The basic steps to connect your Logitech wireless mouse

A wireless mouse connects to your computer without a cable, using either a small USB receiver (called a dongle) or Bluetooth. Most Logitech wireless mice come with a USB receiver in the box. To connect one, you insert fresh batteries into the mouse, plug the receiver into an open USB port on your computer, and then press the pairing button on the mouse — usually on the bottom or side. Your computer should recognize it within a few seconds, and you can start using it right away.

If your mouse uses Bluetooth instead of a USB receiver, the process is slightly different: you turn on the mouse, go to your computer's Bluetooth settings, and select the mouse from the list of available devices. Either way, once paired, the mouse will reconnect automatically the next time you turn it on, as long as the receiver stays plugged in or Bluetooth stays enabled.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Logitech wireless mice come with a USB receiver that plugs directly into your computer — no software installation needed.
  • Insert fresh batteries into the mouse before connecting, or the pairing button will not work.
  • Press the pairing button on the mouse (usually on the bottom) within a few seconds of plugging in the receiver, so they can find each other.
  • If your mouse uses Bluetooth, turn it on and select it from your computer's Bluetooth settings instead of using a receiver.

Where to find the pairing button on your Logitech mouse

The pairing button is almost always on the bottom of the mouse, often hidden under a small rubber panel or marked with a wireless symbol. On some newer Logitech models, it is a recessed button you press with a paperclip or pen. On older models, it might be a larger button you can press with your finger. Check the bottom of your mouse first — if you do not see a button, look along the sides or back.

If you cannot find the button, the model number is usually printed on the bottom as well. You can search that number plus "pairing button" online to see a photo of where it is located on your specific mouse. The manual that came in the box will also show you exactly where to look.

Using a USB receiver versus Bluetooth

A USB receiver is a small dongle that stays plugged into your computer at all times. It works with almost any computer — Windows, Mac, or Linux — and does not drain your mouse battery as quickly as Bluetooth does. The downside is that you have a small device sticking out of your USB port, and you have to keep track of it if you move between computers.

Bluetooth is built into most modern laptops and many desktop computers. It does not require a separate receiver, so your desk stays cleaner. However, Bluetooth uses more battery power than a USB receiver, so you may need to replace batteries more often. Bluetooth also works only if your computer has Bluetooth built in — older desktops often do not. Check your computer's settings to see if Bluetooth is available before you buy a Bluetooth-only mouse.

What to do if your mouse does not connect

If the mouse does not show up after you plug in the receiver or enable Bluetooth, start by checking the batteries. Open the battery compartment (usually on the bottom) and make sure the batteries are fresh, inserted the right way around, and making good contact with the metal springs inside. Corroded or dead batteries are the most common reason a mouse will not pair.

Next, try the pairing process again. Unplug the receiver from your computer, wait a few seconds, and plug it back in. Then press the pairing button on the mouse within 10 seconds. If you are using Bluetooth, turn the mouse off and back on, then try selecting it again in your Bluetooth settings. If it still does not work, restart your computer — sometimes the USB port or Bluetooth connection needs a fresh start.

If you have tried all of this and the mouse still will not connect, the receiver or Bluetooth chip inside the mouse may be broken. Logitech mice usually come with a one-year warranty, so you can contact Logitech support with your receipt to see if they can replace it.

Moving your mouse between computers

If you have a USB receiver, you can unplug it from one computer and plug it into another, and the mouse will work when ready — no re-pairing needed. This makes USB receivers convenient if you switch between a work computer and a home computer, or between a desktop and a laptop.

With Bluetooth, you will need to "forget" the mouse from the first computer's Bluetooth settings, then pair it with the second computer. This takes a bit longer but is still straightforward: go to Bluetooth settings on the new computer, find the mouse in the list of available devices, and select it. The mouse will remember both computers once it has been paired with each one, so you can switch back and forth without re-pairing every time.

Battery life and power-saving features

Most Logitech wireless mice use two AA or AAA batteries and last between three and twelve months on a single set, depending on how much you use the mouse and whether it has power-saving features. Some Logitech mice turn off automatically after a few minutes of not being moved, which saves battery power. Others have an on-off switch on the bottom that you can use to turn off the mouse when you are not using your computer.

To make your batteries last longer, turn off the mouse when you are done working, or use the auto-off feature if your model has one. Keep the receiver plugged in even when the mouse is off — unplugging and replugging the receiver every day wears out the USB port. If your mouse battery dies while you are working, the mouse will straightforward stop responding, and you can swap in fresh batteries and press the pairing button again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to install software to use my Logitech wireless mouse?

No. The mouse will work as soon as it is paired, without any software. However, Logitech offers optional software called Logitech Options that lets you customize buttons and adjust pointer speed. You can read it from Logitech's website if you want those features, but it is not required for basic use.

Can I use the same USB receiver with multiple Logitech mice?

No. Each Logitech USB receiver is paired to one mouse only. If you have multiple mice, each one needs its own receiver. However, you can pair a single mouse to multiple receivers by pressing the pairing button while each receiver is plugged in, which is useful if you want to keep a receiver at work and one at home.

What if my computer does not have Bluetooth?

You can buy a USB Bluetooth adapter (sometimes called a Bluetooth dongle) from any electronics store for $10 to $30. Plug it into a USB port, and your computer will have Bluetooth. Then you can pair any Bluetooth mouse to it. Alternatively, stick with a Logitech mouse that uses a USB receiver instead.

Why is my mouse cursor moving slowly or jumping around?

This usually means the mouse sensor is dirty. Flip the mouse over and wipe the bottom with a dry cloth or a slightly damp paper towel. Also check that the receiver is not blocked by your hand or a metal object — wireless signals can be interrupted by obstacles between the mouse and receiver. If the problem continues, try moving the receiver to a different USB port.

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

Only if the mouse uses Bluetooth and your tablet or phone supports Bluetooth mice. Most tablets and phones do support them, but you will need to pair the mouse through your device's Bluetooth settings just as you would with a computer. USB receiver mice will not work with tablets or phones because they do not have USB ports.