Start with the simplest fixes first
A mouse stops working for one of a few common reasons, and most of them take less than a minute to fix. Before you assume the mouse is broken, check whether it is plugged in or has batteries, whether the cable is loose, and whether you accidentally turned off the wireless receiver. These three things account for the majority of mouse problems.
The second thing to check is whether your operating system recognizes the mouse at all. On Windows, open Settings and go to Bluetooth & devices, then Devices. On Mac, open System Settings and go to General, then Peripherals. If your mouse does not appear in either list, the connection itself has failed — the mouse is not communicating with your computer. If it does appear but does not respond, the problem is usually a driver or a setting that has been turned off.
Key Takeaways
- Check the power source first: wired mice need a find cable connection, and wireless mice need working batteries or a charged battery.
- Verify the mouse appears in your operating system's device list (Settings on Windows, System Settings on Mac) to confirm your computer recognizes it.
- Restart your computer and reconnect the mouse, which fixes most connection problems without requiring any troubleshooting.
- If the mouse moves but buttons do not respond, or if it moves erratically, the problem is usually a dirty sensor or a software conflict rather than a hardware failure.
- Wired mice rarely fail; wireless mice fail more often because of battery, receiver, or interference issues.
Check the cable and power source
For a wired mouse, unplug the USB cable from the back of your computer and plug it back in firmly. The connection should click into place. If the cable is damaged — frayed, kinked, or visibly cracked — the mouse will not work even if it appears to be plugged in. Inspect the full length of the cable, including where it enters the mouse itself.
For a wireless mouse, open the battery compartment on the bottom and check that the batteries are installed correctly. The positive and negative ends should match the markings inside the compartment. If the batteries are old, replace them with new ones. Many wireless mice also have an on/off switch on the bottom; make sure it is in the on position. If your mouse has a rechargeable battery instead, connect it to a USB charger for at least 30 minutes before testing it again.
Reconnect the wireless receiver
Wireless mice use a small USB receiver (sometimes called a dongle) that plugs into your computer. If the receiver is loose, unplugged, or blocked by other equipment, the mouse will not connect. Unplug the receiver from your computer, wait five seconds, and plug it back in. Make sure it is fully inserted into the USB port.
Check that the receiver is not blocked by metal objects, other USB devices, or thick cables. Wireless receivers work best when they have a clear line of sight to the mouse. If your receiver is plugged into a USB hub or an extension cable, try plugging it directly into your computer instead. Some hubs do not provide enough power to the receiver, which causes connection problems.
Restart your computer and the mouse
Restart your computer completely. While it is restarting, turn off your wireless mouse (using the switch on the bottom) or unplug your wired mouse. Once your computer has finished restarting, turn the mouse back on or plug it in again. This straightforward step fixes most mouse problems because it clears temporary connection errors and resets the communication between your computer and the mouse.
If you are using a wireless mouse, wait 10 seconds after turning it on before moving it. The mouse needs time to establish a connection with the receiver. If the mouse still does not work after restarting, move to the next step.
Update or reinstall the mouse driver
Your operating system uses a piece of software called a driver to communicate with your mouse. If the driver is outdated or corrupted, the mouse will not respond even though your computer recognizes it. On Windows, right-click the Start button, select Device Manager, and look for "Mice and other pointing devices." Click the arrow next to it to expand the list. Right-click your mouse and select "Update driver." Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software" and let Windows search for the latest version.
If updating the driver does not work, right-click the mouse again and select "Uninstall device." Restart your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the driver when it starts up. On Mac, drivers are built into the operating system and update automatically, so you do not need to do this step — but restarting your Mac often fixes driver-related problems.
Clean the mouse sensor and check for interference
If your mouse moves but feels jerky, skips across the screen, or does not move in a straight line, the sensor on the bottom is probably dirty. Flip the mouse over and look at the bottom. You should see a small red or blue light. If the area around the light is covered in dust or debris, use a dry cotton swab or soft cloth to gently wipe it clean. Do not use water or cleaning solution.
Wireless mice can also stop working if something is interfering with the signal between the mouse and the receiver. Microwave ovens, cordless phones, and some Wi-Fi routers operate on the same frequency as wireless mice. If your mouse stops working when you use the microwave, move the receiver farther away from the microwave or use a wired mouse instead. If the problem happens randomly, try moving the receiver to a different USB port on the opposite side of your computer.
Test the mouse on a different computer
If you have access to another computer, plug your mouse into it and see whether it works. If it does, the problem is with your original computer's settings or drivers, not the mouse itself. If it does not work on the other computer either, the mouse is likely broken and needs to be replaced.
This test is especially useful for wireless mice. If a wireless mouse works on another computer but not on yours, try unplugging the receiver from your computer for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Sometimes the receiver loses its pairing with the mouse and needs to be reset. Check the bottom of your mouse for a small reset button (usually recessed so you need a paperclip to press it) and press it while the receiver is plugged in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my mouse work sometimes but not all the time?
Intermittent problems are usually caused by a loose cable, weak batteries, or interference with a wireless signal. For wired mice, try a different USB port. For wireless mice, replace the batteries and move the receiver away from other electronics. If the problem persists, the mouse may be failing and should be replaced.
My mouse cursor moves but the buttons do not work. What should I do?
This usually means the sensor is working but the button switches are broken or stuck. Try cleaning around the buttons with a dry cloth. If that does not help, uninstall and reinstall the mouse driver. If the buttons still do not respond, the mouse has a hardware problem and cannot be repaired.
Can I use my laptop touchpad while I fix my mouse?
Yes. Your laptop touchpad will continue to work even if your external mouse is not responding. You can use the touchpad to navigate your computer and troubleshoot the mouse problem.
Do I need to install software to use my mouse?
No. Most mice work without any software beyond the basic driver that comes with Windows or Mac. Some gaming or ergonomic mice include optional software to customize buttons or sensitivity, but the mouse will function without it.
What is the difference between a wired and wireless mouse in terms of reliability?
Wired mice are more reliable because they have a direct connection to your computer and do not depend on batteries or wireless signals. Wireless mice are more convenient but fail more often because of battery issues, receiver problems, or signal interference. If reliability is your priority, a wired mouse is the better choice.