Your device isn't recognized by your Mac
The following instructions are fairly generic, but were written relating to the 'Apple Wireless Keyboard' from 2009 and 2011 (Use this to help you identify your model). If you are having problems with getting an Apple Wireless Bluetooth keyboard, mouse or trackpad from connecting to your Mac (iMac, Macbook or Mac Pro), you can try this trick. Full video guild on how to use the Apple Magic Mouse gestures and Multi Touch features. Everything you need to know about your magic mouse is here.
Follow these steps if your mouse, keyboard, or trackpad isn't recognized by your Mac.
Make sure that your wireless mouse, keyboard, or trackpad is turned on
The Magic Mouse and Magic Mouse 2 have a slide switch on the bottom of the device. Slide the switch to turn on the device. On the Magic Mouse, the green LED briefly lights up. On the Magic Mouse 2, green coloring is visible beneath the switch.
The Magic Keyboard, Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad, and Magic Trackpad 2 have a slide switch on the back edge of the device. Slide the switch to turn on the device (green coloring becomes visible). Earlier Apple Wireless Keyboard models have a power button on the right side of the device. Press the button and you see a green LED on the top of the device, near the button.
When you turn these devices on, they appear as connected in Bluetooth preferences and in the Bluetooth menu in your menu bar. If a device doesn't appear there, make sure it's charged or replace it batteries, and make sure it's been paired with your Mac.
Make sure that your device has been set up to work with your Mac
Learn how to pair your Magic Mouse 2, Magic Keyboard, Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad, Magic Trackpad 2 and earlier models of Apple wireless devices with your Mac.
Make sure that Bluetooth is turned on
Use your Mac notebook's built-in trackpad or a USB mouse to choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Bluetooth. Make sure that Bluetooth is turned on.
Refer to the table below for more information on determining the Bluetooth status. If the Bluetooth icon doesn't appear, or if the menu bar status continues to indicate that Bluetooth is off, restart your computer and then try to turn Bluetooth on again.
Bluetooth menu icon | Bluetooth status |
---|---|
Bluetooth is on, but no wireless devices are connected to the Mac. See the Make sure that your wireless mouse, keyboard, or trackpad is turned on section of this article. | |
Bluetooth is on and at least one wireless device is connected. | |
When this icon flashes, at least one wireless device has a low battery. Click the Bluetooth icon to identify the affected device, then recharge the device or replace its batteries. | |
Bluetooth is off. Click the Bluetooth icon using a USB mouse or built-in trackpad and select Turn Bluetooth On. | |
Bluetooth is offline or unavailable. Restart your Mac. If the Bluetooth status doesn't change, disconnect all USB devices and restart your Mac again. |
Make sure that your devices are charged
Magic Mouse 2, Magic Keyboard, Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad, and Magic Trackpad 2 have built-in rechargeable batteries. You can charge these devices by connecting them to a Mac or a USB power adapter using a Lightning to USB Cable. For the fastest battery charging performance, be sure your device is switched on when connected to the Lightning to USB Cable.
To check the battery level of these devices, click the Bluetooth icon in your Mac's menu bar, then select your device by name. If the battery level of any device is low, recharge the device. If the device isn't showing, make sure the device is turned using the steps outlined above.
Turn the device off and on
If your Apple wireless mouse, keyboard, or trackpad isn't recognized by your Mac after following the tips above, try turning the wireless device off, waiting a few seconds, and then turning it back on.
Your mouse or keyboard intermittently stops responding
- Click the mouse or trackpad or press a key on the keyboard to reconnect the device to the computer. It might take a moment for the device to respond.
- Check for wireless interference.
Your mouse doesn't scroll up or down or side to side
If you can't use your mouse to scroll through a web page or document, make sure that you're using the correct Multi-Touch gestures and have set up your scrolling speed preferences correctly.
Your mouse or trackpad doesn't track as expected
Apple Wireless Mouse, Magic Mouse, and Magic Mouse 2 can be used on most smooth surfaces. If tracking issues occur, try these options:
- Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Mouse. Set the 'Tracking speed' slider to adjust how fast the pointer moves as you move the mouse.
- Try using a different surface to see if tracking improves.
- Turn the mouse over and inspect the sensor window. Use compressed air to gently clean the sensor window if dust or debris is present.
- If multiple Bluetooth wireless devices are in use nearby, try turning them off one at a time to see if the issue improves.
Learn more what to do if your trackpad isn't tracking correctly.
Your keyboard has one or more keys that don't respond
Use the Keyboard Viewer to test whether the keyboard keys are responding correctly when they are pressed.
If you can't use your mouse to scroll through a web page or document, make sure that you're using the correct Multi-Touch gestures and have set up your scrolling speed preferences correctly.
