The USB connector is the standard port on the back of a modern PC for attaching a mouse. Most mice today use a rectangular USB-A port or the smaller, reversible USB-C port, both of which offer plug-and-play functionality and deliver power to the device without needing a separate power source.
How to identify the USB connector on your computer
On the back of a desktop PC, USB ports are typically grouped in a rectangular block alongside other ports like Ethernet and audio jacks. The standard USB-A port is flat and rectangular, while the newer USB-C port is smaller and oval-shaped, allowing insertion in either orientation. On a laptop, USB ports are usually located on the sides or the back edge. Look for the familiar rectangular opening or the slim oval shape; both are labeled with the USB symbol (a trident shape) nearby.
The PS/2 connector: a legacy port
Older PCs sometimes used a round, 6-pin PS/2 connector for the mouse, often color-coded green. This legacy port required the computer to be turned off before attaching or detaching the device, unlike modern USB ports that support hot-swapping. While PS/2 offered a dedicated interrupt line for slightly faster response in its day, it is not the standard on modern systems and has largely been replaced by USB due to USB's greater versatility and convenience.
What about wireless and Bluetooth mice?
Wireless mice that use a USB receiver still require a USB port on the computer to plug that receiver into. Bluetooth mice, however, connect directly to the computer's internal Bluetooth hardware, so they do not use a dedicated connector on the back. To use a Bluetooth mouse, you pair it through the operating system's Bluetooth settings. If your PC lacks built-in Bluetooth, you can add it using a Bluetooth dongle, which itself plugs into a USB port. For example, you might use a Bluetooth dongle to enable wireless connectivity for a mouse that does not come with its own receiver. This is essentially a dongle for a mouse that relies on Bluetooth rather than a proprietary wireless signal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a USB hub to connect my mouse?
Yes, a powered or unpowered USB hub works for connecting a mouse, as mice require very little power. However, for the most reliable and lowest-latency connection, plugging the mouse directly into a port on the computer is recommended.
Do I need an adapter for a USB-C mouse on an older computer?
If your computer only has USB-A ports and your mouse has a USB-C cable, you will need a USB-C to USB-A adapter or a cable with the appropriate ends. Most modern mice still use USB-A, so this is rarely necessary.
Will any USB port on my computer work for a mouse?
Yes, any standard USB port (USB 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, or USB-C) will work with a USB mouse. All versions are backward compatible, so a mouse designed for USB 2.0 will function in a USB 3.0 port and vice versa.
Can I use a mouse with an iPhone?
Apple supports wired and Bluetooth mice on iPhone through AssistiveTouch. To set it up, go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch, turn it on, then under Pointer Devices use Devices to pair a Bluetooth mouse or connect a wired USB mouse via Lightning or USB-C (USB-A mice require an adapter). Apple also documents Pointer Style, Mouse Keys, Show Onscreen Keyboard, Sound on Click, Always Show Menu, and Tracking Sensitivity there. Apple says supported pointer devices include Bluetooth and USB assistive pointer devices such as mice, trackpads, and game controllers.
Can I use a mouse with an Android phone?
Yes, Android supports mice via Bluetooth or a USB-OTG adapter for wired models.
