← Back to Bluetooth won’t connect

Likely fix

Fix: Bluetooth mouse won’t connect

A Bluetooth mouse usually will not connect because the battery is low, it is not in pairing mode, it is connected to another device, or Bluetooth is stuck.

Quick answer

Charge or replace the battery, turn the mouse off and on, forget the old pairing, then pair it again.

Important warning

Some wireless mice have both Bluetooth and USB receiver modes. They will not pair over Bluetooth if set to the receiver mode.

Try this

  1. 1 Charge the mouse or replace the battery.
  2. 2 Turn the mouse off and on.
  3. 3 Put the mouse into pairing mode.
  4. 4 Forget the mouse from Bluetooth settings.
  5. 5 Restart the computer or tablet.
  6. 6 Pair the mouse again.
  7. 7 If the mouse has Bluetooth and USB receiver modes, make sure it is in Bluetooth mode.

Common causes

Low battery.

Mouse is not in pairing mode.

Mouse is in USB receiver mode.

Saved pairing is corrupted.

Mouse is connected to another device.

What to check next

  • Check battery level.
  • Check whether the mouse has a Bluetooth/receiver switch.
  • Check whether the mouse appears on another device.
  • Check whether the old pairing can be removed.

FAQ

Why won’t my Bluetooth mouse connect?

The mouse may have low battery, may not be in pairing mode, may be in USB receiver mode, or may have a corrupted saved pairing.

Can a wireless mouse have Bluetooth and USB receiver modes?

Yes. Many mice support both. Make sure it is set to Bluetooth mode if you are pairing without a receiver.

Should I remove the mouse from Bluetooth settings?

Yes. Removing and pairing again often fixes a Bluetooth mouse that appears but will not connect.

Related fixes

Fix: Bluetooth keyboard won’t connect

A Bluetooth keyboard usually will not connect because it is not in pairing mode, the batteries are low, it is paired to another device, or the saved pairing is broken.

Fix: Bluetooth accessory won’t connect

Most Bluetooth accessories fail to connect because they are not in pairing mode, have low battery, are connected to another device, or have a broken saved pairing.

Fix: Car Bluetooth won’t pair

Car Bluetooth pairing often fails because the car is not in pairing mode, the phone is already paired badly, the car memory is full, or the phone is connected to another Bluetooth device.

Fix: Bluetooth paired but not connected

A paired Bluetooth device is remembered but not actively connected. This usually happens when the device is off, out of range, connected elsewhere, or the saved pairing is broken.

Fix: Bluetooth headphones not showing up

Bluetooth headphones usually do not appear when they are not in pairing mode, are already connected to another device, have low battery, or need to be reset.

Fix: Bluetooth headphones won’t connect

Headphones that appear but will not connect usually have a corrupted saved pairing, are connected to another device, or need Bluetooth restarted.