How to connect Xiaomi mouse to MacBook: all the ways + mistake-making

Xiaomi’s wireless mice have gained popularity thanks to a combination of stylish design, long battery life and affordable price. However, MacBook owners often face problems when trying to connect such devices, from the lack of response to a Bluetooth connection to the incorrect operation of the scroll wheel. This article will help you understand all the nuances of connecting Mi Wireless Mouse, Redmi Wireless Mouse and other models to macOS, including the current versions of Sonoma and Ventura.

We will consider both possible ways of connecting - via Bluetooth and using the Internet. USB-Receiver (for models with support) 2.4G), We'll also look at common errors, such as "device not detected" or "mouse is connected but not working." We'll focus on setting up additional functions (e.g., sensitivity adjustment). DPI) Compatibility with Xiaomi’s proprietary software on macOS.

If you just unpacked a new Xiaomi mouse and don’t know which side to approach its settings on a MacBook Pro/Air — And for the advanced users, we've created a section with advanced tricks, including tying a mouse to multiple devices and customizing buttons through third-party utilities.

What Xiaomi mice are compatible with MacBook?

Not all Xiaomi wireless mouse models work equally well with macOS. The main compatibility criteria are the type of connection (Bluetooth or Mac OS). 2.4G) Here are the key points to consider before buying:

• 🔵 Bluetooth models: Supported by all MacBooks since 2012 (with macOS Mojave and later). Examples: Mi Wireless Mouse, Mi Portable Mouse, Redmi Wireless Mouse Lite.
• 📡 2.4G-Models: Require USB-Receiver (compatible with any MacBook, but take up port) USB-C (You'll need an adapter. USB-A → USB-C Examples: Mi Bluetooth Mouse 2 (hybrid), Xiaomi Gaming Mouse.
• ⚡ High-end models DPI (1000+): Can cause sensitivity problems on macOS due to differences in processing mouse movements. Example: Mi Dual Mode Wireless Mouse (up to 1600) DPI).

Important: Some Xiaomi mice (such as Mi Bunny Mouse) are marketed as "universal" but may not be recognized by macOS due to non-standard Bluetooth profiles.

⚠️ Xiaomi Mice with Bluetooth Low Energy Support (BLE) You may not be able to connect to older MacBooks (before 2015) due to an outdated version of the Bluetooth module. → System report → Bluetooth.

Preparing MacBooks for Mouse Connection

Before you start pairing your Xiaomi mouse with your MacBook, you need to follow a few preparatory steps, which will help avoid the typical mistakes, such as “device not found” or “failed to connect”.

First, make sure your MacBook has the current version of macOS installed. Xiaomi mice work best on macOS Monterey (12.x) To check the version, go to  → If you need an update, do it through System Settings. → Update of the PO.

Turn Bluetooth on in the status menu|Update macOS to the current version|Charge the mouse (if the battery is)|Remove old paired devices in Bluetooth settings|Reboot your MacBook (recommended)-->

Second, clear the list of Bluetooth devices that are paired, and then go to System Settings. → Bluetooth, hover over the unnecessary device, press ⓘ and select "Delete." This will free up slots for new connections and eliminate conflicts.

If you connect the mouse through USB-Receiver, use the original adapter USB-A → USB-C (If your MacBook doesn’t have a port USB-A). Cheap, uncertified adapters can cause input delays or no mouse response at all.

Bluetooth|USB-receiver (2.4G)|It doesn't matter, as long as it works.|I haven't decided yet.-->

Connecting Xiaomi mouse over Bluetooth

Most Xiaomi mouse models support Bluetooth connectivity, and this is the most versatile way for MacBooks.

1. Turn on the mouse by moving the switch on the bottom panel to the position "ON" (or hold the power button for 3 seconds for models without a mechanical switch.The indicator should start flashing blue (search mode).
2. On MacBook, open System Settings → Bluetooth.
3. Click the "Connect" button next to your mouse name (usually starting with Mi Mouse or Redmi Mouse).If the device doesn't show up, update the list by clicking "Update" or restarting the Bluetooth module (see tip below).
4. Confirm pairing if you have a request to enter the code. Xiaomi mice usually use the code 0000 or 1234.

Critical detail: If the mouse is not detected, try resetting it by holding the pairing button (usually located under the battery compartment cover) for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes quickly, which will bring the mouse to its original state and allow the pairing to be re-executed.

After successful connection, check the mouse:

• 🖱️ Movement of the cursor (should be smooth, without jerks).
• 🔄 Scrolling wheel (some models require setting the direction to System settings) → Mouse).
• 🖲️ Side buttons (if any) – their functionality on macOS may differ from Windows.

💡

If the mouse connects, but the cursor moves in jerks, try to disable the option "Increase contrast" in System settings → Special facilities → Display: This feature sometimes conflicts with Bluetooth device drivers.

Connection through USB-receiver (2.4G)

Some Xiaomi mouse models (such as Mi Dual Mode Wireless Mouse or Xiaomi Gaming Mouse) support connectivity via the Wireless Mouse. USB-2.4GHz receiver This method provides a more stable connection and lower input latency, which is important for gamers or graphics work.

