Connect a Wireless Mouse

A wireless mouse can make your desk look more modern and neat by eliminating cords. It can also make using the mouse more comfortable for you. Some wireless mice use USB receivers while others use Bluetooth. This article will demonstrate how to connect either one.

Steps

Connecting Via a Receiver

  1. Insert the batteries into the mouse. Turn the mouse over, find the battery cover, and slide it off. Insert the appropriate batteries—sometimes this is AA and other times AAA. Typically, you will also turn on the mouse by pushing or sliding the “on” button.
  2. Connect the receiver to the computer. Plug your receiver into an available USB port.
  3. Connect the mouse to the receiver. Some mice are advertised as “plug and play" which means that they do not require any software to work with your computer; however, others require drivers to be downloaded to your computer. If your computer requires drivers to be downloaded, then it will either automatically download or prompt you to download the drivers once you plug in your receiver.
  4. Test your new mouse. When the cursor moves when you move the mouse, you have connected the mouse properly.
  5. Adjust your mouse settings. You can either use your computer’s settings to adjust your new mouse’s sensitivity or use the mouse’s software should the mouse be equipped with software.

Troubleshooting

  1. Download drivers for the mouse. If you have difficulty using your mouse and you were not prompted to download anything, then try using a search engine such as Google to look up whether your mouse requires drivers or not. If your mouse came with a CD then insert the CD to install the drivers.
  2. Check that your USB port is working. If you think you installed everything correctly but your mouse still doesn't seem to work, then check to see whether the USB port works or not. Unplug your receiver from the port and then plug in something you know should work such as a thumb drive or your cell phone with the charger. If neither of these devices work, then the port itself may not be working and you should try using another port for your receiver.
    • It may also be possible that the USB port does not have enough power to support the receiver. If you plug in something that has an independent power source (such as a digital camera) and the computer connects to it, then you know you have a power issue. You can buy USB hubs with independent power sources which should give your receiver enough power to connect; however, this method may require the hub to be connected to an outlet.
  3. Check whether your receiver has a button on it. If so, then press the button on the receiver first and then the button on the mouse.

Connecting Via Bluetooth

  1. Insert batteries into your mouse. Turn your mouse over, locate the battery cover, and remove it. Insert the appropriate batteries—sometimes this is AA and other times AAA. Typically, you will also turn on the mouse by pushing or sliding the “on” button.
  2. Enable Bluetooth and discover your mouse.
    • In Windows 8, click Windows + C to open your charms bar and search for “bluetooth.” An option for “Add Bluetooth device” will appear in the left pane. Click on this and then click on “Add a device.” Your computer will search for your Bluetooth mouse and should appear in a list when it is found.
    • In Windows 7, click “Start” and search for “add a device.” Click on “Add a device” when it appears in the search results. Your computer will automatically search for your mouse. Click on your mouse when it appears in the pane. Then click “Next.” You will be notified when your mouse has been paired with your computer.
    • In Mac OS X, click on “System Preferences” and then “Bluetooth.” Ensure that you have Bluetooth turned on. If it isn’t then click the button to Turn Bluetooth On. Your mouse should appear in the “Devices” panel. Click on your mouse in the devices panel to pair your device and your computer.
  3. Adjust your mouse settings. You can either use your computer’s settings to adjust your new mouse’s sensitivity or use the mouse’s software should the mouse be equipped with software.

Tips

  • Use a plug-in mouse during setup. It'll make the process smoother, and you'll still have control should something go awry during the setup. It's also good to have a wired mouse available in case your batteries die unexpectedly.
  • Some computers may require a Bluetooth receiver as the computer may not be Bluetooth ready. Simply plug the receiver into a USB port and continue to set up your mouse by following the "Connecting via Bluetooth" directions.
  • The Bluetooth mouse typically will have a small button on the bottom that can be pushed in order to make it discoverable by other computers and devices. The status LED on the mouse may also blink when it's discoverable.
  • Consider using hot keys on your keyboard if you have difficulty with your new mouse.
  • Save any important work before unplugging your old mouse. You won't be able to save it easily if your mouse port stops working for any reason.

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