14 Ways to Fix a Wireless Mouse That Isn’t Working

Written by Stan Kats | Edited by Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: March 4, 2026 Fact Checked

Is your wireless mouse unresponsive, glitchy, or failing to connect to your computer at all? While there are many different causes for cordless mouse issues, it’s usually pretty easy to identify and fix the problem. In this article, we’ll talk you through the best ways to get your mouse working again, from basic fixes to more advanced troubleshooting.

Troubleshoot a Wireless Mouse

If your wireless mouse isn’t working, make sure it’s powered on and fully charged. If it has a USB receiver, try moving it to a different port. For Bluetooth mice, ensure Bluetooth is turned on and that the mouse is in pairing mode. Test your mouse with a different computer to rule out hardware problems.

1

Make sure the mouse is turned on.

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Most wireless mice have an on/off switch. Try this simple solution before getting into more advanced fixes. Turn your mouse over and make sure the power switch is toggled to the “on” position.^{[1]
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- The switch is usually located on the underside of the mouse, often close to the sensor.
- Even if your mouse is already on, it might help to switch it off and on again.

2

Charge or replace the batteries.

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Your mouse’s power might be depleted. If your mouse has replaceable batteries, take them out and put in fresh ones. If you have a chargeable mouse, plug it in for a while and try using it again after it’s had some time to recharge.
- If your mouse still doesn’t work after changing the batteries, double-check that they’re oriented correctly in the battery compartment.^{[2]
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- If your mouse is rechargeable, use the charger cable that came with the mouse if possible.

3

Try the dongle in a different port (if applicable).

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The port might not be reading your mouse's USB receiver. If your mouse comes with a USB receiver (or dongle), the problem might be with the USB port. Try a different port and see if your mouse starts working.
- If your receiver is plugged into a USB hub, plug it into a USB port on your actual computer if you can. The hub might not generate enough power for the receiver to work properly.^{[3]
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- Some computers don’t require a wireless receiver to work with a mouse. Check the manual that came with your computer to see if it has built-in capability to connect with RF or Bluetooth accessories.
- Make sure you’re using the receiver that came with your mouse. If the mouse has the capability to connect over different frequencies, make sure it’s set to the same frequency as the receiver.

4

Move other wireless devices away.

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There might be interference preventing your mouse from working. Check that there aren’t too many electronic devices nearby, especially between the mouse and the computer or USB receiver. Cordless phones, wireless speakers, TVs, and even microwaves can create interference.^{[4]
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- Having too many wireless devices connected to your computer at once can also cause problems. Try disconnecting anything you don’t need (such as Bluetooth speakers), then see if the issue resolves.

5

Switch to a different channel on your mouse.

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Some wireless mice have different channel or frequency options. For example, a Bluetooth mouse may have multiple Bluetooth channels. If another device is connected to your computer using the channel your mouse is currently set to, your mouse might not connect. Check for a channel or frequency button and press it to switch your mouse to a different channel.
- This button is typically located on the underside of the mouse near the power switch.

6

Test the mouse with a different computer.

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Try connecting your mouse to another computer. If it works, the problem is likely with the settings on your computer rather than with the mouse.

7

Check your Bluetooth settings.

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If you have a Bluetooth mouse, make sure it’s connected properly. There are various issues that could cause your Bluetooth mouse to malfunction. Check for the following problems:
- Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your computer. Here’s how to do so in Windows, macOS, and Linux (Ubuntu).
  - For some builds of Linux, you may need to install Blueman or a similar Bluetooth manager. Once it’s installed, use the command sudo systemctl start bluetooth.service to allow devices to connect.
- Check that your mouse is in pairing mode. Many Bluetooth devices have a pairing button that you need to press to allow them to connect to other devices. Check the manual that came with your mouse if you’re having trouble figuring out how to put it in pairing mode.
- Go into your computer’s Bluetooth settings and make sure your mouse is paired or available for pairing.
  - In Windows, go to Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices. If you don’t see your mouse, select Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth. Select your mouse, follow the onscreen prompts, and click Done.^{[5]
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  - On a Mac, go to
    Apple menu > System Settings > Bluetooth. If you don’t see your mouse in the list of connected devices, check if it’s visible under Nearby Devices. Hover over your mouse and click Connect. Follow any on-screen prompts.^{[6]
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  - If you’re using a version of Linux with a GUI, you can simply open the System Settings or Activities menu, then go to Bluetooth. Select your mouse and click Pair or Confirm.^{[7]
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    - For some builds of Linux, you might need to pair the mouse in Terminal.

