Mighty Mouse will not scroll

You may not be experiencing a hardware error. This happens to my wired MM occasionally and it appears to be a software error. Going into the Mouse system preference and resetting the buttons has worked for me. So has a system restart but that's a severe option.

Taking apart the mighty mouse and cleaning it worked very well for me.

My might mouse stopped scrolling and I found a video on here How To Clean your Mighty Mouse. Hold it in your hand turn it upside down take a cloth and vigorously scroll the ball to remove any particles this worked like a charm. I was sure it was failing

This works brilliantly. Much better than taking the silly critter apart. Thanks!

Just experienced a similar problem: wireless mighty mouse not scrolling downwards. Took a look at the web link (thank you) and decided to try mouth-to-mouse resuscitation instead: blowing into the roller-ball, combined with a couple light taps on my table to dislodge some of that gunk shown on the how-to site. It is now working! No scary exacto blades required.

I've found elaborate cleaning instrutions/take apart are not necessary. Just turn the mouse upside down and rub the trackball vigorously on a clean cloth. Gets rid of body oil and will work fine for months.

Message was edited by: fuzzydog

I had the same issue - a wireless mighty mouse that wouldn't scroll down, although it would do everything else.

I cleaned the scroll ball with a damp q-tip, dried it with a soft cloth and then turned off the mouse. Finally I gently tapped the mouse against my table top to loosen the gunk and voila! It scrolls down again - and I am happy!

It seems as if dead skin, food and whatever else enters the mouse and covers the sensors.

This worked great for me as well.

Had the same "won't scroll down" problem. Cleaned the little ball and all is well. Just for good measure, blew a bit of canned air inside the ball orifice.

I've been using mine successfully for several years and only experienced problems in the last few days. Guess I keep my hands clean or I'm very lucky.

Remember the days of non-optical mice and having to weekly drop the ball out and go lint-hunting? MM seems to be the same thing except in miniature.

The link to open-mouse-surgery in post #2 worked for me - I'd tried everything else (compressed air, vigorous rubbing upside down, tapping etc.

It works for me also!

If you dont want to open your mouse, get a small can of contact cleaner from Radio Shack or similar. While holding down the ball with a finger nail spray switch cleaner into the gap created by depressing the ball. Immediately roll the ball in all directions to clean the contacts within. Repeat two or three times and you should be back in business for a couple of months. Contact cleaner is expensive so get a small can, it will last you a long time. It the can comes with a small spray tube (usually attached to the side of the can) use it as it will help to get the cleaner to where it is needed most.

Looks MIGHTY risky and, as stated elsewhere on the same topic, opening the mouse voids Apple's warranty.
The rubbing of cloth is by far the most innocuous and most restorative method.

Thanks! When I had this problem before, I just vigorously pushed the mouse ball down and quickly spun the ball around and it worked. However, this time I really thought it was busted. Looked up this discussion and tried the Q-tip trick. On close inspection, I saw numerous tiny blue threads/dust particles on the mouse. Q-tipped them off, blew a few times while depressing the scroll button, and it's back !

Thanks - I sure didn't want to take it apart, and I sure didn't want to spend another $80 for another one!