My mouse will not connect and it has done in the past have tried to turn off Bluetooth and re pair, have removed from the list and tried to pair again not working

Jo-Anne Woods 0 Reputation points
2026-08-18T01:04:48.3733333+00:00

Cannot pair the same mouse that I have been using for ages, the battery is fine, have tried to pair again not working, have tried to pair another mouse not working

Windows for home | Other | Search, touch, and mouse

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  1. Clary-N 15,730 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-08-18T06:20:02.2966667+00:00

    Hi Jo-Anne Woods,

    Thank you for confirming that you've already worked through the suggestions in the AI Answer.

    Since your original mouse and a second Bluetooth mouse both fail to pair, this points more toward a Bluetooth issue on the PC rather than a problem with the mouse itself.

    Could you let me know:

    • What version of Windows are you using? (Press Windows + R, type winver then share a screenshot or the version/build shown.)
    • Are any other Bluetooth devices, such as headphones, speakers, or a phone able to connect successfully?
    • Does the mouse appear at all when you select Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device > Bluetooth or does it never show up?

    Also, please open Device Manager and expand Bluetooth. Let me know if you see any devices with a yellow warning icon or any entries that appear disabled.

    The results of those checks will help determine whether this is a Bluetooth adapter, driver or Windows-related issue and I can suggest the next steps from there.

    If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".  

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-18T01:05:04.3133333+00:00

    Since re-pairing and removing the mouse already failed, and a second mouse also will not pair, focus on the PC’s Bluetooth connection rather than the mouse.

    1. Check Bluetooth and airplane mode
      • In Windows 11: Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices and make sure Bluetooth is On.
      • Make sure Airplane mode is Off.
      • Then turn Bluetooth off, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on.
    2. Make sure the mouse is actually in pairing mode
      • Press and hold the mouse pairing button for 5–7 seconds until the light blinks.
      • If the light does not come on, replace or recharge the batteries even if they seem fine.
    3. Try pairing again
      • On the PC, go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
      • Select Add device > Bluetooth.
      • Choose the mouse when it appears, then complete any prompts.
    4. Remove old Bluetooth entries and pair again
      • Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices.
      • Find the mouse, select More options (...) > Remove device > Yes.
      • Then pair it again.
    5. Reduce Bluetooth interference
      • Turn off other Bluetooth devices connected to the PC temporarily.
      • Move the mouse closer to the PC.
    6. Restart the PC
      • Select Start > Power > Restart.
      • This can refresh Bluetooth drivers and clear temporary connection issues.
    7. Test whether the issue is the PC
      • Try the mouse with another PC.
      • If the mouse works elsewhere, the problem is with the current PC.
    8. If the pairing light flashes three times and turns off
      • The mouse may still be paired to another PC nearby.
      • Remove it from that other PC first, then pair it again on the current PC.
    9. If Windows asks for a PIN
      • Check the mouse documentation or the device itself.
      • If no PIN is shown, try 0000 or 1234.

    Because another mouse also will not pair, the strongest supported next steps are checking Bluetooth/airplane mode, restarting the PC, and re-adding the device from Bluetooth & devices.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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