Can one bluetooth mouse be used on two computers at the same time?

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Level 2

380 points

Can one bluetooth mouse be used on two computers at the same time?

Searching through other questions about this topic, it seems the answer is no, and my experience kind of says no, but I thought I should confirm, in case there is a workaround.

Why one mouse and two computers?

I generate Keynote shows on an iMac, in the same room as a Mac Mini sitting right next to the projector in our home theatre. The Keynote show, when checked and finished, is sent by Wifi to the Mac Mini via Screen Sharing. The show runs from the Mac Mini, but I want to be able to check that the show runs okay, via Screen Sharing from the iMac. There'd be a lot of wasted "bulb" time if I did everything on the Mac Mini with the projector turned on.

Instead of having two mice and two keyboards, I use just one of each, paired to both machines.

Problem

If I turn on the Mac Mini first, the iMac doesn't recognise the mouse or keyboard, so I can't Screen Share.

If I turn on the iMac first, the Mac Mini shows a "no mouse" message. And I can't make it go away unless I plug in a wired mouse and keyboard.

Any way around this dilema other than two mice? Can I tell the Mac Mini to disregard mice and keyboards?

Mac mini

Posted on Nov 5, 2024 5:39 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 5, 2024 5:48 PM in response to Guy Burns

Bluetooth doesn't support this, per se, but check if Universal Control might be applicable here.

Continuity features and requirements for Apple devices - Apple Support

Universal Control: Use a single keyboard and mouse between Mac and iPad - Apple Support

"Use the keyboard, mouse, or trackpad of your Mac to control up to two other nearby Mac or iPad devices, and work seamlessly between them."

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Answer 2

Guy Burns Author

Level 2

380 points

Nov 5, 2024 6:31 PM in response to Servant of Cats

Thanks for the reply. Universal Control would appear to work, as long as I have Monterey. But I don't think my iMac can accept Monterey.

I think I'll accept that two mice are the only way, unless…

Is there a simple device that would fool the Mac Mini into thinking it has a mouse and keyboard connected? I'm thinking – plug in a some type of small USB device. The problem with leaving the wired keyboard and mouse connected, is that I occasionally need them elsewhere, and they are rather bulky, with no reason to be there except to stop the "No Mouse" message appearing.

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