Mid 2011 MacBook Air keeps 'losing' Magic Mouse

[p_rod]

I've had this problem with my MacBook Air's Magic Mouse for awhile, but for the past few weeks it is really becoming a major PITA.

Even though my mouse is never more than a foot away the Connection Lost occurs from once an hour to once every few minutes. I've double checked the batteries, it has not come into contact with any fluids nor has suffered any drops. Yes, this 'duo' is now eight years old and the MBA is on it's second battery, but do any of you have any suggestions to cure this annoying problem?

TIA!

Cheers!

Pat

 

[p_rod]

I think I may have solved this problem.

I did 'research' it last week but maybe today I used different search terms and an article popped up that did not last week.

Anyway, I have removed the batteries (checked them with a meter....94% 'full'), and I used a small piece of tin foil wrapped tightly around the negative ends (the smooth end) but before re-inserting them I used a small piece of electrical tape around the end of one battery to prevent the foil ends from contacting each other.

Before putting the cover back on, I also cut a piece of an index card just slightly smaller than the battery compartment space, placed it on top of the batteries, and then closed the compartment.

When I switched the Magic Mouse back on, it connected within abut 20 seconds. I did notice one thing...the little green light, which seemed to always be blinking on and off before whenever I'd pick up the mouse, it is not NOT blinking. IOW, it is now a steady green.

So far, so good...it has not 'lost connection' now for awhile and maybe, just maybe, I have fixed this annoying problem.

 

[IWT]

Well done. Yes, 8 year old batteries and the compartment in which they rest do need a bit of "help". Glad it works. Long may it do so.

Ian

 

[p_rod]

Thanks, Ian!

I do not know why the article I just found did not pop up last week....the only ones I ran across to fix this problem involved going into all sorts of directories, deleting certain files, restarting the MBA holding down this and that and those buttons, etc, etc, etc..... not my cup of tea, so to speak.

It boils down to the batteries being a little 'loose' and just "tightening' the space they occupy holds them firmly in place. The article also stated that using rechargeable batteries seems to help this situation too (but no major reason was given for that). For the record, I use rechargeable Eneloops...which I've noticed in other devices too the they are a hair larger than standard disposable batteries (they fit tighter)...so hopefully this simple 'fix' will eliminate the problem!

 

[TotalSolutions]

From an electrical engineering angle, yes the batteries could be slightly different size but more importantly I would not recommend rechargeable batteries due to their lower holding voltage and "shelf life" they will shelf discharge faster than you're using them. Duracell's can last for years.

 

[p_rod]

Hi, TS!

Thanks for weighing in here....but I have had much different results than you. Regular alkaline AA's (Duracell, EverReady, Kirkland) really do not last much longer than my rechargeable Eneloops do. And you get YEARS out of yours? I get weeks.

Here is the paragraph in the article that boosted my confidence in my Eneloops (and yes, I do realize the rechargeables don't have the higher capacity as the alkaline). But as an aside, I've gone to Eneloops for all my flashlights (about 8, including headlights), Mac keyboards (2), mice (2), portable radios (3), portable speakers (4) and assorted other things. Yes, the initial costs are a little higher, but being able to recharge them from 800-2000 times, the cost then compared to alkaline is negligible. (And yes, you need to spend about $90-100 (USD) for a good, reliable charger than can charge them, that can cycle them, and that can "renew" them from time to time. I've had over two decades of flying RC aircraft, blimps, drones, etc so am very comfortable with rechargeable of all types.


From the article...URL below.....

First-Generation Magic Mouse Battery Issues
The first-generation Magic Mouse made use of good old-fashioned AA alkaline batteries. This conventional power source soon earned the scorn of some users, who complained of short battery life. Some users were seeing less than 30 days of life from a fresh set of AA batteries.



"If you're experiencing unusually short battery life, there are ways to extend battery life and reduce battery costs, including:

Turn off the mouse overnight or on weekends when it isn't in use.
Switch the traditional AAs with rechargeable AA batteries."

And here is the link I found that gave me the solution to the months-long problem I'd been having with my Magic Mouse.


How to Fix Magic Mouse Disconnect Problems

I do appreciate your input, Total!

Cheers!

Pat