Your mouse or trackpad doesn't track as expected
Apple Wireless Mouse, Magic Mouse, and Magic Mouse 2 can be used on most smooth surfaces. If tracking issues occur, try these options:
- Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Mouse. Set the 'Tracking speed' slider to adjust how fast the pointer moves as you move the mouse.
- Try using a different surface to see if tracking improves.
- Turn the mouse over and inspect the sensor window. Use compressed air to gently clean the sensor window if dust or debris is present.
- If multiple Bluetooth wireless devices are in use nearby, try turning them off one at a time to see if the issue improves.
Learn more what to do if your trackpad isn't tracking correctly.
Your keyboard has one or more keys that don't respond
Use the Keyboard Viewer to test whether the keyboard keys are responding correctly when they are pressed.
- Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Keyboard.
- Click the Input Sources tab.
- Make sure that the keyboard language that you use is listed on the left side. If it's not, click the add button (+) and choose from the languages that appear.
- Select the 'Show Input menu in menu bar' checkbox.
- Click the Keyboard tab, then select 'Show keyboard and emoji viewers in menu bar' checkbox, if present.
- From the Input menu in the menu bar, choose Show Keyboard Viewer. The Keyboard Viewer showing the keyboard layout appears on your display.
- Type the key on the keyboard that doesn't respond and see if the corresponding key highlights on the Keyboard Viewer. If it does, that key is functioning correctly.
If you enable the Mouse Keys feature, many keys might not respond as you expect. To turn off Mouse keys, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Accessibility. Choose Mouse & Trackpad from the list on the left side, then then deselect the Enable Mouse Keys checkbox.
Wireless mice aren't a trend that's going away anytime soon, especially since modern MacBooks are getting rid of most USB ports that allow you to use a wired mouse. Chances are the wireless mouse you buy for Mac today is the one you're going to use for years to come, so it makes sense to get the best one you can.
A Bluetooth wireless Mac mouse is the perfect alternative to your MacBook's trackpad, stylus, or even a wired counterpart. The wireless solution is convenient and compact, doing away with easy-to-lose dongles or messy wires that drag, get caught on corners, and make a mess in your bag. Sure, you could just use the trackpad, but anyone who's spent an extensive amount of time working on a laptop knows that there's no beating the intuitive, responsive input of a wireless mouse.
Setapp to make your software setup perfect, too
While a wireless mouse frees up physical space on your desk, Setapp will free up virtual space on Mac, removing redundant apps.
The Best Bluetooth Mouse For Mac You Need
There's no one-size-fits-all option for the best wireless mouse for Macs. Are you a gamer or do you primarily use your Mac for work? Do you produce art and design or just browse the internet? Do you want a wireless mouse that's compact and easy to throw into your bag, or a mouse that's comfortable to use all day long?
The guide below is designed to help you choose the best wireless mouse for Mac you need in 2020.
Remote mouse art piece
People don't just buy Macs because of their functionality (although that's part of it). If you own a MacBook or an iMac, chances are it's in part because you were entranced by the absolutely stunning design and form factor. Apple products feel special, even if you can't quite say how.
That's what you get with the Apple Magic Mouse 2 — a piece of art. Its stunning design lacks buttons of any kind, instead giving you a multi-touch surface. And then Magic Mouse becomes even better when coupled with BetterTouchTool, a Mac utility that lets you fully configure input devices to create your own shortcuts, gestures, and more. Together, Apple Magic Mouse and BetterTouchTool make you more productive by helping you customize your own user experience.
The Magic Mouse 2 looks absolutely gorgeous next to an Apple computer, like if it was meant to be there. The possible downsides though are the high price tag and some sacrifice of comfort for appearance. However, as it's so customizable, lots of left-handed users who want to use their dominant hand make it their mouse of choice.
Best video compression software. What's great:
Stunning design
Ambidextrous
Not so great:
Not very precise for the asking price of $79
Sacrifices comfort for aesthetic
Verdict: if fashion is your passion, choose the Apple Magic Mouse 2.
The all-rounder Mac mouse
Logitech is known for creating all kinds of peripherals for computers and has built a name for itself on quality. It isn't necessarily going to blow you away with its products, but you know they are going to work well and be reliable, rivalling Apple and Microsoft as the go-to name for computer accessories.
That said, the Logitech MX Master 2S is high enough quality to look at the brand in a completely new way. While it has a fairly hefty price tag at $99 MSRP, the details shine on this product. Its 4,000 DPI input resolution makes for precise, responsive movement that is ideal for applications like Photoshop and Illustrator, whereas its comfortable feel is great if you work at the computer all day. Unfortunately, the mouse lacks the button options of a gaming mouse and only comes in a right-handed model, but most casual users will love the MX Master 2S.
