Xiaomi’s wireless mice are a popular accessory for MacBook owners thanks to their combination of compactness, design and affordable price. However, connecting devices from the Chinese brand to Apple’s ecosystem sometimes raises questions: Why MacOS can't see the mouse, how to switch the connection mode, or what to do if the cursor twitches. In this article, we'll discuss all the current ways of synchronization, including Bluetooth, USB-receiver and adapters, as well as typical errors with step-by-step solutions.
Feature of Xiaomi mice (e.g. Mi Bluetooth Mouse, Mi Silent Mouse or Mi Portable Mouse models) 2) — It's both a plus and a minus: on the one hand, you get a universal device, on the other hand, you have to figure out which mode is on at the moment. M1/M2 MacBook Air with the latest versions of MacOS Ventura/Sonoma, to provide relevant data.
1.Preparing Xiaomi mouse to connect
Before syncing with a MacBook, make sure the mouse is ready to go.Most Xiaomi models have a hardware mode switch (usually located on the bottom panel next to the power button).
- 🔋 Battery charge: If the mouse does not respond to the on, connect it to charge for 10-15 minutes. USB-C (For example, Mi Silent Mouse is charged from any adapter, and devices with a battery AAA Replacement of the power supply.
- 📡 Connection mode: The switch usually has 3 positions – Off (off), Bluetooth (B icon) and 2.4G (badge "USB"). Bluetooth is the best for MacBooks, as it does not require USB-port.
- 🔄 Reset: If the mouse has previously been paired with another device, press and hold the switch 5-7 seconds until the indicator blinks quickly (usually red or blue.
Important: Some models (such as Mi Portable Mouse 2) automatically switch to Bluetooth mode when first turned on, but after connecting to a Windows PC, they can "forget" this mode.
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If the mouse indicator does not burn when turned on, try connecting it to charge for 30 seconds - sometimes this "wakes up" the device after a long downtime.
2. Connection via Bluetooth (main method)
Xiaomi Mice Support Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), This is a stable connection to the MacBook, and it's relevant to the Monterey MacOS and newer:
- Turn the mouse on by switching the switch to the Bluetooth position (the "B" icon). The indicator should flash blue (in some models - white).
- On MacBook, open System Settings → Bluetooth (or click on the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar).
- In the list of available devices, find a mouse – it can display as Mi Mouse, Xiaomi BT Mouse or model (e.g. Mi Silent Mouse.
- Confirm pairing if you have a request. Some mice (e.g. Mi Bluetooth Mouse 2) will need to enter PIN-code - standard version 0000 or 1234.
Once successfully connected, the mouse light will stop flashing and will burn constantly (or go out depending on the model).If the MacOS gives an error "Device failed to connect", try the following steps:
- 🔄 Reboot the mouse (turn off/on).
- 📱 Remove the mouse from the list of Bluetooth devices on the MacBook and repeat the search.
- 🖥️ Update MacOS to the latest version – old versions had bugs with support BLE.
Mouse is on and in Bluetooth mode|The indicator flashes blue/white|MacBook is within 1 meter radius of the mouse|MacBook is Bluetooth enabled and not active VPN|The mouse is not paired with other devices-->
3. Connection through USB-receiver (2.4G)
If your Xiaomi mouse supports the mode 2.4G (For example, Mi Portable Mouse 2 or Mi Gaming Mouse, you can use the same option. USB-The receiver that comes with the kit:
- 🚫 Bluetooth on MacBook is not working or disabled.
- 🎮 You need a minimum delay (relevant to gamers).
- 🔋 You want to save the battery power of the mouse (2.4G It consumes less energy than Bluetooth).
Instructions:
- Transfer the switch to the mouse in position 2.4G (badge "USB").
- Put it in. USB-Receiver to the MacBook port. If you have a MacBook with ports USB-C, Use an adapter (for example, USB-C to USB-A).
- Wait for the driver to install automatically. In most cases, the MacOS recognizes the mouse as standard. HID-device (no additional software required).
- If the cursor doesn’t show up, reboot the MacBook with the receiver connected.
It's important: USB-Xiaomi receivers often use proprietary protocols, so they are not compatible with receivers from other brands (for example, Logitech or Microsoft.
| Mouse model | Bluetooth support | Support 2.4G | Requires a driver for macOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Bluetooth Mouse | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
| Mi Silent Mouse | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yeah (receiver included) | ❌ No. |
| Mi Portable Mouse 2 | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
| Mi Gaming Mouse | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Yes (for additional buttons only) |
Bluetooth|USB-receiver (2.4G)|Both options alternately|I don't know which one is better.-->
4. Solving Connection Problems
If the MacBook can’t see the Xiaomi mouse or the connection is constantly breaking, check out the following points:
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Mice with Dual Connection (Bluetooth) + 2.4G) They can conflict if both modes are active at the same time!
