There are very few things in the world more frustrating than a Bluetooth mouse suddenly becoming unresponsive.
Whether you’re using a Windows or a Mac computer, this article shows you the most common reasons why a Bluetooth mouse would stop working and how to fix them.
Here’s What To Do When Your Bluetooth Mouse Is Not Working:
Most of the time, a simple restart or power cycle (more commonly known as “turning the device off and then turning it back on”) will resolve the issue, as it removes any temporary corrupt data that could affect certain functions on your computer.
If restarting it fails to do the job, however, here are other things you should look into. If you’re on Mac click here to jump to the Mac section.
7 Ways To Fix Your Bluetooth On Windows
Update Your Bluetooth Driver ‒ This is easily overlooked, and when your driver is outdated, it will most likely interfere with your mouse, wireless or otherwise. Do regularly check for updates and apply them as soon as possible.
Below are instructions on how to check for updates and apply them:
- Go to Search, type device manager, and open Device Manager.
- Find your Bluetooth mouse, right-click on it, and go to “Update Driver Software.“
- Let the wizard scan for updates and apply them (if there are any).
- Restart your computer.
Enable Bluetooth Support Service ‒ One reason your Bluetooth mouse isn’t working could simply be because the Bluetooth service is disabled.
To check its status, follow these steps:
- Press Windows key + R to open the elevated Run command line.
- In the command line, type services.msc and press Enter.
- Navigate to or scroll down and look for Bluetooth Support Service.
- If it’s set to Started, then you’re good. If not, right-click and choose Start.
Troubleshoot ‒ If you’ve tried using your mouse on another computer and found that it’s working, then the reason why it’s not working on yours could be a system issue. If that’s the case, you would want to run a troubleshooter to figure out the problem.
Here’s how to do it:
- Press the Windows logo key + I together.
- Use the Tab key to choose Update & Security and then press Enter.
- Choose Troubleshoot and press Enter.
- Select Bluetooth. Activate Run the troubleshooter.
- Follow the instructions to finish the process.
Of course, before you get into more complicated solutions, it’s always good to check whether or not your Bluetooth mouse requires a battery change.
As most wireless mice run on battery power, it may be that yours is just running out of juice, especially if you’ve been using it regularly for a certain amount of time. Try to replace the batteries first and see if that fixes the issue.
If the above solutions still don’t work for you, here are others you can try:
Change The Power and Sleep Settings
If you leave your computer for a while to do something else, it can sleep automatically, depending on your settings. If you press any random key or the power button to wake it, likely, your Bluetooth mouse will suddenly stop responding. This is commonly the case when you’re using a Microsoft Bluetooth mouse.
To change your power and sleep settings, do this:
- Open the Settings app and click on System.
- Navigate to the Power & Sleep tab.
- Uncheck both “On battery power, stay connected to WiFi while asleep” and “When plugged-in, stay connected to WiFi while asleep” options.
Doing this will prevent your device from going into sleep mode, thus avoiding any issue with your Bluetooth mouse.
Reset Your Bluetooth Mouse Connection
This means that you would have to remove your Bluetooth mouse from your device and add it again. It’s also an effective way to fix any Bluetooth connectivity issue and get your Bluetooth mouse back into proper working order.
To do that, follow these instructions:
- Type Bluetooth on the search bar, then click on the Bluetooth & other devices setting.
- Select your Bluetooth mouse, and then choose Remove.
- After it has been removed, click on Add Bluetooth or other devices.
- If the device is not found, restart it again. When the device is found, select it, and then click Next.
- Follow the installation instructions in the wizard.
Roll Back Your Drivers
Sometimes, a driver update is not the solution but rather a driver rollback. You will have to undo the most recent update because it might not be compatible with your Bluetooth mouse.
To roll back your Bluetooth mouse driver, follow these steps:
- Right-click the Start button and open Device Manager.
- Look for your Bluetooth mouse.
- Right-click your Bluetooth driver and choose Properties.
- Under the Driver tab, choose Rollback driver.
- Follow further on-screen instructions.
- Restart your computer.
Restarting is important as it ensures that your changes have been properly applied.
Optimize The Bluetooth Signal
Although not as common, it could be that the issue is not technical or has anything to do with your Bluetooth mouse’s configuration.
Ensure that nothing physical (like perhaps any other decorative object you have on your desk) is blocking your Bluetooth signal. Place your mouse closer to the transceiver or try to position it differently to better detect the signal.
5 Ways To Fix Your Bluetooth On Mac
Let’s move on to Apple devices. Although some of these solutions are similar, the instructions differ when using Mac.
Restart Your Mac’s Bluetooth
One good thing about using Mac is that the solution to your Bluetooth mouse issues is simply disabling and re-enabling Bluetooth in the system. Minor glitches may occur whether you use a Magic Mouse or a third-party one, and this fix works on both.
How to restart your Mac’s Bluetooth:
- Open the Bluetooth status menu from the menu bar. Open the Control Center and expand the Bluetooth control if you don’t see it.
- Turn off the switch next to Bluetooth.
- Wait for a few seconds and turn it back on again.
It’s that easy. Your mouse would usually connect automatically, but if it doesn’t, then look for your mouse and select it from the Devices section of the Bluetooth status menu.
Pair The Bluetooth Mouse Again
Like any other divide that connects to Bluetooth, it could be a pairing issue. If that’s the case, you’d have to pair it again.
To pair your Bluetooth mouse to your Mac again, follow these steps:
- Open the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
- Select Bluetooth.
- Control-click your Bluetooth mouse and select Remove.
- Select Remove again.
- Turn your Bluetooth mouse off, wait a moment, and turn it back on.
- Choose the Connect button to pair your mouse with your Mac again.
Install Support Software
Apple has a reputation for making things more complicated for you if you’re using a device from a different manufacturer. In this case, if you’re using a third-party mouse, you may be required to install support software for it to get it to function on your Mac.
You will find more information on the manufacturer’s website (the maker of the third-party mouse you’re using).
Recharge Or Replace The Battery
A battery issue is easy enough to resolve if it only needs to be replaced, but if you’re using a Magic Mouse 2, make sure that it has enough power remaining because that could be why it’s not working as it should.
Try to recharge it via its Lightning Port for about 15 to 20 minutes and see if that resolves the issue.
Update The System Software
Just like on a Windows computer, any pending software update could also affect your bluetooth mouse. You must regularly check if your Mac and its drivers are all running on the latest software.
Here’s how to check for the latest software updates:
- Open the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
- Select Software Update.
- Select Update Now to install available updates.
After trying all these possible fixes and you’re still not able to get your Bluetooth mouse to work, then you’d have to face the reality that it might be broken and you need a new one.
You may still try and have it repaired instead of throwing it away immediately, but even when that fails, then you’d need to get yourself a replacement.
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