8

Ensure your mouse isn’t connected to another device.

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Check if your mouse is already paired with any nearby computers. End any other Bluetooth or RF connections and try again.

9

Check your mouse settings.

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If your mouse is connected but not working right, you might need to adjust the settings. Incorrect settings can affect things like your click speed or the way the scroll wheel behaves.
- In Windows, go to Start > Settings > Devices > Mouse and check your current settings. Make sure things like the right, left, and middle-click behaviors are set the way you want them.^{[8]
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- On a Mac, go to
  Apple menu > System Settings > Mouse. Use the menu to adjust things like your mouse’s tracking speed, scroll direction, and secondary click (or right-click) behavior.^{[9]
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- In Linux, you can typically go to System Settings > Mouse & Touchpad (or open Activities and type in mouse & touchpad) to access your mouse settings.^{[10]
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10

Install third-party support software if needed.

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Some mice, especially gaming models, need additional software. Check the documentation that came with your mouse to see if you have to install anything for it to work properly. You might find instructions for downloading a support app.
- In most cases, your computer will automatically download any drivers that are needed for a wireless mouse.

11

Update your drivers or operating system.

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Outdated software can cause your mouse to malfunction. On a Mac, you can update your device drivers by updating macOS. In Windows or Linux, you might need to take a few extra steps.
- Windows:
  - Right-click the Start menu and select Device Manager. Click the arrow next to Mice and other pointing devices, then right-click your mouse. Select Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver software.^{[11]
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    - Alternatively, you can download the latest driver for your mouse from the developer's website, then go to Device Manager > Mice and other pointing devices > Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers and select the driver you downloaded.
  - You might also be able to update the driver through Windows Updates. Search for check for updates in the taskbar search field, then select Check for updates. Click Check for updates in the Windows Update window, and install any recommended updates.^{[12]
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- Linux: Just like with macOS, you can typically update drivers by updating your entire system. If you have a GUI, you can do this by running the software update application (e.g., Update Manager (Mint) or Software Updater (Ubuntu)). Alternatively, use the command line:
  - Debian/Ubuntu: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
  - Red Hat/Fedora: sudo dnf update or sudo dnf upgrade
  - Arch Linux: sudo pacman -Syu

12

Use a diagnostic tool to check for issues.

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You might be able to find and resolve any software glitches this way. Many computers have built-in diagnostic tools you can use to find and fix system errors or problems with specific devices. In some cases, your computer might have a brand-specific utility you can use (like HP’s PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI). Otherwise, you can use more general tools associated with your operating system.
- In Windows, go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters (or Additional troubleshooters). While you typically won’t see a “Mouse” option, you may see a “Keyboard” troubleshooter, which can sometimes identify issues with related input devices (such as mice).
- Mac does not really have a troubleshooter for external accessories such as mice. However, you can use Apple Diagnostics to check for internal hardware issues that might prevent your wireless mouse from connecting properly.
- Linux troubleshooting can be complicated. If your mouse has a USB receiver, try running the command lsusb and see if your mouse is listed in the currently recognized USB devices. If not, you might need to try a different USB port or update your operating system.

13

Clean the mouse.

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Dirt or debris can interfere with the sensor, buttons, or scroll wheel. If you’ve ruled out a software issue or a connection problem, there might be an issue with the mouse itself. Turn off your mouse, remove the batteries (if possible), and wipe the surface down with a microfiber cloth dampened in rubbing alcohol. Use a toothpick or tweezers to carefully remove any lint or gunk around the scroll wheel. Use the microfiber cloth or a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to carefully clean the sensor. Wipe your mouse dry with a lint-free cloth when you’re done.
- For more detailed cleaning instructions, check out our article on how to clean an optical mouse.

14

Replace the mouse.

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If all other troubleshooting tips fail, it might be time for a new mouse. If your mouse doesn’t work when you test it with other computers (or if you’ve tried a different mouse with your computer and it did work), then the mouse itself might be broken. While you can sometimes repair a broken mouse, it’s often more cost-effective to just get a new one.
- If your mouse is brand new, it might still be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. See if you can get a refund or get your mouse replaced for free.

15

Tips

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- If you’re using a brand new mouse, make sure there aren’t any packaging tabs still attached to the mouse. These tabs can prevent the mouse from powering on.^{[13]
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