Mouse is not defined in Bluetooth
- 🔌 Check that the mouse is charged (plug in to charge for 5 minutes).
- 📱 Remove the mouse from the list of Bluetooth devices on the MacBook and repeat the search.
- 🖥️ Update MacOS to the latest version (in System Settings) → Update of the PO).
- 🔄 Reboot the MacBook and Mouse.
The cursor twitches or freezes
- 📶 Check for interference: other Bluetooth devices (earphones, keyboards), Wi-Fi routers at 2.4 GHz.
- 🔋 Replace the battery or charge the mouse (lags can occur when low charge).
- 🖱️ Clean the optical sensor (dust or dirt interferes with movement tracking).
- 📋 B System settings → Universal access → Mouse pointer reduce tracking speed.
USB-receiver is down
- 🔌 Try another one. USB-port or adapter (e.g, USB-C to USB-A).
- 🖥️ Check the receiver on another device (Windows PC) to rule out it breaking.
- 🔄 Reboot your MacBook with a connected receiver.
- 📋 B System settings → Security and privacy allow downloading software from Xiaomi developer (if required).
What if the mouse connects but the wheel doesn't work? In some Xiaomi models (such as Mi Silent Mouse), the wheel may not work due to conflict with the MacOS settings.
5.Tune Xiaomi mouse to MacBook
After connecting, the mouse will work with the basic functions, but for full use it is recommended to configure:
- 🖱️ Cursor speed: System settings → Mouse. → Tracking speed.
- 🔄 Scroll direction: Turn on/off "Scroll: Natural Direction" in the same settings.
- 🎯 Additional buttons: If the mouse has side keys (such as Mi Gaming Mouse), install SteerMouse or USB Overdrive to set them up.
- 🔋 Power saving: Turn off the option “Disable Bluetooth if not in use” in System settings → Bluetooth → Additionally.
It is useful for gamers or designers to calibrate DPI (In Xiaomi mice, it's done:
- Hardware: button DPI on the body (if any).
- Software: through Mi Mouse Driver proprietary software (Windows only; on MacOS, use SteerMouse).
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Xiaomi Bluetooth-enabled mice do not require drivers for basic MacOS work, but for advanced features (button settings, DPI) You'll need third-party software.
6. Compatibility of Xiaomi mice with macOS: model table
Not all Xiaomi mice work equally well with MacBooks, but here are the latest data on popular models (tested on MacOS Sonoma 14.4):
| Model | Bluetooth | 2.4G | Problems with macOS | Decision |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Bluetooth Mouse | ✅ Yes (BLE 5.0) | ❌ No. | Sometimes you don’t connect after sleeping MacBook | Turn off the option to "Allow Bluetooth devices to wake up this computer" |
| Mi Silent Mouse | ✅ Yes (BLE 4.2) | ✅ Yes. | Kolesico is working backwards. | Turn off "Natural direction of scrolling" |
| Mi Portable Mouse 2 | ✅ Yes (BLE 5.0) | ✅ Yes. | Delays at high load on Bluetooth | Use it. 2.4G stability |
| Mi Gaming Mouse Lite | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | Side buttons don't work. | Install SteerMouse or USB Overdrive |
| Mi Dual Mode Wireless Mouse | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | Unintentional shutdown | Update the mouse firmware through Windows-PC |
If your model is not in the table, check its specs on the official Xiaomi website or in the manual. Mice with Bluetooth 5.0 support (for example, Mi Portable Mouse 2) usually work more stable than devices with a high-performance model. BLE 4.2.
7. Alternative ways of connecting
If the standard methods don’t work, try alternatives:
Use of the USB-adapter
If your MacBook doesn’t have a port USB-A (For example, a MacBook Air M1/M2), buy an adapter:
- 🔌 USB-C to USB-A — plug-in USB-receiver.
- 📡 Bluetooth adapter (for example, TP-Link) UB400) — If the Bluetooth module is not working.
Connecting via Windows on MacBook
If the mouse requires firmware or drivers (relevant to Mi Gaming Mouse),
- Install Windows via Boot Camp or Parallels Desktop.
- Connect your mouse to Windows and update your firmware through Xiaomi’s official software.
- Return to MacOS – the mouse must work properly.
Using the mouse in the mode of the "guest" device
Some models (e.g. Mi Dual Mode Wireless Mouse) support multi-profile connectivity.
- 🖥️ Mating a mouse at the same time with a MacBook and Windows PC.
- 🔄 Quickly switch between devices with a button on the body.
To activate this mode, hold the pairing button for 3 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and blue alternately.
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If the Xiaomi mouse doesn’t connect in either way, check it on another device — it may be a hardware problem (sensor, battery, Bluetooth module).