So, your mouse cursor has disappeared on your MacBook. You can’t get any work done, you can’t watch Netflix and you can’t even use your mouse to close your Macbook down. Why has this happened?
The truth is that this issue is more common than you might think. Usually it’s pretty easy to fix, so we’re going to look at the main reasons why this happens and how you can resolve it.
How to Fix a Mouse Cursor That Has Disappeared
When your mouse cursor disappears, the first thing you should do is go into System Settings (previously System Preferences) to see if you can resolve the issue.
First, go into Accessibility and then Display where you’ll find the Shake Mouse Pointer to Locate – toggle this on and off and then shake your mouse to see if it helps.
You can also customize your pointer within these settings too if you’ve changed them in the past, like adjusting your cursor speed or changing the color.
The next thing you should check is whether there’s a hardware issue that’s stopping your mouse from functioning. The best way to do this is to go into System Settings > Accessibility and then into Pointer Control.
Here, you’re able to toggle on the option to control your mouse cursor with your keyboard. Once done, tap your keyboard to see if the cursor reappears – if it does, it’s an issue with the mouse or trackpad you’re using.
So if you’re cursor disappears on Mac, these are the first things you should do. If neither of these two things work, run through the following steps to get your Mac mouse working.
Check for Software Glitches
The most likely reason why your mouse cursor has disappeared is due to a glitch with your operating system.
The Fix: Go into About This Mac in your Apple menu bar and check for any updates – if there’s one available, you’ll be able to find it by selecting the Software Update button.
Minimize Full-Screen Apps
If it’s not a software glitch, it may be caused by one of your applications. When you’re in full screen mode, some apps will get rid of your mouse cursor completely.
The Fix: Scroll up to the Apple menu bar and exit full screen mode on the app you’re using. You should find that your Mac cursor returns when you leave the app.
Disconnect External Displays
A disappearing cursor may not have actually disappeared completely – instead, it may just be visible on another display instead of your Macbook. Using an external monitor can occasionally cause cursor issues, particularly if the resolution settings are mismatched.
The Fix: Make sure that you aren’t connected to any external monitor via Bluetooth or with a cable.
Recharge Your Mouse
On a wireless mouse, a low battery can result in intermittent cursor visibility. You may find that when you’ve only got 1-2% battery left, your Mac mouse disappears from your display.
The Fix: Fortunately, this one is easy. Make sure to charge your mouse! You can check how much battery you’ve got left by going to the Bluetooth module in the Apple menu bar.
Reconnect Your Mouse
The last reason why your mouse cursor disappears from your screen is because there’s a connection error – this could be interference, or perhaps an issue with the Bluetooth module in your mouse.
The Fix: This is also easily fixed by disconnecting your mouse from your Macbook and reconnecting it. You can do this with your Bluetooth mouse by simply switching it off and on again.
Restart Your Macbook
Run through all of the above tips to no avail? Then restarting your Mac is the last thing you can try if your mouse pointers, as this will reset your device and any potential errors that may stop it from working properly.
The Fix: Pretty simple – go ahead and restart your mac by clicking the Restart option from your Apple menu bar. Or, if you can’t scroll on your device then you can turn your Macbook off manually by using the power button.
Then, use the power button again to turn your Macbook on – you should hear the startup sound and see the Apple logo appears when it’s booted properly.
You may also want to reset the NVRAM on your Macbook too. On newer Macbooks that use an Apple Chip processor like the M3, your Mac will do this automatically when you restart it. If you have a Macbook with an Intel processor, read how to reset NVRAM/PRAM here.
Remember, while a lost mouse cursor on your MacBook can be a nuisance, it’s usually fixable with some basic troubleshooting. Stay calm, follow these steps, and you’ll likely resolve the issue in no time.
