The basic steps to pair your mouse

To connect a Mac mouse to your MacBook, turn on the mouse, open System Settings on your MacBook, go to Bluetooth, and select your mouse from the list. The mouse will then stay connected whenever it is in range and powered on. Most Mac mice pair in under a minute and work when ready after.

The exact steps depend on whether your mouse is wireless or wired, and whether it is an Apple mouse or a third-party brand. Apple mice use Bluetooth, which means they connect wirelessly without a cable or receiver. Wired mice connect through a USB port and do not need pairing at all — they work as soon as you plug them in.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple wireless mice pair through Bluetooth in System Settings and remember your MacBook the next time you turn them on.
  • Wired mice plug directly into a USB port and need no setup — they work when ready.
  • If your mouse does not appear in Bluetooth settings, turn it off and back on, then hold down the pairing button for three seconds.
  • A mouse that was paired to another Mac will not connect to your MacBook until you unpair it from the old device first.

Pairing a wireless Apple mouse

Open System Settings by clicking the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen, then select System Settings. Click Bluetooth in the left sidebar. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on — you will see a toggle switch at the top of the window.

Turn on your mouse by flipping the power switch on the bottom. Within a few seconds, your mouse should appear in the Bluetooth list on your MacBook. Click the mouse name to pair it. Your MacBook will show "Connected" next to the mouse name when pairing is complete. You can now close System Settings and use your mouse.

If your mouse does not appear in the list after 30 seconds, turn the mouse off, wait five seconds, then turn it back on. Some Apple mice have a small button on the bottom labeled with a Bluetooth symbol — hold this button down for three seconds while the mouse is on, then try pairing again.

Connecting a wired mouse

Wired mice require no pairing. Plug the USB cable into any available USB port on your MacBook. The mouse will work when ready — your MacBook recognizes it as an input device without any setup. You can use the mouse right away without opening any settings.

If the mouse does not respond after plugging it in, try a different USB port. Some ports on older MacBooks may not provide enough power. If you are using a USB-C mouse with an older MacBook that has USB-A ports, you will need a USB-C to USB-A adapter, which you can purchase separately.

Pairing a third-party wireless mouse

Most non-Apple wireless mice use Bluetooth and pair the same way as Apple mice. Turn on the mouse, open System Settings, click Bluetooth, and select your mouse from the list. Some third-party mice come with a small USB receiver instead of using Bluetooth — if your mouse came with a receiver, plug it into a USB port instead of pairing through Bluetooth.

Check the instruction manual that came with your mouse to see whether it uses Bluetooth or a USB receiver. If you have lost the manual, the manufacturer's website usually has a PDF read. Third-party mice sometimes use different pairing methods, so the manual is the fastest way to find the right steps.

What to do if your mouse will not connect

If your mouse was previously paired to another Mac, unpair it from that device first. On the other Mac, open System Settings, click Bluetooth, find your mouse in the list, click the X or "Remove" button next to it, then confirm. A mouse can only be paired to one device at a time, so removing it from the old Mac allows it to connect to your MacBook.

If your mouse still does not appear after unpairing, restart your MacBook. Turn it off completely, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. Once your MacBook has finished starting up, turn on your mouse and try pairing again. Restarting clears temporary Bluetooth connections that may be blocking the pairing process.

If you have a wireless mouse with a low battery, it may not have enough power to pair. Replace the batteries or charge the mouse if it is rechargeable, then try pairing again. Most wireless mice will not appear in Bluetooth settings if the battery is too low.

Checking your connection and adjusting settings

Once your mouse is connected, you can check its battery level and adjust pointer speed. Open System Settings, click Bluetooth, and look at your mouse in the list — it will show the battery percentage if the mouse is wireless. If the battery is below 10 percent, replace or charge it soon to avoid losing connection.

To adjust how fast your pointer moves, open System Settings, click Trackpad or Mouse in the left sidebar, then use the Tracking Speed slider. Moving the slider to the right makes the pointer move faster across your screen with less mouse movement. You can also enable or disable secondary click (right-click) here if your mouse has multiple buttons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Windows mouse with my MacBook?

Yes. Most Windows mice work with MacBooks because they use standard Bluetooth or USB connections. Pair or plug in the mouse the same way you would with a Mac mouse. Some special buttons may not work, but basic clicking and movement will function normally.

Why does my mouse keep disconnecting?

Low battery is the most common cause. Check the battery percentage in Bluetooth settings and replace or charge the mouse if needed. If the battery is full, move closer to your MacBook — Bluetooth has a range of about 30 feet, but walls and other devices can reduce it. Restarting your MacBook also fixes temporary connection problems.

Do I have to pair my mouse every time I turn on my MacBook?

No. Once paired, your wireless mouse will reconnect automatically whenever you turn it on and your MacBook is nearby. You only need to pair once. If your mouse does not reconnect automatically, check that Bluetooth is turned on in System Settings.

What is the difference between a trackpad and a mouse?

A trackpad is the flat surface built into your MacBook where you move your finger to control the pointer. A mouse is a separate device you hold in your hand and roll across a surface. Both do the same job, but some people find a mouse more comfortable for long work sessions.

Can I use multiple mice with one MacBook?

Yes. You can pair several mice to your MacBook at the same time. Only one will be active at a time, but you can switch between them by turning one off and turning another on. This is useful if you have a mouse at your desk and a portable mouse for travel.