the mouse name in Bluetooth settings. Then follow the pairing steps again as if it were a new mouse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to charge my Bluetooth mouse?

Most Bluetooth mice use AA or AAA batteries that last several months before needing replacement. Some newer mice have rechargeable batteries and come with a USB charging cable. Check your mouse's documentation to see which type yours uses. When the mouse stops responding or moves slowly, the batteries are usually low and need replacing or recharging.

Can I use one Bluetooth mouse with multiple computers?

Yes, but the mouse can only be connected to one computer at a time. If you want to switch the mouse to a different computer, you will need to forget it from the first computer's Bluetooth settings, then pair it with the second computer. Some gaming mice have a button that lets you switch between paired devices without unpairing, but most standard mice do not have this feature.

Why does my mouse keep disconnecting?

Bluetooth interference from other wireless devices, low batteries, or distance from your computer can cause disconnections. Try moving closer to your computer, replacing the batteries, and moving other wireless devices (like a microwave or cordless phone) farther away. If disconnections continue, restart your computer's Bluetooth and re-pair the mouse.

What is the difference between a Bluetooth mouse and a wireless mouse?

A Bluetooth mouse connects directly to your computer using Bluetooth radio signals. A wireless mouse usually comes with a small USB receiver that plugs into your computer and communicates with the mouse on a different frequency. Bluetooth mice do not need a receiver, so they take up less space, but wireless mice sometimes have longer range and fewer interference issues.

Can I use a Bluetooth mouse with a tablet or phone?

Yes, most Bluetooth mice work with tablets and phones that support Bluetooth, including iPads, Android tablets, and iPhones. The pairing process is the same — turn on the mouse's pairing mode, go to your device's Bluetooth settings, and select the mouse from the list. Some phones and tablets work better with mice designed specifically for them, but standard computer mice usually work fine.