To connect a wireless mouse to your Chromebook, use the built-in Bluetooth settings if your mouse is a Bluetooth model, or plug a 2.4 GHz USB dongle into a USB port for an instant connection.
Before you connect a wireless mouse to your Chromebook: Quick compatibility check
Chromebooks that support Bluetooth can connect to Bluetooth mice. All Chromebooks with a USB port work with 2.4 GHz wireless dongle mice. If your Chromebook lacks Bluetooth, you can still use a mouse that connects via a USB receiver. Some older Chromebooks may require a Bluetooth dongle to add wireless capability; this is a separate accessory that plugs into a USB port and is not the same as a dongle for a mouse, which is the receiver that comes with the mouse itself. Google’s ChromeOS peripheral requirements say wireless mice must connect by Bluetooth or a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle; this requirement is documented for ChromeOS peripherals.
Connect a Bluetooth wireless mouse to your Chromebook
- At the bottom right of the Chromebook, select the time.
- Select Bluetooth or toggle Bluetooth on. A Samsung Chromebook support page gives the same general path: Status tray > Bluetooth Off > switch to enable Bluetooth.
- Put the mouse into pairing mode. The exact method depends on the mouse model, look for a button on the underside or side, and press and hold it until the LED light flashes.
- On the Chromebook, select + Pair new device.
- Select the mouse when it appears in the list.
- Follow any on-screen instructions.
- To confirm the connection, repeat the first steps and check under Currently connected.
Connect a wireless mouse using a USB dongle
Plug the 2.4 GHz dongle into any USB port on the Chromebook. The Chromebook recognizes the mouse automatically with no pairing required. No additional steps or settings are needed, the mouse is ready to use immediately after the dongle is inserted.
What to do if the mouse doesn't appear
If your Bluetooth mouse does not show up in the device list, confirm that Bluetooth is turned on in the Chromebook settings. Make sure the mouse is in pairing mode, the LED should be flashing. Check that the mouse has fresh batteries or is fully charged. Restart the Chromebook and try again. For a dongle-based mouse, try a different USB port. If the mouse still won't pair, verify that the mouse is compatible with ChromeOS; Google requires wireless mice to use Bluetooth or a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every Chromebook support a wireless mouse?
Only Chromebooks with Bluetooth support can connect Bluetooth mice. All Chromebooks with a USB port can use a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle mouse. If your Chromebook lacks Bluetooth, you can still use a USB dongle mouse or add Bluetooth capability with a separate Bluetooth dongle.
Is a PIN required?
No. Google’s Chromebook help page does not mention a PIN for pairing a mouse. The mouse connects automatically once selected from the available devices list.
What if the mouse disconnects after pairing?
If the mouse disconnects, first check that Bluetooth is still on and that the mouse has power. Restart both the Chromebook and the mouse. For dongle mice, remove and reinsert the dongle. If the problem persists, unpair the mouse from the Bluetooth settings and pair it again.
Can I use a wireless mouse with a touchscreen Chromebook?
Yes. A wireless mouse works alongside the touchscreen. You can use either input method without any additional setup.
How do I customize mouse settings on a Chromebook?
Open Settings, then go to Device > Mouse and touchpad. You can adjust pointer speed, enable or disable the scroll wheel, and swap primary button functions. Advanced customization may require manufacturer-specific software, which may not be available for ChromeOS.
How do I connect a Bluetooth device on an iPhone?
Apple’s official help page for iPhone pointer devices uses Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch > Devices > Bluetooth Devices for connecting a Bluetooth device, but that applies to iPhone pointer-device use, not Chromebook setup.
Related reading: How To Connect A Wireless Xbox Controller To A Chromebook.
