Press real hard
So in an earlier post I waxed eloquent about mice from Logitech that handle two (such as the M585) or three computers (the M720). In my case, these mice are ideal as I have a Mac Mini that shares an ultrawide monitor with my Dell laptop. One mouse for two computers.
However, in the last week, I've not been able to get the mice to work with either computer -- neither with the transmitter or by Bluetooth. Lots of generic advice out there that is really unhelpful ("Try turning on Bluetooth") or downright dangerous ("Erase this file...").
TIP You can have more than one mouse connected to your computer at a time. This is useful when debugging wireless mouse problems. Plug a wired mouse into a USB port to help you manipulate the user interface of Windows or MacOS.
Unifying Receiver Don't Connect
Logitech's Unifying Receiver is supposed to handle up to six devices -- mice and keyboards. But they aren't just plug'n-play nilly-willey. I have several laying around, and found that when I plugged in one, it might not be the right one.
So if your computer can't connect to your Logitech mouse through the Unifying receiver, try this steps:
- Check if your mouse's battery compartment to see if it still has its Unifying receiver embedded; take it out and use that one.
- If you have more than one receiver laying around, try the others.
- Use the Unifying program from Logitech to link a receiver to the mouse. Download it from https://download01.logi.com/web/ftp/pub/controldevices/unifying/unifying250.exe
Bluetooth Don't Connect
I spent two days trying to figure out why the two mice would not connect to my computers through Bluetooth. MacOS saw the mice in the Bluetooth connection panel, but would not connect. Windows just plain called them "Unknown devices." I tried a lot of things suggested by others on the great intertubes, but finally found this one cool trick that makes them work -- one that Logitech does not tell you about.
- Hold down the switching button until the LED flashes very quickly. This action forces the mouse into pairing mode, and the computer finally recognizes it.
The figure below shows the location of the switching button on each mouse. The switching button switches between linked computers. On both mice, #1 connects to the Unifying receiver; #2 and #3 connect through Bluetooth.
Super helpful. I was tearing my hair out after my Logitech bluetooth mouse disconnected and wouldn't reconnect.
Posted by: Josh | Jun 04, 2022 at 06:17 AM
very helpfull sugestion. Many thanks. I almost parted with my newly purchase logi mouse, until i read your message. Many thanks
Posted by: NINA WIGMAN | Sep 04, 2022 at 01:51 PM
Thank you for the Switching Button hint. That worked for my M585.
Posted by: Barb | Jan 10, 2023 at 01:23 PM
You deserve an Oscar!!! Thanks!!!
Posted by: Raphael | Jan 23, 2023 at 11:15 AM
You made my day! Many thanks Raphael!!
Posted by: Lena | May 22, 2023 at 10:21 PM
OMG that actually worked. I have a M535 and tried **everyhting* on the webs, and found your article. Although this mouse doesnt even have a multi-device switch, there is the yellow "extra" button on top and I thoug, well, whats to loose: And it worked! the mouse was immediately recognized and the drivers installed! Logitech is btw dead for me and I just dont want to buy a new mouse, yet. (Their drivers are abismal and the keyboards utter rubbish now)
Posted by: Wally | Sep 08, 2023 at 10:12 AM
I too am disappointed at the lowering quality of Logitech hardware.
Posted by: Ralph Grabowski | Sep 08, 2023 at 03:36 PM
Thank you for the switching button fix, it worked!
Posted by: Jennifer | Dec 14, 2023 at 05:50 AM
worked for me too! brilliant thanks
Posted by: Johanna | Dec 15, 2023 at 06:31 PM
Thank you - I have been trying for days :)
Posted by: Kristi Bunt | Jan 25, 2024 at 10:05 AM
Switching button did the trick! You are aces.
Posted by: Cr | Mar 16, 2024 at 08:48 AM
Didn't help my situation, I'm still searching for an answer :(. Good article tho, keep up the good work!
Posted by: Kz | May 04, 2024 at 07:37 AM
I just commented 5 minutes ago...I restarted my mouse & engaged pairing of my mouse 3x. Didn't work. Then I really got down to basics....I restarted my computer, and of course that did the trick lmao.
Posted by: Kz | May 04, 2024 at 07:44 AM
Thanks so much for the helpful article. I have m720 and having fits trying to connect it to a new work MacBook Pro....wouldn't connect until I read your article. Holding down the #3 button did the trick for me! Thanks again...
Posted by: Alfred | May 08, 2024 at 06:32 AM
Didn't work for me until I turned bluetooth off on myWindowss 11 Dell and then back on.
Posted by: Yankeleh Finkelsteinbergman | May 21, 2024 at 03:11 PM
thank you thank you!
Posted by: Leaky B | May 28, 2024 at 12:12 PM
THIS IS SO HELPFUL!! THANKS!!
Posted by: CDD | Jun 13, 2024 at 02:34 PM
Thank you very much - needed the Unifying program link and to know you have to hold down the switching button. SUPER helpful!!
Posted by: William | Jul 09, 2024 at 07:03 AM
Simple fix. Why couldn't I find this on the Logitech website? Thanks!
Posted by: Dale | Aug 17, 2024 at 06:28 PM
This was extremely helpful! I thought I would have to order another mouse and I would of ordered the same one because I love the M720 but now I can continue to use it. Thank you
Posted by: Shay | Sep 06, 2024 at 11:40 AM