How to fix Mac that is not detecting or recognising an external mouse, keyboard, or trackpad on macOS

macOS KB-500

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to fix Mac that is not detecting or recognising an external mouse, keyboard, or trackpad on macOS. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

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Common Causes

If your Mac suddenly stops recognising an external mouse, keyboard, or trackpad — particularly after a macOS update or reboot — you're not alone. This is a common issue that can usually be resolved without a trip to an Apple Store. This guide walks you through the most effective troubleshooting steps, starting with the quickest fixes and progressing to more thorough solutions.

Quick Fix Steps

Before diving into detailed troubleshooting, try these fast solutions that resolve the issue in most cases:

Disconnect the device, wait 10 seconds, and reconnect it.
Try a different USB port, especially if you're using a USB hub.
Restart your Mac (not just log out).
Check the battery if using a wireless device, or try a different cable if wired.
Ensure your Mac is running the latest macOS version via Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update.

Detailed Instructions

1. Check the Physical Connection

For wired devices:

Inspect the cable for visible damage, fraying, or bent connectors.
Try plugging directly into your Mac rather than through a USB hub, dock, or adapter.
Test the device on another computer to confirm it works.
Try a different cable if your device supports a detachable one.

For wireless (Bluetooth) devices:

Confirm the device is powered on and charged or has fresh batteries.
Check that the device is within range (typically within 10 metres).
Ensure no other Bluetooth devices are interfering.

2. Check System Information

Before resetting anything, verify whether your Mac detects the device at all:

Hold the Option key and click the Apple menu.
Select System Information.
For USB devices, click USB in the sidebar and check if your device appears.
For Bluetooth devices, click Bluetooth in the sidebar and review connected devices.

If the device doesn't appear here, the issue is likely hardware-related or a low-level driver problem.

3. Remove and Re-Pair the Device

Forgetting the device and pairing it again often resolves detection issues:

Open System Settings > Bluetooth.
Locate your mouse, keyboard, or trackpad in the device list.
Click the Info (i) button next to the device name.
Select Forget This Device and confirm.
Put your device into pairing mode (refer to the manufacturer's instructions).
Click Connect next to the device when it reappears in the list.

4. Reset NVRAM

Resetting NVRAM clears low-level settings that can affect USB and Bluetooth behaviour.

For Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, M4):

Shut down your Mac completely.
Press and hold the Power button until you see Loading startup options.
Click Options > Continue.
From the Utilities menu, select Terminal.
Type nvram -c and press Return.
Restart your Mac normally.

For Intel Macs:

Shut down your Mac.
Press and hold Option + Command + P + R.
Turn on your Mac while continuing to hold the keys.
Release the keys after about 20 seconds (or after you hear the startup sound twice on older models).

Modern Intel-based Macs without a startup sound should release the keys once the Apple logo appears and disappears a second time.

5. Boot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode loads only essential macOS components, helping you determine whether background software is causing the issue:

Shut down your Mac.
Turn it on and immediately hold the Shift key.
Release Shift when you see the login window.
Test whether your device is detected.
Restart normally to exit Safe Mode.

If the device works in Safe Mode, the issue is likely caused by a login item, third-party driver, or background application.

6. Check for Conflicting Software

Some applications can interfere with USB or Bluetooth device detection:

Antivirus or endpoint protection tools (such as those used in corporate environments).
Third-party keyboard customisation apps.
Virtualisation software (Parallels, VMware Fusion).
USB management utilities.

Temporarily disable or uninstall these applications to test whether they're the cause.

7. Test with a Different User Account

Create a temporary test account to isolate whether the problem is system-wide or profile-specific:

Open System Settings > Users & Groups.
Add a new user account with administrator privileges.
Log out and log into the new account.
Test your external device.

If the device works in the new account, the issue lies within your original user profile — usually a preference file or login item.

Troubleshooting

Device Works on Another Mac but Not Yours

This typically points to a software or driver issue on your Mac. Focus on:

Checking System Information to confirm detection (Step 2).
Removing and re-pairing the device (Step 3).
Resetting NVRAM (Step 4).
Booting into Safe Mode (Step 5).
Checking macOS permissions under System Settings > Privacy & Security > Bluetooth.

USB Device Disconnects Randomly

If your device connects but drops out intermittently:

Try a different USB port, preferably one directly on your Mac.
Avoid using long USB extension cables.
Check About This Mac > System Report > USB for power or bandwidth warnings.
Disconnect other USB devices to rule out power conflicts.

Issue Started After a macOS Update

Updates occasionally introduce compatibility issues. Try the following:

Install any subsequent minor updates (Apple often releases patches quickly).
Check the manufacturer's website for an updated driver or firmware.
Reset NVRAM after the update.
If the device is from a third-party manufacturer, check for macOS-specific support documentation.

Device Not Recognised After macOS Reinstallation

If you've recently reinstalled macOS:

Confirm the device is supported on your current macOS version.
Check that Bluetooth is enabled in System Settings.
Allow macOS a few minutes to install background drivers after first connection.
Re-pair the device manually rather than relying on automatic detection.

If your Mac is part of a managed business environment or is enrolled in an MDM (Mobile Device Management) profile, certain USB and Bluetooth settings may be controlled by your IT administrator. Contact your internal IT team before making changes that could conflict with organisational policies.

If none of the steps above resolve the issue, the problem may be hardware-related — either with the device itself or with your Mac's USB or Bluetooth controller. In this case, we recommend booking a service appointment with an Apple Authorised Service Provider or contacting Apple Support directly. For further assistance from our team, open a ticket and we'll help you investigate further.

Still Having Issues?

Need more help? If the issue persists after trying these steps, please open a support ticket and our team will assist you.

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