Connecting a Logitech wireless mouse is a three-step process: insert batteries, turn on the mouse, then hold the pairing button until your computer recognizes it
Most Logitech wireless mice connect through a small USB receiver that plugs into your computer — you do not need to install software first. The receiver comes in the box with your mouse. The whole process takes about two minutes and works the same way whether you are using Windows, Mac, or Linux.
If your mouse uses Logitech's newer Bolt or Unifying receiver, you can connect multiple mice and keyboards to the same receiver. Older Logitech mice use a dedicated receiver that pairs with only that one mouse. Either way, the pairing steps are identical.
Key Takeaways
- Insert two AA or AAA batteries into your mouse (check the battery compartment on the bottom to see which size) before you plug in the receiver.
- The USB receiver plugs into any open USB port on your computer — it does not matter which one, and you can use a USB extension cable if the port is hard to reach.
- Hold down the pairing button on the bottom of your mouse for three to five seconds until the light on the receiver blinks, which means they are talking to each other.
- Once the receiver light stops blinking and stays steady, your mouse is connected and ready to move the cursor on your screen.
Step 1: Install batteries in your mouse
Flip your mouse over and look for a small compartment on the bottom — this is where the batteries go. Press or slide the compartment cover to open it. Most Logitech wireless mice use two AA batteries, though some smaller models use AAA. The compartment will show you which size you need.
Insert the batteries with the positive end (the + side) facing up, the way the diagram inside the compartment shows. Close the cover until you hear or feel it click. Do not plug in the receiver yet — wait until the batteries are in place.
Step 2: Plug the USB receiver into your computer
Locate an empty USB port on your computer. On a desktop, these are usually on the back of the tower or the front panel. On a laptop, they are on the sides. Push the receiver straight in until it clicks into place — you should see a light on the receiver turn on, usually green or white.
If all your USB ports are full, you can use a USB hub (a small device with multiple ports) or a USB extension cable to create more space. The receiver does not draw much power, so any USB port works fine. Leave the receiver plugged in — you do not need to unplug it between uses.
Step 3: Press the pairing button to connect
Look at the bottom of your mouse for a small button labeled "Connect" or "Pairing" — on some models it is recessed and you may need a pen or paperclip to press it. Hold this button down for three to five seconds. You should see the light on the USB receiver start to blink, which means the mouse and receiver are searching for each other.
Keep holding the button until the blinking stops and the light becomes steady. This usually takes five to ten seconds total. Once the light is steady, your mouse is paired and ready to use. Move the mouse around on your desk — the cursor on your screen should follow.
What to do if the mouse does not respond
If the cursor does not move after pairing, first check that the batteries have power. Remove them, wait ten seconds, and put them back in. Then try the pairing button again. If the receiver light never blinks when you press the pairing button, the batteries may be dead or installed backwards.
If the receiver light blinks but then goes dark, the pairing timed out. This happens if you release the pairing button too early. Try again, holding the button for the full five seconds. If the mouse worked before but stopped working, try moving the receiver closer to the mouse — wireless signals can be blocked by metal objects or other electronics.
Pairing a second mouse to the same receiver
If your receiver is a Logitech Unifying or Bolt receiver (not a dedicated single-mouse receiver), you can connect up to six devices to it. Insert batteries in the second mouse, then press its pairing button for three to five seconds just like you did with the first one. The receiver will pair with the new mouse without disconnecting the first.
To tell which type of receiver you have, look at the label on it. If it says "Unifying" or "Bolt", you can pair multiple devices. If it just has your mouse model number, it only works with that one mouse. You can check Logitech's website by searching for your mouse model number if you are unsure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Logitech wireless mouse without the USB receiver?
No. Logitech wireless mice require the USB receiver to communicate with your computer. The receiver is what translates the mouse's wireless signal into something your computer understands. You cannot connect a Logitech wireless mouse through Bluetooth instead — you must use the receiver that came in the box.
What if I lost the USB receiver?
You can order a replacement receiver from Logitech's website or from retailers like Amazon. Search for your mouse model number plus "receiver" to find the right one. If your mouse uses a Unifying receiver, any Unifying receiver will work with your mouse, even if it originally came with a different device.
How long do the batteries last in a wireless mouse?
Battery life depends on how much you use the mouse, but most Logitech wireless mice run for six months to a year on two AA batteries. The mouse will not suddenly stop working — you will notice the cursor moving slower or less responsively as the batteries drain. When that happens, replace them with fresh ones.
Can I move the USB receiver to a different computer?
Yes. Unplug the receiver from one computer and plug it into another, and your mouse will work when ready — no pairing needed. The receiver remembers which mouse it is paired with. If you want to use the mouse with a different computer regularly, you can leave the receiver plugged in and just move the mouse between desks.
Why does my mouse keep disconnecting?
Wireless interference is the most common cause. Move the receiver away from other wireless devices like routers, cordless phones, or microwave ovens. Also check that nothing metal is between the mouse and receiver — metal blocks wireless signals. If the problem continues, try fresh batteries, as low power can cause connection drops.