What's great:
Incredible tracking
Extremely comfortable Post it mac os sierra.
Not so great:
One of the pricier mice on this list
Right-handed only
The best mouse for Mac users on budget
AmazonBasics is a product line that makes quality feature-light products at a great price. If your budget is limited then you should strongly consider the AmazonBasics Wireless Mouse. The price is obviously this MacBook mouse's strongest selling point at only $14, but be warned: while it's wireless, it's not a Bluetooth mouse.
The AmazonBasics Wireless Mouse comes with a USB Nano Receiver that you'll need to plug into your Mac. Still, if you need an Apple wireless mouse for MacBook Pro and don't have a large budget, this is an excellent choice.
What's great:
Good price
Not so great:
You get what you pay for
The Bluetooth mouse for Mac reimagined
The computer mouse hasn't changed that much since it was invented. Sure, now we have remote mouse and optic technology, but the basic design is still nearly identical to the very first version, which was a small, curved box with a button on the end.
The Logitech MX Vertical turns that classic design on its head — or at least on its side. Shaped so that your hand remains vertical during use, the MX Vertical relieves wrist strain and thus may be the best ergonomic mouse for Mac. Its wide base is stable and comfortable and its 4,000 DPI sensitivity makes it extremely precise for delicate work. If your wrist aches from repetitive stress, this idiosyncratic wireless mouse could be the one for you.
What's great:
Incredible comfort when you get used to it
Excellent tracking
Not so great:
Not for everybody
Expensive at $90
The best ergonomic mouse
If the MX Vertical is intriguing but not quite what you're looking for, check out the Logitech MX Ergo Wireless instead. It gives your hand a comfortable place to rest and remain with a trackball configuration, so you don't move your entire arm to use the mouse — all you need to do is roll it! This definitely makes it the best ergonomic mouse for those suffering from shoulder pain.
Trackball movement takes some getting used to, but once you're dialed in you'll find that this is an excellent wireless mouse for Mac.
What's great:
Excellent ergonomic design
Not so great:
Expensive at $100
Takes some getting used to
The best wireless gaming mouse
Gamers need precision, performance, and adaptability from their mice, and that's exactly what you'll find with the SteelSeries Rival 650. SteelSeries has been developing a reputation as a manufacturer that understands gamers needs, and that's reflected in its Bluetooth gaming mouse.
Lightweight, stylish, and with extremely responsive, customizable buttons, SteelSeries Rival 650 wireless mouse will have you snapping headshots and directing units with almost zero lag. It's a bit pricey at $120, but compared to other gaming mice with Bluetooth functionality, such as the Razer Chroma line, the Rival 650 is priced competitively, and will make you more competitive!
What's great:
Low-latency Bluetooth for competitive gaming
Incredibly responsive, customizable buttons
RGB Lighting (but also a minus)
Could the best wireless Mouse for Mac be your phone?
If you're stuck on a wireless mouse for MacBook Pro and can't make it to the store, check out Remote Mouse for your iPhone or Android. Remote Mouse uses the WiFi network to turn your phone into a combined keyboard and trackpad for your Apple computer. With fully configurable multi-touch inputs and more, Remote Mouse is a great solution for your Mac media center, letting you play videos or surf the web from your couch.
Make the most of your Bluetooth mouse for Mac
Bluetooth is great … when it's working correctly. If you have several Bluetooth devices connected to your Mac, you know that sometimes managing multiple connections can be tricky. Devices drop out, aren't recognized, conflicted, etc.
Pair wireless mouse with Mac
And not only wireless mouse. With ToothFairy app, you'll be able to manage any number of Bluetooth connections on Mac.
ToothFairy solves all that. This Mac utility streamlines Bluetooth management, making it easy to add and organize devices. As an added bonus, ToothFairy solves the problem of connecting AirPods with your Mac too, and even improves the sound quality of your headphones by using better audio codecs.
If you're living that wire-free lifestyle, ToothFairy is a must-have.
Which wireless mouse for Mac is right for you?
Above are all the best recommendations, but which one is right for you? Do you want the fast response of the SteelSeries Bluetooth Gaming Mouse, the ergonomic comfort of the Logitech MX Vertical or Ergo, the aesthetic beauty of the Apple Magic Mouse, or the all-around performance of the Logitech MX Master 2S? If you know your needs then you can find the best mouse for Mac in no time.
Best of all, the apps mentioned here, ToothFairy, Remote Mouse, and BetterTouchTool, are available for you free during a 7-day trial with Setapp, a Mac app platform that has all the utilities you need to make your Mac life considerably more productive.
Wireless Mouse For Apple Laptop
Meantime, prepare for all the awesome things you can do with Setapp.
Apple Magic Mouse Windows 10
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