Fix Magic Mouse Lagging on Mac after macOS Sonoma Update

Last Updated on Sep 6, 2023

Is your Magic Mouse keep on lagging? Does it disconnect randomly? Or is the cursor behaving weirdly? Hardware issues, misconfigured mouse settings, etc., are just a few reasons why magic mouse lagging on Mac. If you want to fix Magic mouse lagging and freezing on your Mac, then a list of troubleshooting tips mentioned in this guide will help you to fix it.

Slow, Unresponsive, and Laggy Mouse: Here’s the Troubleshooting

Here are sixteen ways to fix Apple mouse not working on Mac. So, without any ado, let’s get started!

Solution #1. Ensure your Magic mouse is well-charged

If your magic mouse is connected to your Mac computer and running on low charging. Then, it could be a possible reason why the magic mouse lags on Mac. Thus, to resolve the problem, try charging your Apple Magic mouse and check for issues. Connect your Apple Magic Mouse with your Mac via Lightning cable to check it out. Go to Control Center on your Mac > Bluetooth > Check Magic Mouse Battery Percentage.

Solution #2. Turn off and on Bluetooth

When Bluetooth devices like a Third-Party mouse, keyboard, or any other external trackpad don’t work, the most effective solution you must try is disabling and enabling Bluetooth on your Mac computer. For this, follow the steps below.

1. Go to the Apple Menu. Select System Settings…
2. Click on Bluetooth from the left pane.
3. At last, Right-click on the Device name > Disconnect.

Solution #3. Restart your Mac

Often, the temporary glitches on your Mac can lead to various issues, such as a laggy mouse and more. In this scenario, try restarting your Mac computer. For this, go to the Apple Menu > Restart… > Restart.

Solution #4. Turn off Magic Mouse and turn it back on

Unlike restarting Mac, you must try restarting the Magic Mouse. For this, toggle off the switch at the backside of Magic Mouse. Then, wait for 30 seconds and re-enable same toggle. 

After this, try reconnecting the Magic mouse with your Mac and check for the issue.

Solution #5. Clean Mouse Button Surface

In this scenario, try using a soft clean to debris and railing right from the laser opening the Mouse.

Solution #6. Ensure you’re using the Mouse on a flat surface

If you’re using the Mouse on an even surface, then it won’t work correctly. To prevent this, make sure you’re using your Magic mouse on a flat surface. Moreover, you should use a mouse pad with no dirt & debris over it.

Solution #7. Detach the USB drive from the USB port

Often, your magic mouse can be jerky and slow, even after trying all of the solutions mentioned above. If you are using one of those, detach the USB drive from your MacBook’s USB port to resolve the problem.

Solution #8. Close resource-hogging apps

While most of the solution is focused on the Mouse, there is a high chance the problem isn’t with the Mouse, but some of the app or program on your Mac is at fault. If your Mac CPU is stressed or apps consume a high resource, you may experience sudden lag or stutter. 

Which will eventually cause the Mac mouse to keep lagging or freezing. In this scenario, try closing the app running in the background. Also, try closing resource-heavy apps or programs, such as games, videos, etc. For this, follow the steps below.

1. Press Command + Space to open Spotlight Search. 
2. Enter Activity Monitor and click on it to open.
3. Look for apps or games consuming a high percentage of CPU. 
4. Then, select a specific app or program and click on the X Icon in the Activity Monitor toolbar. 

Solution #9. Detach any new wireless electronic device nearby

Any electronic device or equipment you’ve placed near your Mac may be the reason for an unresponsive Apple Magic mouse. To completely rule that out, ensure you have placed a new wireless electronic farther away from a Mac.

Solution #10. Customize the Tracking Speed 

You can modify the mouse speed and see if it works typically or not. To do this, head to the Apple Menu > System Settings… > Mouse from the left pane > Drag the Tracking Speed Slider and then check for the issue.

Solution #11. Update your macOS

If you are running outdated macOS, Then things may not work correctly on your Mac. To check for updates, Navigate to Apple Menu > System Settings… > General > Software Update > Let your Mac check for updates, if available, click Install Now. 

Solution #12. Prevent Apps from launching automatically

If you’ve configured multiple apps to launch automatically, it could be why unresponsive Magic Mouse on Mac. For this, go to the Apple Menu > System Settings… > General from left pane > Login Items > click on “-” Minus Icon next to the applications.

Solution #13. Forget the Mouse and repair it once again

Move to the Apple menu > System Settings… > Bluetooth > Click on the i Icon next to your Magic Mouse name > Forget This Device > Done. After this, wait for a while and then repair the Magic Mouse. Hopefully, your issue will be fixed. 

Solution #14. Delete mouse-related Bluetooth property plist

Here’s how you can delete mouse plist on your Mac computer.

1. Access the Finder from the Mac dock.
2. Click on Go from Mac Menubar.
3. Press the Option Button, and you’ll see Library Option. Click on it. 
4. Scroll down and access Preferences folder.
5. From there, delete these files:

• com.apple.AppleMultitouchMouse.plist
• com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.mouse.plist
• com.apple.driver.AppleHIDMouse.plist

Solution #15. Reset all custom to default settings

If you customize button speed, lighting, button click, etc., of your Magic mouse, then it’s recommended to reset it to default settings. Once you are done with it, disconnect, reconnect, and check for the issue. 

Solution #16. Take it to the nearest Apple Service Station

If the issue continues despite performing all the above solutions, then carry it to the nearest Apple Service station and ask for repair. It will be fixed without charges if it’s under the warranty period. 

Final Thought!

That’s It! This is how you can easily fix Magic mouse that keeps lagging. But if it is still continuous, you can borrow a mouse from a family member & friend and pair it with your Mac device. If it works finely, the problem is with your Mouse but not with a Mac.