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The Tech Grandkid · thetechgrandkid.com/guides/mac-mouse-keyboard/

Your Magic Mouse or Magic Keyboard stopped working on a Mac

For: Mac with an Apple Magic Mouse, Keyboard or Trackpad

Last checked October 14, 2026 against official help from Apple. Written for macOS 27.

An Apple mouse or keyboard usually starts working again after you switch it off and on or plug it in for a minute.

This page is for you if

  • The pointer won't move when you move the mouse
  • Nothing happens when you type
  • It keeps disconnecting

Good to know first

These steps are for Apple's own wireless mouse, keyboard and trackpad. Other brands connect like any Bluetooth accessory, in System Settings, Bluetooth.

Do these steps

  1. Switch it off and on

    Magic Mouse has a switch on the bottom. Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad have one on the back edge. Slide it off so no green shows, then slide it back on so you see green.

  2. Check that Bluetooth is on

    Using a laptop's trackpad or a mouse with a cord, click the Apple menu and choose System Settings. Click Bluetooth and make sure it's turned on.

  3. Connect it with its cable

    Plug it into the Mac with its charging cable. Wait 1 minute, then unplug it. This pairs it with your Mac again and charges it.

  4. Check the battery

    Click Control Center in the menu bar at the top of the screen, then click Bluetooth to see how much charge it has.

If you have no mouse or trackpad to click with

  1. Turn on Bluetooth with the keyboard

    If the keyboard works, press Command and the Space bar together. Type Bluetooth File Exchange and press Return. Press Return again to turn Bluetooth on.

  2. Restart the Mac

    If Bluetooth still won't turn on, restart the Mac and try again.

Good to know

  • Older Apple keyboards and mice take regular batteries instead of a cable. If the light never comes on, put in new batteries.
  • If it keeps dropping the connection, other wireless gadgets nearby may be getting in the way. Move it closer to the Mac.

Check it with the source

We wrote these steps from these official pages. If your screen looks different, the official page is always right.

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