Mouse · Network & Internet
Connect a wireless mouse over Bluetooth or a USB receiver
Most wireless mice use one of two connection types — Bluetooth (pairs directly with your computer's built-in radio) or a proprietary 2.4GHz USB receiver (a small dongle that plugs into a USB port). Some higher-end mice support both, switchable with a button on the underside.
What you should know
- For a USB-receiver mouse: plug the receiver into a USB port, turn the mouse on with its power switch, and it should connect within a few seconds with no further steps.
- For Bluetooth: put the mouse into pairing mode (usually a dedicated button or switch, sometimes held for a few seconds), then on your computer open Bluetooth settings and select the mouse from the list of discoverable devices.
- Windows: Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Add device. macOS: System Settings → Bluetooth.
Why it matters
A USB receiver generally gives lower latency and more reliable tracking than Bluetooth, which matters for fast-paced work or gaming — knowing which connection type a given mouse uses (and that many support only one) avoids buying the wrong expectation into a purchase.
Best practices
- Keep the USB receiver plugged into the same port it was originally paired to if the mouse ever stops responding intermittently — some models bind loosely to the port's exact USB controller.
- Replace batteries or recharge before they're fully drained — many wireless mice show increasingly erratic tracking as battery level drops, which is easy to mistake for a connection problem.
- Use a USB extension cable to bring the receiver closer to the mouse if your computer is inside a metal case or far below desk level.
Common problems and fixes
- Mouse cursor stutters or lags intermittently
- Try a different USB port (preferably USB 2.0 over a USB 3.0 hub, which can cause 2.4GHz interference), or move the receiver away from other wireless devices and metal obstructions.
- Bluetooth mouse won't show up when pairing
- Remove/forget any previous pairing of that mouse first, then re-enter pairing mode — most Bluetooth mice only broadcast as discoverable to one pairing attempt at a time.
Tips and tricks
- If a mouse supports both connection types, keep the USB receiver as your default for gaming or precision work and reserve Bluetooth for laptops where you don't want to use up a USB port.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the same wireless mouse on two computers?
Some mice support multi-device pairing with a switch button to flip between two or three paired connections; others need to be re-paired manually each time you switch computers.