M1 Max and MX Anywhere 3 Mouse suddenly unusable due to severe choppy performance

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Level 1

12 points

M1 Max and MX Anywhere 3 Mouse suddenly unusable due to severe choppy performance

Hello,

I'm tracking an issue which has suddenly started happening as of this morning - using my M1 Max 16" MacBook Pro, hooked up to docking station + 4K ultra wide display, with separate MX Anywhere 3 mouse. I had previously had issues with this mouse being extremely choppy while using it, especially when also using bluetooth for other functions (headphones), and/or on video calls. To mitigate this, I've been plugging the mouse dongle in separately and directly to the Macbook rather than going through the docking station, which has helped somewhat.

This morning, for reasons I'm unable to understand (as there has been no software change or change to workflow) my mouse is suddenly so choppy it's unusable. Battery power on the mouse is charged. In my troubleshooting, I noticed that when plugging the mouse dongle into the USBC slots on the left (as usual), the mouse is so choppy it is unusable. The same side also has the USBC docking station connected and the magnetic charger.

When I plug the mouse dongle into the USBC slot on the right of the MacBook, the choppiness completely disappears and it functions/performs well.

My question is twofold - one, what might suddenly cause the issues to transpire this morning when just yesterday and for the previous few weeks I've had this MacBook it seemed to work without issue on that USBC slot, and two, why would switching sides resolve this issue.

Thanks in advance.

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 12.0

Posted on Dec 21, 2021 6:18 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 22, 2021 7:28 AM in response to rh5259

Hello rh5259,

Thanks for reaching out to Apple Support Communities. It sounds like you have a question about a Bluetooth and your MX Anywhere 3 mouse. We're happy to provide some information to assist.

While it's impossible to say what caused the issue, it's possible the environment is the cause. As the issue was resolved by switching side, we'd recommend checking out the information and some tips in the article here: Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference

Cheers!

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Answer 2

rh5259 Author

Level 1

12 points

Dec 27, 2021 8:42 AM in response to rh5259

Case and point - just now - was working well enough - did not seem to be suffering from jitters. I just started Spotify playing via docking station to hardwired bookshelf speakers, and jittery mouse is now more present. It seems to be affected by these types of things.

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Answer 3

Dec 27, 2021 8:54 AM in response to rh5259

Hi rh5259,

Thanks for the information. As the issue isn't fully resolved after completing the steps in the article previously shared, we'd recommend giving it a test in safe mode. How to use safe mode on your Mac

If the issue continues reach out to Apple Support directly to further assist.

Contact Apple Support

Contact Apple for support and service

Best!

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Answer 4

rh5259 Author

Level 1

12 points

Dec 27, 2021 8:47 AM in response to OrigamiFan1

Hi,

I should preface this by saying that I actually went through 4-5 different bluetooth mice with my 2020 M1 MBP before finding one that didn't suffer from considerable choppiness especially when using it with an external monitor. It would be very unstable and almost unusable when on video conference calls or using other bluetooth devices (headphones for the video calls). The MX 3 was the first to actually work relatively well most of the time.

Since upgrading (to M1 Max), I'm noticing the mouse behaviours are back. Comes and goes.

In the link you provided I've done all of the first few wifi interference options. The wifi router is close to the MacBook, there's only 1 USB3 cable and that connects Macbook to docking station. A DisplayPort cable connects the external monitor to the dock. My keyboard is hardwired via USBA to the dock.

I should also note that the issue wasn't resolved, it was just improved. I'm still getting jittery mouse even while using the alternative USB port.

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M1 Max and MX Anywhere 3 Mouse suddenly unusable due to severe choppy performance

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