How to troubleshoot USB-C Magic mouse, keyboard, or trackpad issues

Yay, Apple has finally announced USB-C versions of the Magic Mouse, keyboard and trackpad! No, the mouse charging port is still at the bottom. And there’s more: Users have found that the USB-C Magic Mouse, USB-C Keyboard, and Trackpad have issues with older versions of macOS.

Identify USB-C Magic Mouse, Keyboard, and Trackpad issues

Seems like an unfunny joke, but you read that right: Apple’s latest peripherals require a software update to function properly. Unless you’re using macOS Sequoia 15.1, they lack basic functionality.

The Magic Mouse doesn’t scroll and the Magic Keyboard’s TouchID and media control buttons don’t work. The Magic Trackpad only works properly when connected via a cable. If you’re wondering why this happens, your guess is as good as any. The only difference from the old models is the USB-C port.

USB-C Magic Mouse, Keyboard and Trackpad Not Working: Fixes and Workarounds

There is currently no universal solution if your USB-C Magic Mouse, keyboard, and trackpad don’t scroll. Check out what can be done for each device below.

Magic mouse

When connected via Bluetooth, the touch surface of the USB-C Magic Mouse does not work for scrolling. The optical sensor that moves the cursor across the screen also seems to have problems. Finally, it cannot be paired with the cable, only via Bluetooth.

The only way to get the USB-C Magic Mouse to work without problems is to update your Mac. It won’t work unless you’re using macOS Sequoia 15.1 or later.

Magic keyboard

Likewise, there is no workaround for the USB-C Magic Keyboard. On all macOS versions older than 15.1, the TouchID reader is not operational. The media control buttons also don’t work.

Magic trackpad

When connecting via Bluetooth to a Mac running older versions of macOS, the USB-C Magic Trackpad displays various issues. Scrolling doesn’t work and single finger tracking to move the cursor is inconsistent. Trying to adjust the trackpad speed also fails.

At least there is hope for the USB-C Magic Trackpad. You can connect it via a cable and it will work fine even if you are not running macOS Sequoia 15.1. However, in the latest version it only works via Bluetooth.

According to some users, the product pages originally said they would work with the latest macOS versions. However, currently the specifications and listed requirements have changed “macOS 15.1 or later” or “iPadOS 18.1 or later.”

The official solution is simple, but not necessarily easy: corporate devices often take longer to receive updates, for example. Until then, users will be left with expensive Apple-branded paperweights.