With a few considerations, a cordless mouse provides versatility.
What to Know:
- On Windows 10: Navigate to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices > Add Bluetooth or other device.
- On a Mac: Start by pairing your wireless mouse, then selecting the Apple symbol, then System Preferences > Bluetooth.
- On Ubuntu Linux, go to: Pair your wireless mouse, then open the Bluetooth panel and choose your mouse from the Devices list.
How to connect a wireless mouse to a computer is covered in this article. Windows 10, macOS Catalina (10.15) through macOS Sierra (10.12), and Ubuntu Linux are all supported (version 18.04).
Connect a Wireless Mouse on a Computer Running Windows 10
In Windows 10, the Bluetooth option allows you to connect a wireless mouse.
1. Select Devices from the Settings app (tap Win+I as a shortcut).
2. Select Bluetooth & other devices from the left sidebar, then click the plus sign (+) next to Add Bluetooth or other device.
3. Select Bluetooth in the pop-up Add a device window.
4. Follow the wizard’s instructions to add a device. Pairing mode must be enabled on the wireless mouse. Windows recognizes the mouse and installs the necessary drivers.
Note: The process for making a wireless mouse discoverable varies by manufacturer, so see your quick-start guide.
Connect a Wireless Mouse on a Computer Running macOS
Pair your wireless mouse with your computer. Instructions can be found in the device’s literature.
1. In the menu bar at the top of the screen, click the Apple logo and in the drop-down menu, choose System Preferences.
2. To access the system preferences, click Bluetooth.
3. When you open the Bluetooth panel on your Mac, it looks for any devices that are in pairing mode. A connection request should appear to confirm that you want to connect the specified device. If that’s the case, click Connect.
Connect a Wireless Mouse on a Computer Running Ubuntu Linux (Version 18.04)
Pair your wireless mouse with your computer. Instructions can be found in the device’s literature.
1. Open the Bluetooth panel and make sure the On switch at the top is turned on.
2. Finish the configuration by selecting your mouse from the Devices list. To avoid timeouts, complete this step within 20 seconds. The state of the mouse changes to Connected when it connects.
3. Open a window for device-specific customization by selecting the connected mouse.
Wireless Mouse Considerations
Wireless mouse link to your computer via Bluetooth technology, removing the clutter of extra cords from your desk. Wireless mouse connect just like any other Bluetooth device since they rely on Bluetooth.
A Bluetooth mouse is distinguished from a wired mouse in various ways:
- You must remain relatively close. Although a Bluetooth mouse can be used up to 33 feet away from your computer, taking it out of range may need you to re-pair it.
- The wireless mouse requires batteries. For wireless mouse with non-replaceable batteries, you’ll need either spare batteries or a charging cable. Despite the fact that most current Bluetooth mice can run for months or even years on a single set of batteries, Murphy’s Law predicts that your mouse will die at the most inconvenient time. Prepare yourself.
- Different mice support different numbers of paired devices. Some mice can only connect to one computer at a time. Other variants can accommodate up to three devices. If you’re traveling with a single mouse but two computers, such as a laptop and a Windows tablet, choose a mouse that can support both without requiring re-pairing.
- Wireless mice and their dongles sometimes grow legs. If your computer requires a dongle, seek one that has a low profile and can be permanently connected into a USB slot. In a laptop bag, larger dongles may slip off or become damaged.
- Different computers load Bluetooth drivers at different points in their startup sequence. If you need to troubleshoot a computer that won’t start, you might notice that your Bluetooth mouse isn’t loading before the computer crashes. Because USB drivers usually load before wireless drivers, troubleshooting a wonky computer with a wired mouse may be easier.
Bluetooth Adapters
To link with your computer, the wireless mouse uses an integrated transmitter that communicates with a receiver inside the computer. Bluetooth radios are incorporated into the majority of current tablet PCs and laptops. Some desktop computers, however, do not. If your computer doesn’t have Bluetooth built in, you’ll need to purchase a Bluetooth adapter or choose a wireless mouse that comes with a USB dongle that acts as a receiver.
