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If a Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad will not connect to an Intel Mac, first switch the accessory off and back on, then check that Bluetooth is enabled on the Mac. For rechargeable models, connect the accessory to the Mac with a compatible cable for one minute, then unplug it. Apple’s Mac troubleshooting steps apply generally; Apple does not specify a separate Intel-only fix.

Why won’t my Magic Mouse or Trackpad connect to my Mac?

Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad connect wirelessly over Bluetooth when powered on and paired. A depleted battery, Bluetooth being off, an accessory paired to another nearby Mac, or wireless interference can prevent connection or cause dropouts. Start with the checks below, using the accessory’s design to choose the right path.

1. Turn the accessory off and back on

Switch the mouse or trackpad off, wait a moment, then turn it on again. On current switch-equipped devices, the green indicator disappears when the accessory is off and appears when it is on. The Magic Mouse switch is underneath; the Magic Trackpad switch is on its back edge. Earlier Apple wireless devices may use a power button instead. Apple’s connection troubleshooting guide describes these checks.

2. Confirm Bluetooth is on

  1. Use the Mac’s built-in trackpad or connect a USB mouse to control the pointer.
  2. Open the Apple menu and choose System Settings > Bluetooth or, on older macOS versions, System Preferences > Bluetooth.
  3. Confirm Bluetooth is on and check whether the accessory appears in the device list.

If Bluetooth will not turn on, restart the Mac and try again. Apple also documents a keyboard-only route through Spotlight and Bluetooth File Exchange for cases where a keyboard works but no USB mouse is available. The exact interface labels can vary by macOS version. See Apple’s Bluetooth troubleshooting instructions.

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Apple Magic Trackpad - White Multi-Touch Surface ​​​​​​​
  • Magic Trackpad is wireless and rechargeable, and it includes the full range of Multi-Touch gestures and Force Touch technology.
  • Sensors underneath the trackpad surface detect subtle differences in the amount of pressure you apply, bringing more functionality to your fingertips and enabling a deeper connection to your content.
  • It features a large edge-to-edge glass surface area, making scrolling and swiping through your favourite content more productive and comfortable than ever.
  • Magic Trackpad pairs automatically with your Mac, so you can get to work straightaway.
  • The rechargeable battery will power it for about a month or more between charges.

3. Reconnect and charge a rechargeable accessory with a cable

For a rechargeable Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad, connect it to the Mac with a cable that fits both the accessory and the Mac. Apple lists Lightning-to-USB, USB-C-to-Lightning, and USB-C-to-USB-C options in its guidance. Leave it connected for one minute, then disconnect it; Apple says this pairs the accessory and charges its built-in battery. Check the charge level in Bluetooth controls afterward. Apple’s troubleshooting page gives the one-minute instruction, and its setup guide covers cable choices.

There is no single cable for every generation: match the cable to the accessory’s charging port and the Mac’s available ports. A USB-C-to-Lightning cable is suitable only when the accessory has a Lightning port and the Mac accepts USB-C.

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Apple Magic Trackpad - Black Multi-Touch Surface ​​​​​​​
  • Magic Trackpad is wireless and rechargeable, and it includes the full range of Multi-Touch gestures and Force Touch technology.
  • Sensors underneath the trackpad surface detect subtle differences in the amount of pressure you apply, bringing more functionality to your fingertips and enabling a deeper connection to your content.
  • It features a large edge-to-edge glass surface area, making scrolling and swiping through your favourite content more productive and comfortable than ever.
  • Magic Trackpad pairs automatically with your Mac, so you can get to work straightaway.
  • The rechargeable battery will power it for about a month or more between charges.

4. Check batteries and pairing on earlier wireless models

Some earlier Apple wireless mouse and trackpad models use removable batteries rather than a built-in rechargeable battery. Check or replace the batteries if needed, then follow Apple’s pairing steps for that model. On these earlier accessories, a blinking LED indicates that the device is discoverable. If the light comes on briefly but does not blink, Apple says it may still be connected to another nearby Mac.

  1. On the nearby Mac, remove or forget the accessory in Bluetooth settings.
  2. Turn the accessory off and back on.
  3. Try pairing it with the Intel Mac again.

Apple’s setup instructions explain pairing, while its battery guidance covers Apple input devices with built-in batteries.

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Apple Magic Trackpad 2 (MJ2R2LL/A) [Lightning Port] - (Renewed)
  • Completely redesigned, the new Magic Trackpad 2 features a built-in battery, Force Touch, a much larger surface, and pairs automatically with your Mac.Built-In Rechargeable Battery
  • Lots of workspace -- the edge-to-edge glass surface area of the Magic Trackpad 2 is nearly 30 percent larger than the previous Magic Trackpad.Connector: Lightning
  • Long-lasting power: your Magic Trackpad 2 stays powered up for about 1 month after every charge and system requirement is bluetooth 4.0-enabled Mac computer with OS X v10.11 or later
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5. If it connects but keeps disconnecting

When the accessory connects but will not stay connected, Apple identifies interference from other wireless devices as one possible cause. Check Apple’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi interference guidance. The symptoms alone do not identify a specific source, so avoid assuming that a particular device or network is responsible.

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Apple Magic Trackpad - White Multi-Touch Surface ​​​​​​​
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Magic Trackpad pairs automatically with your Mac, so you can get to work straightaway.; The rechargeable battery will power it for about a month or more between charges.
$116.99
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Apple Magic Trackpad - Black Multi-Touch Surface ​​​​​​​
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Magic Trackpad pairs automatically with your Mac, so you can get to work straightaway.; The rechargeable battery will power it for about a month or more between charges.
$130.00
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Apple Magic Trackpad 2 (MJ2R2LL/A) (Renewed)
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Magic Trackpad 2 pairs automatically with your Mac, so you can get to work right away.
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Macally Wired & Wireless Trackpad for Mac - Multi Gesture Touchpad - USB C
  • Familiar Mac Gesture Control: Navigate naturally with our mac trackpad using intuitive multi gesture controls to scroll, swipe, zoom, switch between apps, and open Mission Control.
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Apple Magic Trackpad 2 (MJ2R2LL/A) (Renewed)
  • Redesigned and rechargeable, Magic Trackpad 2 includes a built-in battery and brings Force Touch to the desktop for the first time.
  • Four force sensors underneath the trackpad surface allow you to click anywhere, and detect subtle differences in the amount of pressure you apply, bringing increased functionality to your fingertips and enabling a deeper connection to your content.
  • Magic Trackpad 2 also features an edge-to-edge glass surface area that is nearly 30 per cent larger than the previous trackpad. This design, along with a lower profile, makes scrolling and swiping through your favorite content more productive and comfortable than ever.
  • Magic Trackpad 2 pairs automatically with your Mac, so you can get to work right away.

Choose the fix by accessory design and symptom

What you have or see Next step
Rechargeable accessory with a Lightning or USB-C charging port Use a cable compatible with both the accessory and Mac, connect for one minute, then disconnect to pair and charge.
Earlier accessory with removable batteries and no Lightning charging port Check or replace its batteries and follow the earlier-model pairing steps.
LED lights briefly but does not blink on an earlier model Check whether it is still connected to a nearby Mac; remove it there, then power-cycle and retry pairing.
Accessory connects, then drops Consider wireless interference and consult Apple’s guidance.

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