Dropped mouse has lost sensitivity

Dropped mouse works a bit but lost all sensitivity. Any ideas before replacement?

iMac 27″, macOS 26.2

Posted on Feb 3, 2026 8:43 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 3, 2026 10:09 AM

It would help if you provided us with which exact mouse model you have. Regardless, here's some things you can try.


  • Unplug / replug (or power-cycle if wireless)
  • Try another USB port / another device
  • Try a plain mousepad or a sheet of paper. After a drop, sensors can suddenly hate glossy or patterned surfaces.
  • Many mice have a tiny DPI button (often behind the scroll wheel). A drop can trigger it. Click it a few times and see if speed changes. Some mice default to super low DPI after power loss or impact.
  • In macOS, go to System Settings → Mouse → Tracking speed. Try different settings to see if it makes any difference.
  • Look into the sensor window (if it has one). Use a flashlight: Dust, hair, or a tiny crack can wreck sensitivity. Gently clean with compressed air or a soft brush (no liquids).


Finally, if none of the above helps, then there is a good chance that the mouse's optical sensor is damaged, and a replacement is most likely the next step.

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 3, 2026 10:09 AM in response to Sparkle-Zarah-Zipper-and_more

It would help if you provided us with which exact mouse model you have. Regardless, here's some things you can try.


  • Unplug / replug (or power-cycle if wireless)
  • Try another USB port / another device
  • Try a plain mousepad or a sheet of paper. After a drop, sensors can suddenly hate glossy or patterned surfaces.
  • Many mice have a tiny DPI button (often behind the scroll wheel). A drop can trigger it. Click it a few times and see if speed changes. Some mice default to super low DPI after power loss or impact.
  • In macOS, go to System Settings → Mouse → Tracking speed. Try different settings to see if it makes any difference.
  • Look into the sensor window (if it has one). Use a flashlight: Dust, hair, or a tiny crack can wreck sensitivity. Gently clean with compressed air or a soft brush (no liquids).


Finally, if none of the above helps, then there is a good chance that the mouse's optical sensor is damaged, and a replacement is most likely the next step.

Dropped mouse has lost sensitivity

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