How to connect Xiaomi mouse to MacBook: all ways + problem solving

Xiaomi’s wireless mice have long been popular with a combination of stylish design, low price and advanced features. However, MacBook owners often face difficulties when connecting for the first time: the device is not detected, the cursor twitches or turns off after a few minutes, the reason lies in the peculiarities of interaction of macOS with the peripherals on Broadcom or Nordic Semiconductor chips, which Xiaomi often uses.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to connect the Xiaomi Mi Mouse, Mi Portable Mouse, Mi Silent Mouse and other models to the MacBook Air/Pro (including the M1/M2/M3 chips). From standard Bluetooth pairing to using the USB- receiver and adapters, you will find a solution even for “invisible” devices. And if the mouse is already connected but is malfunctioning, at the end of the article there is a section on troubleshooting.

1.Preparation: Checking the compatibility of the mouse and MacBook

Before you try to connect a mouse, make sure your Xiaomi model officially supports macOS. Most modern devices (such as the Mi Bluetooth Mouse 2 or Mi Dual Mode Wireless Mouse) are compatible, but older versions like the Mi Mouse Lite can only work through the USB- receiver.

Check the specifications of your mouse on the Xiaomi website or in the documents out of the box.

• 🔵 Connection type: Bluetooth only, 2.4GHz (USB- receiver) only, or both (Dual Mode).
• 🖱️ Bluetooth Version: Mice with Bluetooth 5.0+ are more stable with MacBook chips M1/M2.
• 🔋 Protocol HID: If a mouse uses a non-standard protocol (e.g., for gaming functions), additional software may be required.

Also make sure your MacBook is updated to the latest version of macOS (at 2026 Sonoma 14.x or later). Older versions (like Big Sur) may have driver issues for Xiaomi devices.

2. Connection via Bluetooth (main method)

Most Xiaomi mice support Bluetooth connectivity, and this is the most convenient option for a MacBook. However, the pairing process may vary depending on the model. Below is a universal instruction, suitable for the Mi Bluetooth Mouse 2, Mi Portable Mouse and similar devices.

Steps for connection:

1. Turn on the mouse by switching the switch on the housing to the ON position (or BT if there is a choice of modes).
2. On MacBook, open System Settings → Bluetooth.
3. Click Connect next to the mouse name (usually starting with Mi Mouse or Xiaomi).
4. If you request PIN- code, try the standard options: 0000, 1234 or 8888.

If the mouse is not displayed in the list of devices:

• 🔄 Reboot the mouse by holding the switch 5-10 seconds.
• 📱 Try connecting it first to a smartphone (like Xiaomi or iPhone) and then back to a MacBook.
• 🖥️ Update macOS to the latest version through System Settings → Software Update.

sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.Bluetooth.plist ControllerPowerState -int 1

After the reboot, delays should decrease.-->

3 Connection via USB- Receiver (2.4 GHz)

Some Xiaomi models (such as Mi Dual Mode Wireless Mouse or Mi Gaming Mouse) are equipped with a USB- receiver for connection over the 2.4 GHz radio channel. This method is often more stable than Bluetooth, especially for gaming mice with a high DPI.

Instructions for connection:

1. Insert the USB receiver into the MacBook port (use the USB-C → USB-A adapter if necessary).
2. Turn on the mouse by switching the switch to 2.4G (or ON if there are no modes).
3. Press the pairing button on the bottom panel of the mouse (usually it is hidden under the lid of the battery compartment).
4. Wait 10-15 seconds, the mouse will automatically connect.

If the mouse doesn't work:

• 🔌 Try another USB- port or adapter (some receivers conflict with hubs).
• 🖱️ Check if the 2.4GHz frequency is occupied by other devices (like a Wi-Fi router).
• 🔄 Reboot your MacBook with a connected receiver.

Important: USB-Z receivers often clone chips from other manufacturers, which makes macOS able to block them as “uncertified.” If the mouse stopped working after the system update, try connecting it via Bluetooth or buy the original receiver (for example, from Logitech Unifying).

4.Use of adapters and hubs

If your MacBook doesn’t have USB-A ports (like the MacBook Air M1/M2), you’ll need an adapter to connect a USB receiver or charge your mouse.

