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I have two macs, a slowly becoming obsolete 27" and a 24". On the latter, my magic mouse has stopped working. I have tried the mouse from the former but no joy. numerous threads suggest turning wifi off and back on but to do that I would appear to need my mouse working...Catch 22..
How can I switch into settings, between open windows etc, without a mouse?
iMac 24″
If you have an old-style Magic Mouse that takes AA batteries, and has no Lightning port, see this article for pairing instructions.
Set up your Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, or Magic Trackpad with your Mac - Apple Support
You may need to have a USB mouse (or a wireless mouse that uses a proprietary USB receiver) on hand to follow these steps and get the Magic Mouse paired to the newer computer.
When you said you have an obsolete 24" iMac, I assumed it was an older model.
Connect your Apple Wireless keyboard and mouse to the 24" iMac using the supplied charging cables.
see > If you can't connect your Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, or Magic Trackpad to your Mac - Apple Support
To connect other USB-A devices to a 24" Silicone iMac you need a USB-C to USB-A adapter.
For the Apple USB-C to USB adapter,
see > About the Apple USB-C to USB Adapter - Apple Support
For aftermarket solutions,
see > https://www.target.com/p/philips-usb-c-to-3-0-usb-a-female-adapter/-/A-79804275
and > https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Z768LCW/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?
Most settings are in System Settings which you likely will find in the Dock. However if for some reason System Settings are NOT in the Dock then use Spotlight (the magnifying glass symbol in the upper right of the display) to search for System Settings. If you like keyboard shortcuts then the shortcut for Spotlight is Command + Spacebar and type System Settings. This is useful for launching ANY app or finding any files. If you haven't used Spotlight before please refer to https://education.apple.com/learning-center/T024584A-en_US
Tablespider wrote:
Again, great idea, but how do I get there without a mouse to choose the options?
If you have an Apple Magic keyboard and mouse, connect those to the 24" iMac using the supplied charging cables.
see > If you can't connect your Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, or Magic Trackpad to your Mac - Apple Support
If not, then you will need to use a standard USB keyboard and mouse connected to the 24" iMac using one of the adapters that I suggested above.
Interesting suggestion but the latest 24" doesn't have a USB port.. Thunderbolt or Lightning.. (very very frightening...!!) Tried my MX Master standard BT mouse but no joy... Can't even work out how to get to the mouse settings, without having a mouse to go there...
Tablespider,
The latest 24" does have USB ports, they are simply USB C which is the most up-to-date version of USB. What you are likely referring to is they do not have USB A or USB B ports. This is NOT a problem if you have older devices (which most of us do) that only have USB A or B ports, you simply need a plug adapter (Amazon my friend) which only cost about $7 for several adapters. Below is an example link:
To find exactly what you want just search on Amazon for USB to USB C adapter and you will eventually find exactly what you are looking for.
Your point is well made and i thank you. I should have said it only has Thunderbolt or Lightening connections. My Bad..
However, the original question was how do I navigate to settings, if I don't have the use of a mouse, given that I have a "magic keyboard" too... I could then at least check settings and reset to see if that might help... Or any other advice.
I don't have a trackpad either... Adaptors is a good idea and I'll pursue for the future but it won't help my zoom course I have all day tomorrow...
+2 on having a USB keyboard and mouse on-hand for troubleshooting wireless keyboard and mouse issues. They are inexpensive and when you need them it's much more convenient to grab and fix than to have to go shopping to get them!
Option-Cmd-F5 will open an accessibility settings overlay that you can navigate using the Tab and Enter keys (there is a mouse pointer but it won't move since your mouse is kaput...you will have Voiceover telling you where you have tabbed to in the overlay).
Use that overlay to turn on "mouse keys" and then you will control the mouse from your keyboard. Hopefully that will allow you to at least get into your network or mouse settings for troubleshooting (although you can just use mouse keys if you need to until you have time for a better fix - it is a full featured accessibility tool).
Buy an inexpensive wired USB mouse and keyboard to keep around for troubleshooting in times like this.
You could also borrow a USB set from a PC. Even a Windows keyboard can be used.
+1 I recommend the inexpensive Logitech MK120 Combo for standby or everyday use.
Again, great idea, but how do I get there without a mouse to choose the options?
No, the 27” is becoming obsolete insomuch as it isn’t supported by Office any more and 75% plus of my work is ‘Office/365” based. Hence the acquisition of the newer 24”…
using a Mac 101
