How To Fix Laggy Mouse On Your Mac Computer [See Why Too]

Fortune Osinachi
Fortune Osinachi - Freelance Writer
8 Min Read

If you are an Apple MacBook user, and you experience a laggy mouse response, here are ways to fix a slow mouse cursor on your Mac computer.

One of the most frustrating things that can happen while using a computer is when your mouse starts to lag or slow down.

In this article, you’ll learn why and how to fix a laggy mouse cursor on your MacBook computer.

Why Is My Mouse Cursor Slow on My MacBook?

There are several reasons why your mouse might start to lag. Most times, it could be due to a software issue.

Hardware issues, or even a problem with the mouse itself can also be a factor as to why your mouse is not working as it should.

The USBC port can also be the problem, and just by changing it might fix the issue. If you’re using a different monitor you may also experience this issue.

But doing a few fixes can quickly correct your mouse from slowing down to normal speed.

How To Fix Mouse Cursor Lagging On Mac Computer

On your MacBook, it is very possible to fix a laggy mouse cursor. Below are the working fixes when you encounter a slow mouse operation on your MacBook.

Fix 1: Turn On and Off Bluetooth (Wireless Mouse)

The lagging can be caused by the Bluetooth connection. To resolve this issue, turn on and off Bluetooth on your Mac computer.

Click on Bluetooth icon > Turn off Bluetooth > wait a sec and turn on Bluetooth.

Fix 2: Change the USB port

If your Mac USB interface has connectivity issues or is overloaded, this can also cause a laggy or slow mouse.

Remove all the connected devices on the USB port on your Mac and change the Mouse USB port to another.

All you have to do is to manually change the USB port you’ve previously plugged the mouse to another.

If you have connected a hub instead, you need to check the peripherals plugged into the USBC port.

Moving the hub from the “upper left” port to the “upper right” will also fix the issue.

Fix 3: Delete Mouse property list files

If your mouse is still lagging or now working on your computer, you’ll need to delete the mouse property list files. This will make the mouse stop lagging and you’ll be able to use it as you were before.

Deleting the mouse property list files should be done when you know what you’re doing.

Because these contain your mouse preferences and configuration settings. Before doing anything, you should backup your MacBook computer.

To delete the Mouse list files, open Finder on your Mac and select Go > Go to Folder and type ~/Library/Preferences and select Go > Select the following files and delete them; com.apple.AppleMultitouchMouse.plist
com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.mouse.plist

Restart your Mac computer and go to your Apple Menu > System Preferences > Mouse, then reconfigure it again.

Fix 4: Check Mac CPU and RAM

When your CPU and RAM are filled with running programs it’s become loaded and can lead to a laggy mouse cursor. You’ll have to leave some programs.

To do this. Go to Task Manager > select any app plundering large resources > click on the Force Quit button to shut down the program.

Fix 5: Reset the Bluetooth Module

When there is an existing or pairing issue, resetting your Bluetooth module can stop the laggy mouse cursor on your MacBook.

To do this. Click Apple menu > choose System Preferences > select Bluetooth > on keyboard press Shift + Option > click Bluetooth icon in the menu bar > click on Debug > select Reset the Bluetooth module.

Fix 6: Update Mac OS software

In some cases, when your Mac operating system is outdated, it can also cause the mouse to lag. Quickly update your Mac OS version.

Fix 7: Check the Mouse

At some point, the cause of the lag might be the mouse itself. Your mouse may be too sensitive, try turning it down.

If you are using a wireless mouse, make sure the battery isn’t running low or needs replacement. Low battery levels can cause your mouse to lag or slow down.

When you are using a wired mouse, check the cable properly if it’s faulty or damaged.

Fix 8: Adjust Tracking & Scrolling Speed

Adjusting the tracking and scrolling speed is another working way of fixing a laggy or slow mouse and to do. Go to System Preferences > Mouse > adjust the tracking speed. After that, your mouse should be functioning appropriately.

Fix 9: Disable the Handoff feature

You have to disable the hands-off feature on your Mac if your mouse is laggy or slow and to do this, open the Apple menu > click System Preferences > tap General > disable Allow Handoff settings by unchecking the box.

Fix 10: Replace the batteries on your Mouse

When you encounter a laggy or slow mouse, replacing the mouse batteries can also fix the problem quickly as it could be that the batteries are weak or close to dying.

Fix 11: Restart your Mac computer

If your mouse continues to lag or slow down after you must have done the above fixes, quickly restart your MacBook by navigating to the Apple menu, then choose Restart and your mouse should get back to functioning normally after restarting.

Fix 12: Select screen size

If you’re using an external monitor, this could be because of the screen size. Some users has found this as a success just by changing the screen size.

To fix the lagging issue on your Mac, go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Monitor > Select “Ideal for “brand name” > Select Resized holding down ALT and you’ll see a list of screen sizes > Select the screen size that works better for you.

Conclusion

Knowing the condition of your mouse before connecting it to your MacBook is very important.

If you ever encounter a slow mouse cursor operation on your Mac computer, these fixes can be of help to solving the problem.

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By Fortune Osinachi Freelance Writer
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Fortune Osinachi is an experienced freelance tech writer specializing in consumer technology. With 5 years of expertise, he delves into comprehensive guides for iOS, macOS, and Windows on Techvocast. His work also extends to prominent online media platforms including What Gadget, iGeekPhone, Xiaomitoday, and MobiGaming.
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