Magic Mouse, Keyboard or Trackpad not connecting to a Mac? 5 fixes
2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026
Switch the device off and on with its slide switch until green shows. Check that Bluetooth is on under System Settings, Bluetooth. Then connect the device to the Mac with its charging cable for one minute: this pairs it again and charges the battery.
Apple's wireless mouse, keyboard and trackpad connect over Bluetooth and charge by cable. When one stops responding, the battery is empty or the pairing is lost in most cases, and the cable fixes both.
Menu names are from recent versions of macOS, where the settings app is called System Settings.
Step by step
Switch the device off and on
The Magic Mouse has its switch on the underside. The Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad have it on the back edge. Slide it so that no green is visible, then back so that green shows. Older models with replaceable batteries have a power button and a green light instead.
Check that Bluetooth is on
With a working trackpad or a USB mouse, choose Apple menu, System Settings, Bluetooth and switch it on. Without any pointer, press Command + Space, type Bluetooth File Exchange and press Return. The Mac then offers to turn Bluetooth on. If Bluetooth will not switch on, restart the Mac.
Connect the cable for one minute
Plug the device into the Mac with its USB-C or Lightning charging cable and wait one minute. This pairs the device with this Mac and starts charging. Then unplug it and test.
Check the battery level
Click Control Center in the menu bar and click Bluetooth. The charge of connected Apple devices is shown next to their names. Charge a low device for a while before you go on.
Reduce wireless interference
If the connection drops again and again, move the device closer to the Mac and move other wireless equipment, USB 3 hubs and drives away from it. Metal between the device and the Mac also weakens the signal.
Good to know
A pointer that jumps or a mouse that does not track is often a surface problem. Try a plain mouse pad and clean the sensor window underneath.
For the built-in keyboard of a MacBook, see Mac keyboard not working: 7 fixes to try.
Headphones and devices from other makers: Mac Bluetooth not working: 7 fixes to try.
In short: Switch off and on, Bluetooth on, cable for one minute, check the battery, reduce interference.
- Apple Support: If your Apple wireless mouse, keyboard, or trackpad isn't working as expected
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