How to get a Mouse connected to an iMac (when it's not automatic)

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Level 1

18 points

How to get a Mouse connected to an iMac (when it's not automatic)

The Mouse for my (late 2022) iMac stopped working. I jacked in another mouse, that works on another machine & is charged up, using a suitable cable. Nothing happened. I followed instructions that applied, but there was no way to get around without a mouse. Could not get at Accessibility to start Mouse Keys either.

I rebooted the iMac -- power cycled it -- and the (good) mouse did not get connected. The screen brought up all the stuff expected, but connecting the mouse was NOT part of it.

What to do now?

iMac (M1, 2021)

Posted on Dec 13, 2025 12:34 PM

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Answer 1

Limnos

Level 10

427,019 points

Dec 13, 2025 1:20 PM in response to Metal_bender

Tell us more about the mouse. Is it an Apple mouse? If not, what brand and model of mouse is it? Some use a separate dongle that must be inserted into a USB slot. If there's a battery compartment, check there.

Connect a third-party Bluetooth accessory to your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

If a Bluetooth accessory won't connect to your iPhone or iPad

If a Bluetooth accessory won't connect to your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

You need to re-pair each third party device you own when you set up Bluetooth with a new piece of Apple hardware. This is because the hardware address of the Apple hardware is part of the pairing and is different for each Apple device you own.

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