Instructions for connection:

1. Put it in. USB-Receiver to the MacBook port (if necessary, use an adapter) USB-A → USB-C).
2. Turn on the mouse and put the switch in mode 2.4G (usually indicated by the antenna icon).
3. Press the pairing button on the bottom mouse panel (if any) and wait 5-10 seconds.
4. Reboot the MacBook – This is necessary to initialize the new USB-device.

Unlike Bluetooth, it is important to connect via 2.4G The system does not require pairing in macOS settings. The system must automatically recognize the mouse as USB-input device, unless it happens:

• 🔌 Check that the receiver is tightly inserted into the port (try another port or adapter).
• 🔄 Reboot the mouse by removing and re-inserting the battery.
• 🖥️ Update the configuration USB via Terminal: sudo kextunload -b com.apple.driver.AppleUSBMergeNub sudo kextload -b com.apple.driver.AppleUSBMergeNub

⚠️ Attention: When in use USB-Receiver on MacBook with Apple Silicon chip (M1/M2) There may be a conflict with the built-in security system, in which case temporarily disable "System Integrity Protection" (SIP) MacOS Restore, but don’t forget to turn it back on after you set it up!

Setting up Xiaomi mouse on macOS

After successfully connecting the Xiaomi mouse to the MacBook, it can be further customized to your needs. macOS offers basic customization options, and advanced features will require third-party utilities.

Basic settings are available in System settings → Mouse:

• 🖱️ Tracking speed: adjusts cursor sensitivity (analogue) DPI). For high-flying mice DPI (1000+) It is recommended to set the value of 50-70%.
• 🔄 Scroll direction: Turn on the "Scroll: Natural" option if the wheel is running "backwards".
• 🖲️ Secondary Click: Set the right button (macOS can be disabled by default).

For advanced users:

• 🎯 USB Overdrive (usboverdrive.com): allows you to assign macros to additional buttons and adjust DPI step 100.
• 🖱️ SteerMouse: Supports profiles for different applications (e.g., separate settings for Photoshop and Finder).
• 🔧 Karabiner-Elements: Free utility for button remaps (for example, make a side mouse button) ⌘+Tab).

Solving common problems

Even after successfully connecting Xiaomi mouse to MacBook, users may experience problems. Consider typical scenarios and ways to fix them.

Problem 1: The mouse plugs in, but it shuts down after a few minutes.

• 🔋 Check the battery power of the mouse (the indicator should burn green when turned on).
• 📡 For Bluetooth: Turn off power saving mode in System settings → Bluetooth → Additionally (uncheck the box with "Allow Bluetooth devices to wake up this computer").
• 🔄 For 2.4G: try to use USB-externally powered hub – sometimes MacBook ports don’t provide enough current for the receiver.

Problem 2: The mouse buttons are not working correctly (e.g., the right button opens Mission Control).

By default, macOS assigns the right mouse button to a "secondary click" action, which may conflict with the system settings, to reset the anchors:


1. Open System Settings → Mouse.




2. Click Additional and reset the button settings to the standard ones.




3.If the problem persists, use Karabiner-Elements for manual remaps.

sudo rm -rf /Library/Preferences/com.apple.Bluetooth.plist

Then restart the MacBook and re-pair the pairing.-->

Problem 3: The mouse lays down or stutters when it moves.

• 📶 For Bluetooth: Disable other wireless devices (earphones, keyboard) that may interfere.
• 🖥️ For 2.4G: Check to see if it is not USB-receiver near interference sources (e.g. Wi-Fi router).
• 🔧 Reduce tracking speed in mouse settings or turn off cursor smoothing: defaults write.GlobalPreferences com.apple.mouse.scaling -1

Advanced opportunities and life hacks

Xiaomi's MacBook mice can do more than just move the cursor. Here are some useful tricks for power users:

1. Mouse binding to multiple devices

Some models (e.g. Mi Dual Mode Wireless Mouse) support simultaneous connection to 2-3 devices.

• 🔄 Hold the pairing button for 3 seconds to switch between saved devices.
• 📱 To connect to your MacBook and iPad, use Bluetooth on both devices at the same time.

2.Tune in. DPI through the terminal

If your mouse supports several levels DPI, but macOS does not provide an interface to switch them, you can use hidden commands:

# View the current mouse settings


defaults read ~/.GlobalPreferences com.apple.mouse.scaling




Sensitivity setting (value from -1 to 3, where 3 is the maximum speed)



defaults write .GlobalPreferences com.apple.mouse.scaling 2

After completing the commands, restart the MacBook or reconnect the mouse.

3.Using a mouse in Boot Camp mode

If you run Windows on a MacBook through Boot Camp, the Xiaomi mouse may not work automatically.

• 🖱️ For Bluetooth: Install Broadcom drivers from Boot Camp Support Software.
• 📡 For 2.4G: Download the universal driver for USB-mice from the chip manufacturer's website (usually Nordic Semiconductor or PixArt).

blueutil --power 0

blueutil --power 1

You can install blueutil in Homebrew: brew install blueutil.-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi mouse to MacBook