Recommendations for the selection of adapters:

If the mouse connects through the hub, but periodically disconnects:

• 🔌 Connect the hub to the MacBook directly, without extension cords.
• ⚡ Use an externally powered hub (if the mouse requires a lot of power).
• 🔄 Try another port on the hub (some ports may be weaker in current).

💡

For high-power mice (such as gaming ones), always use USB 3.0+ adapters with at least 900 mA. Cheap Chinese adapters often limit current to 500 mA, which can cause the mouse to brake or shut down.

5. Mouse customization in macOS

Once successfully connected, the Xiaomi mouse may require additional customization — especially if it has custom buttons (such as side or tilt wheels).

How to set up a mouse:

1. Open System settings → Mouse.
2. Tab Pointer and Clicks: Set up tracking speed (recommended 5-7 for Xiaomi). Enable Secondary Click (right button). Activate Scroll in direction: natural (if the cursor is not moving like on Windows).
3. Tab Additional: Check Ignore the built-in keyboard when connecting a Bluetooth mouse or keyboard (if using an external keyboard).

For mice with additional buttons (such as Mi Gaming Mouse):

• 🎮 Install SteerMouse or Mos for macro assignment.
• 🖱️ In Terminal, check button recognition by command: system_profiler SPUSBDataType | grep -A 10 "Mouse" If the buttons are smaller than the mouse physically has, update the drivers.

💡

If the scroll wheel is working in jerks, turn off the “smooth scrolling” in the mouse settings or install the SmoothScroll utility for fine tuning.

6. Solving Connection Problems

Even after successfully pairing a Xiaomi mouse with a MacBook, problems can arise: accidental shutdowns, cursor getting stuck or broken buttons. Below is a list of the most common malfunctions and their solutions.

Problem 1: The mouse connects, but after 5-10 minutes it shuts down.

⚠️ Warning: This is a typical problem for mice with energy-saving mode. macOS defaults to power USB/Bluetooth- devices when they're inactive.

1. Open the Terminal and type: defaults write com.apple.Bluetooth AppleBluetoothPowerManagement -bool false
2. Restart the MacBook.

Problem 2: The cursor twitches or "sticks."

• 📶 Check if there are any sources of interference (microwaves, other Bluetooth devices) nearby.
• 🔋 Replace the batteries in the mouse (even if the light is green).
• 🖥️ In System Settings → Special Options → Control Pointer Disable Ignore the Integrated Keyboard.

Problem 3: The mouse is not detected after the macOS update.

⚠️ Warning: MacOS updates (especially Sonoma 14.0–14.2) are known to have driver problems for Xiaomi devices.

• 🔄 Reset NVRAM: Turn off the MacBook. Turn on, holding Option + Command + P + R for 20 seconds right away.

🖱️ Remove the mouse from the list of Bluetooth devices and reconnect.

Alternative Bluetooth drivers

7. Alternative ways of connecting

If standard methods don't work, try non-obvious solutions, which are suitable for older mouse models or MacBooks with custom configurations.

Method 1: Connect via DFU Mode (for firmware).

Some Xiaomi mice (such as the Mi Bluetooth Mouse Youth Edition) require firmware to work correctly with macOS.

1. Download the Mi-mouse-firmware utility.
2. Connect the mouse via cable (if you have a Micro-USB/Type-C port).
3. Launch at the Terminal: python3 mi_mouse_flasher.py --dfu

⚠️ This method is only suitable for power users and may result in a loss of warranty!

Method 2: Using a Windows Virtual Machine.

If the mouse is critical to the job but doesn’t want to connect to macOS, you can use Windows via Parallels Desktop or VirtualBox:

• 🖥️ Connect your mouse to the virtual machine via the USB menu → Connect the device.
• 🔄 In the virtual machine settings, turn on USB 3.0.

Method 3: Replace the Bluetooth chip in the MacBook.

In rare cases, the problem lies in the hardware incompatibility of the Bluetooth chip in the MacBook (especially in the models of 2015-2017), the solution is to replace the module with a supported one (for example, the Broadcom BCM94360CS).

Frequently asked questions