How to Connect a Mouse to a Mac: 14 Steps

2025 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2025-01-24 13:28

To connect a Magic Mouse 2 or a Magic Trackpad 2 to your Mac you simply have to connect the device to the computer and wait for the latter to complete the configuration. If you're using an older wireless mouse or trackpad, you'll need to turn on Bluetooth connectivity and manually pair with your computer.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Connect a Magic Mouse 2 or a Magic Trackpad 2

Step 1. Connect the mouse to the Mac using the appropriate Lightning to USB cable

Plug the Lightning connector into the communication port on your mouse, then plug the other end of the cable into a USB port on your Mac.

Step 2. Turn on the mouse using the mouse switch on the bottom of the pointing device

You will see a small green light come on, indicating that the mouse is active.

Step 3. Wait for the pairing procedure to run automatically

The Mac will perform the mouse setup by itself.

Step 4. Let the mouse battery fully charge

While the device is connected to the Mac via the Lightning cable the internal battery will be recharged automatically. When it's finished charging, disconnect it from your computer.

The Magic Mouse 2 cannot be used while connected to the Mac via the cable

Method 2 of 2: Connect a Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad

Step 1. Click the Bluetooth icon visible on the right side of the Mac menu bar

If the option indicated is not present, access the "System Preferences" window, choose the "Bluetooth" item and press the "Activate" button.

Step 2. Select the Enable Bluetooth option

Step 3. Turn on the wireless mouse or trackpad

Use the switch located directly on the device to perform this step.

Step 4. Enter the "Apple" menu

Step 5. Select the System Preferences option

Step 6. Click the "Mouse" icon

If the latter is not present, press the "Show all" button located at the top of the "System Preferences" window.

Step 7. Press the Set Up Bluetooth Mouse button

Step 8. Press the Continue button after selecting the new mouse

Step 9. Choose the Pair option if prompted

This item should only appear in the case of an older Bluetooth mouse.

Step 10. Click the red Exit button once the device is successfully paired with the Mac

You are now able to use the mouse as usual.

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