Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Bluetooth Apple Magic Mouse jumps and moves erraticlly on screen

Hello,

I am having problems with my Magic Mouse (cursor, pointer) jumping around on my screen when i attempt to use it. I checked preferences and the connection is fine. Has anyone else experienced this? And if so how do we remedy this annoying problem?

iMac 27" 3.06Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo, Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on May 30, 2010 1:04 PM

Reply
101 replies

Aug 24, 2017 5:11 AM in response to 小罗

I bought an old, used A1016 keyboard and A1197 mouse and was experiencing this poor mouse tracking too. I have two monitors connected to my MacBook Pro, one through HDMI, one with an aftermarket StarTech Lightning to DVI adaptor.


I followed along as people reset PRAM, wrapped their adaptors in tinfoil, etc… I almost dismissed this comment, but then thought why not try cleaning the optical sensor really well. So far, the mouse is working great. Just like a wired mouse.


I can't believe I didn't try this two weeks ago.

Aug 26, 2010 10:01 AM in response to Apollo77

I had this jumpy mouse problem on and off, and I finally took the time to diagnose it. It turns out that the bluetooth adapter flakes out and even turns off when it doesn't get enough power, and it appears to pull it's power from the USB bus (it may be USB internally; I don't know.) I can reproduce this problem easily just by plugging in more and more USB devices, and the mouse will freak out and/or the bluetooth adapter will shut down (click on the bluetooth icon and it says "Bluetooth not available").

Unplug your USB & firewire stuff (which is what caused the issue on my MBP), shut down the machine, let it rest for a few minutes, then power it back up.

Peace,

Cameron.

Aug 28, 2010 9:05 PM in response to Apollo77

I have had my iMac now for about a month and in the last week or so my Magic Mouse has started doing the same thing. Definitely not the kind of magic I want to deal with. I have not tried the unplug the USB like one person said, but all I have in is a printer. It is really becoming a big issue. I really hope Apple come out with a software fix. I do not have an Apple store near me.

Sep 8, 2010 6:33 AM in response to Apollo77

I was about to post this same question and then I found this thread.

Magic Trackpad was working great, I love using it.

Then one day after a week or so of use it starts acting erratically.

I assumed it was the batteries (although still above 70%) and changed them. Yet with fresh batteries reporting 100% it still refuses to take input and does its own erratic thing.

I've had to switch it off constantly today because even when I switch to using the trackpad on my MBP (Core2duo Nov '06 model) the pointer jumps about on the screen and worse still "clicks", on things which causes mayhem.

The suggestion of the USB power doesn't seem to affect me as all I have is the Apple aluminium keyboard plugged into my MBP. No other bluetooth devices being used or nearby. It's happened at 3 different locations too I can't blame interference from anything nearby

Shame as I had thought Apple had finally produced a "mouse" that was worth of their brand and reputation.

Message was edited by: Gilbertfield

Sep 15, 2010 7:13 AM in response to Apollo77

I have a new iMac 21" and the Magic worked ok for the first few days (other than the inexplicably slow tracking and painful ergonomics) then suddenly one day it started jumping erratically around the screen making it almost unusable. I am amazed so many people are suddenly having the same problems and wonder if Apple is aware of the situation.
I had installed Magicprefs to fix the tracking issue so I tried turning that off, but the problem remained.
Based on Cameron's reply above, today I tried unplugging extra USB devices (only had powered down hard drive and a mouse for backup) and it did not make any difference. Then I unplugged the Mini-Displayport to HDMI adapter I use to run video to my TV and so far (half an hour) I have not seen the problem. So if it is some kind of bus power issue it is not limited to the USB and Firewire ports. Something for people to try. I would love it if they issued some kind of fix for this so I don't have to keep unplugging the video cable all the time.

Oct 8, 2010 6:02 PM in response to tgoldst

I started having this problem after I plugged in my 27" cinema display. I realized that when I did that, I moved an older 22" monitor to a secondary MDP port on my video card.

After reading your post, I pulled the MDP cable out and suddenly, my problem is gone.

Thanks for the suggestion.

I hope Apple comes up with a fix soon.

Bluetooth Apple Magic Mouse jumps and moves erraticlly on screen

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.