How to fix Apple mouse that is not working

Any wireless controller, such as the Magic Mouse, must connect to a macOS device immediately. Sometimes this may not happen due to a software bug or just because Bluetooth is off. When the Magic Mouse doesn’t scroll, works with glitches, or refuses to turn on, try the following solutions.

15 efficient ways of Apple Mouse troubleshooting

If you've just picked up an Apple mouse and suddenly noticed it doesn't work, it might not be enabled. Therefore, the first thing to check is that the power button is lit green. If so, the next step is to check the battery charge. It may be discharged, and a simple charge may correct the situation.

If your mouse has a built-in battery and you plugged in the cord, but it won't charge, it might be time to replace it. You can do this at your nearest service center. Also, if your mouse runs on AA batteries, try replacing them and reset the Magic Mouse.

You also may catch glitches due to outdated software. Update your operating system to the latest available version. Resync the mouse: let the system forgets it and connect it back.

These were the most straightforward reasons why the Apple Magic Mouse is not working. If the mouse is on and the battery is charged, try the following methods.

Check the Bluetooth connection

Sometimes Magic Mouse troubleshooting is connected with Bluetooth and charging. Since the Magic Mouse is wireless, sometimes there are problems connecting it. For example, it may have stopped working because you accidentally turned off Bluetooth or lost connection.

To fix it, open the Apple menu. Find System Preferences there, then select Bluetooth using your MacBook’s integrated trackpad. Check that Bluetooth is on.

If the Bluetooth symbol is not displayed, or if the toolbar position continues to show that Bluetooth is turned off, reboot your MacBook and check again.

Restart the mouse

The Magic Mouse has a toggle on the bottom. Move the toggle to turn off the gadget (no green shown), then push it again to flick the switch on (green becomes visible).

Check the Wi-Fi

Make sure that the Wi-Fi isn't the problem. Here's how you can do it:

1. Disable your Wi-Fi and reconnect your mouse as usual.
2. Restart the Wi-Fi and see if your issue is fixed.

Enable Bluetooth

Make sure that the Wi-Fi isn't the problem. Here's how you can do it:

1. Disable your Wi-Fi and reconnect your mouse as usual.
2. Restart the Wi-Fi and see if your issue is fixed.

Change the batteries or charge your mouse

New batteries may be all you need to fix the “Magic Mouse not turning on” issue. Test batteries from some other gadget, such as a TV remote; if your mouse starts working after this, the issue is fixed.

When you're looking at the batteries, you should also inspect them for debris, grime, and other strange substances that can get inside. You may also use a contact cleaning fluid to clean your electrical components.

If you have the Magic Mouse 2, note that it has an integrated battery. So just charge your mouse for at least fifteen minutes.

The right mouse button is not working

It is one of the most common problems with Apple Mouse. But do not rush to panic. It is not a breakdown. Most likely, you have the secondary pressing function turned off. Turning it on is very easy.

1. Go to Settings and find Mouse there.
2. Find the item Secondary click and check the box next to it.
3. Disconnect and reconnect the mouse for everything to start working correctly.

The functions of the left and right mouse buttons are mixed up

Computer use is more manageable with the regular operation of the left mouse button. Because we have long been accustomed to some functionality, confusing functions can be confusing. Mac mouse problems can be connected to this reason.

If you notice that the left mouse button opens the menu like the right one, don't panic.

1. Go to Settings and select the Mouse menu again.
2. Find the Secondary click field and select Click on the right side.

Perhaps you accidentally set it when you completed the previous item on the list.

Apple magic mouse troubleshooting scrolling

The next problem you may encounter is incorrect scrolling of documents with the mouse. If this is your option, the problem is again in the settings, and you can quickly fix it.

1. Go to Settings and select the Mouse menu.
2. First, you need the Point and Click the tab.
3. Select Scroll Direction: Natural.
4. Then you can set the scroll speed and look at the result with the mouse.

Correction of the Bluetooth module

The next thing you can try if you see the Mac mouse issues is to reset the Bluetooth module. To do this is quite simple.

