Mac

External keyboard or mouse not working with Mac

An external keyboard or mouse that won't work is usually a connection, battery, or pairing issue rather than a fault with the Mac itself, and testing with a different device quickly narrows it down.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
10–20 minutes
DIY cost
$0–$15
Pro cost
$80–$150

Symptoms

  • Cursor doesn't move or keys don't register from the external device
  • Device was working before and stopped suddenly
  • Device works with another computer but not this Mac
  • Wireless device's light doesn't turn on or blinks unusually

Likely causes

  • CommonDead or low batteries in a wireless keyboard or mouseThis is the most common and simplest cause to check first.
  • CommonA USB receiver not properly connected or in a problematic port/hubWireless dongles can be sensitive to their exact connection.
  • CommonThe device not properly paired via BluetoothPairing can silently drop and need to be redone.
  • PossibleA loose or faulty USB cable for a wired deviceCables are a frequent point of failure.
  • PossibleA software setting affecting input recognitionAccessibility or input settings occasionally cause unexpected behavior.

What to do

  1. Replace or recharge the batteries in a wireless keyboard or mouse.
  2. For a USB receiver, try a different USB port directly on the Mac rather than through a hub.
  3. For Bluetooth devices, check System Settings > Bluetooth to confirm it's still listed as connected; if not, forget and re-pair it.
  4. For wired devices, try a different cable and port to rule those out.
  5. Test the device on another computer if possible to confirm whether the device itself is faulty.
  6. Restart the Mac, which can reset Bluetooth and USB connections.
  7. Check System Settings > Keyboard or Mouse/Trackpad for any unusual settings that might affect recognition.
  8. If a specific device never works on this Mac despite working elsewhere, and all connection troubleshooting is exhausted, a technician can check for a Bluetooth or USB hardware issue on the Mac.

Tools and parts

  • Fresh batteries (for wireless devices)
  • Known-good USB cable

When to call a pro

If a known-good external device still won't connect via any port or Bluetooth, an Apple-authorized shop can check for a hardware issue on the Mac's side.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.