How to Connect a Mouse to a Mac

Pair your Apple Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad to your Mac in seconds

Co-authored by Mitch Harris

Last Updated: October 25, 2022 Tested

Magic Mouse & Trackpad 2

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Original Magic Mouse & Trackpad

This wikiHow will teach you how to connect a mouse to your Mac computer. If you're using a Magic Mouse 2 or Magic Trackpad 2, you can just plug it in and let your Mac take care of the connection. For older wireless mice and trackpads, you'll need to enable Bluetooth and pair the mouse with the computer manually. Either way, we've got you covered! The steps below will walk you through exactly what you need to do.

Things You Should Know

The second generation Magic Mouse (Magic Mouse 2) pairs instantly with your Mac when connected with a Lightning cable.
To connect an original Magic Mouse via Bluetooth, initiate pairing in "Mouse" section of "System Preferences."
You won't be able to use your Magic Mouse 2 while it's connected to the charger.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Magic Mouse & Trackpad 2

1
Connect the mouse to your Mac using the Lightning-to-USB cable.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Mitch Harris
Consumer Technology Expert
Expert Interview. 31 August 31 2021.} Plug the Lightning end into your mouse, and the USB end into your Mac.
2
Flip the switch on the bottom of the mouse. You'll see a green light above it, indicating it's on.

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3
Wait for the device to pair. Your Mac will automatically pair the mouse with your computer.^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Mitch Harris
Consumer Technology Expert
Expert Interview. 31 August 31 2021.}
4
Allow the mouse to charge. The mouse will charge while it's plugged in. Disconnect it once the charge is full.
- The Magic Mouse 2 will not function while plugged in.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Original Magic Mouse & Trackpad

1
Click the Bluetooth button in your menu bar.^{[4]
X
Expert Source

Mitch Harris
Consumer Technology Expert
Expert Interview. 31 August 31 2021.} If you don't see this menu option, open the System Preferences menu and select Bluetooth, then check the On box.
2
Click Turn Bluetooth On.^{[5]
X
Expert Source

Mitch Harris
Consumer Technology Expert
Expert Interview. 31 August 31 2021.}
3
Turn the wireless device on.^{[6]
X
Expert Source

Mitch Harris
Consumer Technology Expert
Expert Interview. 31 August 31 2021.} Use the switch on the bottom to turn it on.
4
Click the Apple menu.
5
Click System Preferences.
6
Click the Mouse option. If you don't see this option, click the Show All button at the top of the window.
7
Click the Set Up Bluetooth Mouse button.
8
Click Continue when your new mouse is highlighted.
9
Click Pair if prompted. This may appear for older wireless mice.
10
Click Quit after your device is paired. You can now use your wireless mouse with your Mac.^{[7]
X
Research source}