How to Connect a Logitech Mouse to Your Mac

Connecting a Logitech mouse to Mac in three steps

Most Logitech mice connect to your Mac through Bluetooth, which means they pair wirelessly without a cable or receiver. Turn on your mouse, go to System Settings > Bluetooth on your Mac, wait for the mouse name to appear in the list, click it, and you're done. The whole process takes about a minute. Some older Logitech models use a small USB receiver instead — if that's what came in your box, plug it into any USB port on your Mac and the mouse will connect automatically.

The method depends on which Logitech mouse you own. Check the bottom or back of your mouse for a Bluetooth symbol (looks like a stylized "B") or a small USB receiver slot. If you see the Bluetooth symbol, follow the wireless pairing steps. If there's a receiver slot or your box included a tiny USB dongle, use the receiver method instead.

Key Takeaways

Bluetooth mice pair directly to your Mac through System Settings without needing a receiver, while older Logitech models use a small USB dongle that plugs into any port.
To pair a Bluetooth mouse, turn it on, open System Settings > Bluetooth, and click the mouse name when it appears in the list.
USB receiver mice start working the moment you plug the receiver in — no pairing steps required.
If your mouse stops responding, toggle Bluetooth off and on in System Settings, or unplug and replug the USB receiver.

Pairing a Bluetooth Logitech mouse step by step

First, make sure your mouse has power. Most Logitech Bluetooth mice use AA or AAA batteries — check that they're installed and not dead. Some newer models have rechargeable batteries; plug those in for at least an hour before you start. Look for a power button on the bottom or side of the mouse and turn it on.

On your Mac, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, then select System Settings. In the sidebar, find and click Bluetooth. Your Mac will start searching for nearby devices. Within a few seconds, your Logitech mouse should appear in the list with its model name (like "Logitech MX Master 3" or "Logitech M705"). Click the mouse name, and your Mac will pair with it automatically. Once it says "Connected" next to the mouse name, you're finished — the mouse will stay paired even after you restart your Mac.

Using a USB receiver with older Logitech mice

If your Logitech mouse came with a small USB receiver (a tiny dongle about the size of a USB stick), that's your connection method. Insert batteries into the mouse if it requires them, then plug the receiver into any available USB port on your Mac — the back ports are fine, or a USB hub if your Mac doesn't have free ports.

The mouse will connect when ready. You don't need to open any settings or pair anything — the receiver and mouse are already matched at the factory. If the mouse doesn't respond right away, try moving it closer to the receiver, or unplug the receiver and plug it back in after a few seconds. Keep the receiver plugged in whenever you use the mouse.

What to do if your mouse won't connect

For Bluetooth mice, the most common fix is toggling Bluetooth off and on. Go to System Settings > Bluetooth, click the toggle to turn Bluetooth off, wait five seconds, then turn it back on. Your mouse should reconnect automatically. If it doesn't appear in the list, make sure the mouse is turned on and has fresh batteries or a full charge.

If you're using a USB receiver and the mouse still doesn't work, try unplugging the receiver from the USB port, waiting ten seconds, and plugging it back in. If the mouse still doesn't respond after that, the batteries may be dead — replace them and try again. For both connection types, keep your mouse within six feet of your Mac for the best signal.

Checking your connection and adjusting settings

Once your mouse is connected, you can check that it's working by moving it around — the cursor on your screen should follow smoothly. To see your mouse's battery level on a Bluetooth mouse, go to System Settings > Bluetooth, find your mouse in the list, and look for the battery percentage next to its name. If the battery is below 10 percent, replace the batteries or charge the mouse soon.

You can also customize how your mouse behaves in System Settings > Mouse. Here you can adjust pointer speed (how fast the cursor moves), enable or disable secondary click (right-click), and turn on or off natural scrolling. These settings explore to any mouse connected to your Mac, whether it's Logitech or another brand.

Disconnecting or forgetting your mouse

If you want to stop using a Bluetooth mouse temporarily, just turn it off — it will disconnect but stay paired, so it reconnects automatically the next time you turn it on. To completely remove a mouse from your Mac so it won't auto-connect, go to System Settings > Bluetooth, find the mouse in the list, click the "X" or "Remove" button next to it, and confirm. You'll need to pair it again if you want to use it later.

For USB receiver mice, straightforward unplug the receiver. The mouse won't connect again until you plug the receiver back in. You don't need to remove or forget anything in settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Logitech mouse with multiple Macs?

Yes. A Bluetooth mouse can pair with multiple Macs — just go through the pairing process on each one. The mouse will remember all of them and connect to whichever Mac it's closest to. A USB receiver mouse only works with one Mac at a time, since the receiver stays plugged into one computer.

Why does my mouse keep disconnecting?

Dead or dying batteries are the most common cause. Replace them with fresh ones and try again. If the mouse still disconnects, move it closer to your Mac — interference from other wireless devices or distance can break the connection. You can also try forgetting the mouse in Bluetooth settings and pairing it again from scratch.

Do I need to install software to use a Logitech mouse on Mac?

No. Basic mouse functions work when ready after connecting, without any software. Logitech offers an optional app called Logi Options+ that adds extra features like custom button programming and advanced tracking, but it's not required to use the mouse.

What's the difference between a Bluetooth mouse and a USB receiver mouse?

Bluetooth mice pair directly to your Mac wirelessly and don't need a receiver. USB receiver mice use a small dongle that plugs into your Mac's USB port. Bluetooth is cleaner (no dongle to lose) but uses slightly more battery. USB receivers are reliable and don't depend on your Mac's Bluetooth radio working properly.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.