How to Use a Mouse Without Its USB Dongle on Linux

Lost your mouse’s USB dongle? Don’t worry—you’re not out of options. Whether you’re dealing with a misplaced receiver or simply want to reduce USB port clutter, there are several ways to use your mouse without its dedicated dongle on a Linux system. Thanks to modern Bluetooth support and open-source tools, Linux offers robust solutions for connecting mice—even when the original dongle is gone. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the practical steps and tools required to pair and use your mouse wirelessly on Linux without its USB receiver.

🧠 Understanding Your Mouse Type

Before proceeding, identify the type of wireless mouse:

1. Bluetooth Mouse – Connects via your PC’s built-in Bluetooth. No dongle required.
2. RF Mouse (2.4GHz) – Uses a specific USB receiver (dongle). These usually cannot work without it.
3. Unifying Receiver Mouse (like Logitech Unifying) – Might be paired with a new receiver using special tools.

✅ Solution 1: Use Built-in Bluetooth (If It’s a Bluetooth Mouse)

🔧 Steps:

1- Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your Linux PC.

sudo systemctl start bluetooth
sudo systemctl enable bluetooth

2- Open your Bluetooth settings or run: bluetoothctl

3- Turn on your mouse in pairing mode.

4- In bluetoothctl, type:

bluetoothctl
power on
agent on
scan on

5- Wait for your mouse to appear (e.g., Device XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX MouseName), then:

pair <device_mac_address>
connect <device_mac_address>
trust <device_mac_address>

6- Done! Move the mouse to test.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Missing Bluetooth adapter: Ensure your system has a built-in adapter or use a USB Bluetooth dongle.
• No device found: Make sure the mouse is in pairing mode and close to the computer.
• Still not working? Restart Bluetooth: sudo systemctl restart bluetooth

✅ Solution 2: Use a Logitech Mouse with a Replacement Unifying Receiver

If it’s a Logitech wireless mouse that originally used a Unifying Receiver, you can re-pair it with a new one.

🧰 Requirements:

• A new Logitech Unifying Receiver
• solaar (Linux tool to pair devices)

🔧 Install Solaar:

sudo apt install solaar

🔧 Steps:

1. Plug in the new Unifying Receiver.
2. Launch Solaar GUI or run: solaar
3. Click “Pair New Device”.
4. Turn on your mouse and press its pairing button.
5. Wait for detection — Solaar should connect it.

📝 Note: Not all Logitech mice support the Unifying Receiver. Look for the orange star logo (⚙️) on your old dongle or mouse.

❌ If It’s a 2.4GHz RF Mouse Without Bluetooth

These mice use a hardware-bound dongle. Without it:

• The mouse won’t work.
• You can’t pair it with another random dongle.
• Consider replacing it.

🔄 Alternative: Use a USB OTG Cable + Mobile App

If you’re in a bind:

1. Use an app like “Remote Mouse” or “KDE Connect”.
2. Install on your Linux PC and phone.
3. Control your PC mouse remotely via Wi-Fi.

🧩 Conclusion

You can use a wireless mouse without its USB dongle only if it’s Bluetooth or supports pairing with a new receiver (e.g., Logitech Unifying). If it’s a generic 2.4GHz RF mouse, you’re likely out of luck.