For the new version of the Macbook, you need to go to the Terminal and type the command in the box "sudo pkill bluetoothd." After that, the system will ask you to enter a password, which you type when you turn on the device. After pressing Enter, you will notice how all devices will disconnect and connect to your Bluetooth.

For older versions, restarting Bluetooth is even easier. First, you need to press the Shift and Option key combinations. After that, click the Bluetooth icon and select Remove Bluetooth Module. After that, try connecting the mouse again.

Connect the lightning cable

Once you finished with easy software troubleshooting measures, it’s time to try other actions. Sync your Mac and mouse using the lightning cable, and disconnect it after 2 minutes. This connects the mouse to your Mac and recharges the internal battery. To view the state of charge of your device, select Control Center and then Bluetooth in the menu.

Check other devices

If you have numerous devices attached, this may cause connection troubles. If your Magic Mouse doesn’t turn on, check to be sure it isn’t already connected to another Apple device.

Uninstall interfering apps

Have you lately installed any new applications? Did you know that programs can sometimes change your Mac's Bluetooth setup? We recommend deleting any recently downloaded applications and testing if the Apple mouse won’t turn on even then. Stick to the next instruction to remove apps from your MacOS:

• Launch a new Finder window.
• Choose Applications, then find and remove the app you want to erase by pressing the Command + Delete buttons.
• Then delete this app from your Trash bin.

The issue with deleting programs in this manner is that they leave behind garbage, hidden files, and other remnants. They're never completely gone. As a result, we advise deleting programs using a specific solution such as CleanMyMac X or other similar software.

• Run CleanMyMac X.
• Out of the left menu, choose Uninstaller.

• Click on View All Applications.
• Choose the program you wish to delete from the list and click Uninstall.

Remove the mouse

If your Mac mouse is not working, unpair it and restart it as follows:

1. Reopen the Bluetooth settings by following the steps outlined above.
2. Click the X next to your mouse in the lineup of associated devices, then click Remove when the verification box opens.
3. To repair your “Apple mouse not working” issue, switch it off and on, then wait for the gadget to appear in the listing, and then click Connect.

Reset the connection

If the Magic Mouse doesn’t appear in the Bluetooth menu, it's necessary to reset the connection. Here's how you can do that:

1. Press the Shift + Option on the keyboard, then choose the Bluetooth logo from your top menu.
2. Select Debug > Remove All Devices from the menu.
3. Go back to the first step and choose Reset the Bluetooth Module.
4. After that, try pairing your mouse again.

Check for system updates

If you continue struggling with your Mac mouse not working, ensure your software is updated. It's always a good idea to keep your Mac up-to-date, so here's how to do it:

1. Go to the Apple Menu.
2. Find System Preferences there.
3. Then click on the Software Update.

If you require an update, proceed to download by following the instructions you see on the screen.

Check for wireless interference

There may be disruption from other transceivers if your Magic Mouse won't turn on. The following measures can help you achieve better wireless signal clarity and strength.

• Move the Mac and the mouse closer to each other, as well as closer to the Wi-Fi router.
• Keep wireless devices away from electromagnetic fields that can be created by power cables, microwaves, tube lights, cordless video cameras, and radiotelephones.
• Decrease the variety of wireless devices that are active in the same frequency range. It would be beneficial to move more Wi-Fi devices to the 5 GHz spectrum. Dual-band modems take care of this on their own.
• Change the Wi-Fi channel on the router or look for a channel with the fewest interference.

Restore mouse settings to default

If none of the above helped and you have Apple Magic Mouse problems, try resetting it to default. To do this:

1. Go to the settings and select the Mouse menu.
2. Click on the Restore default settings.
3. If the Magic Mouse is not connecting, try reconnecting the mouse.

Contact the experts for help

If none of the above’s measures have helped you, you mostly have some unusual problems. So, you may need professional help. Contact the service center or write to Howly specialists to get an instant response. They will answer all your questions in real time and help you find the problem. They are on call 24/7.