Magic Mouse "sketchy"

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Level 1

28 points

Magic Mouse "sketchy"

In just the past few days my Magic Mouse has become "sketchy" or inconsistent with tracking.

I've done the "paper/tape" fix on the batteries, so it no longer has the problem of disconnecting (at least not often).

However it is extremely difficult to simply move the mouse around the screen as the speed is not at all consistent (goes from slow to fast... you have to struggle to get it to point at anything specifically).

I tried cleaning the sensor... no change.

Ideas..?

Mac Pro, OS X El Capitan (10.11.3)

Posted on Aug 4, 2016 1:25 PM

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Answer 1

seventy one

Level 7

27,466 points

Aug 4, 2016 2:22 PM in response to inte_moto

I see you are on El Capitan (and at 10.11.3, not the highest level). And there lies your problem. You are using a Magic Mouse version 1 with the latest OS.

El Capitan requires Magic Mouse 2 to function properly. Magic mouse 1 will give you a modest percentage of what you need but for total functionality, you need Magic Mouse 2.

I know Apple didn't tell you this when you were tempted to upgrade, but the new mouse was designed to work with the new OS and the OSs that will follow it, like Sierra, coming in the Fall.

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Answer 2

inte_moto Author

Level 1

28 points

Aug 4, 2016 2:34 PM in response to seventy one

I'm on OS 10.11.6 (will update profile...).

Given this... does your answer still apply? (Wanted to be sure Magic Mouse v.1 doesn't like any versions of El Capitan, or just 10.11.3)

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Answer 3

seventy one

Level 7

27,466 points

Aug 4, 2016 10:53 PM in response to inte_moto

Yes it does. The comment about updating profile was a gentle reminder to make these changes as you progress your operating system.

It sounds like your Magic mouse is quite old or you are using low grade batteries. If you buy the Magic Mouse 2, you will be equipped to work with the new OSs to come (Sierra, in the fall), as the facilities it contains are meant for El Capitan and new OSs thereafter.

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Answer 4

inte_moto Author

Level 1

28 points

Aug 7, 2016 4:40 PM in response to seventy one

Not sure age of mouse ("quite old" is relative term in computer world of course...). Always ran Energizer "Ultimate Lithium" batteries. Paper/tape mod to ensure they were properly seated.

Regardless, purchased a Magic Mouse 2 - problem solved.

Pleased it's working as it should again... disturbing "planned planned obsolescence" implications however.

Have not gained any functionality (that I'm aware of yet), yet need for upgrade was simply to have a device that functioned exactly as the one it's replacing did...

Definitely nice that icon tracks across the screen relative to position of device again for sure. Reminds me of the Windows 3.11 days 😉

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