How to Set Up a New Apple Mouse

By Steve Gregory

An Apple wireless mouse uses Bluetooth technology.
i Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images News/Getty Images

Although the Apple Magic Mouse is a sophisticated peripheral device with many features, installing it on a Mac or Windows computer is a straightforward process. The Magic Mouse was designed for the Mac operating system, but it is also compatible with Windows. Both operating systems have their own versions of a Bluetooth device installation wizard, which you can access to install the mouse. You must turn on the Bluetooth adapter in your computer before beginning the installation process.

OS X

Insert the batteries into the mouse and slide the "On/Off" switch to the "On" position to turn it on. The indicator light will automatically turn on and begin blinking after five seconds, indicating that it is on and ready to connect to the computer. The Magic Mouse is now in discovery mode, which means the computer is now able to detect it.

Open the "Apple" menu and choose "System Preferences" to open the System Preferences window.

Select "Mouse" from the Hardware section to open the Mouse window.

Click the "Set Up Bluetooth Mouse" button to open the Bluetooth Setup Assistant window. The name of the mouse will appear in the list of discoverable devices.

Select the mouse in the list and click "Continue." The Bluetooth Setup Assistant will attempt to pair with your Magic Mouse. Click "Quit" after the system displays a message confirming that the pairing process is successful.

Windows

Insert the batteries into the mouse and slide the "On/Off" switch to the "On" position to turn it on. The indicator light will automatically turn on and begin blinking after five seconds, indicating that it is on and ready to connect to the computer. The Magic Mouse is now in discovery mode, which means the computer is now able to detect it.

Click Start and choose "Devices And Printers" to open the Devices and Printers window.

Click "Add A Device" to open the Add A Device wizard. The Magic Mouse will appear in the Window.

Click the "Apple Wireless Mouse/Mouse" icon and click "Next."

Select "Pair Without A Code" and click "Next." If prompted for a passkey, enter "0000," which is a generic passkey for most Bluetooth devices. Click "Finish" when the process is successfully completed.

Tips

Turn off the Magic Mouse if you are not going to use it for an extended period of time to save the life of the batteries.

Warnings

Information in this article applies to the Apple Magic Mouse and OS X Mountain Lion or Windows 7. It may vary slightly or significantly with other versions or products.

The Magic Mouse may lose some functionality in the Windows environment.

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