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User profile for user: backcountrybobcat
backcountrybobcat Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Mouse Lag With External Monitor

My mouse lags like crazy with an external monitor. Ive seen this post every where with no fix. Im about ready to throw this computer at the wall. Everything was working fine a week ago, but now some reason my mouse is lagging hard. It can be stopped if I used the track pad, but then goes back to lagging when using the mouse.


I tried a second mouse and had the same exact problem. Both had batteries that were fully charged. Its not the external hardware. Please tell me what I need to uncheck to make this stop.

MacBook Air 13", macOS 10.15

Posted on May 17, 2020 8:26 PM

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User profile for user: Axel Foley
Axel Foley
User level: Level 10
149,592 points

Posted on May 17, 2020 8:45 PM

Hello Bobcat,

I get a chuckle every time I hear, "I am about to throw this computer at the wall (or out the window)" because I have said the same many many times over the years. I know that the frustration can drive you nuts.

What stumps me is that the bluetooth mouse lag only happens when you have an external monitor connected. Correct?

  1. Have you tried chaining ports for the monitor end or at the MacBook end?
  2. I am assuming that the mouse works perfectly without the external monitor attached. Correct?
  3. Have you tried forgetting the mouse in Bluetooth Preferences and then pairing it again?
  4. How about trying the three basic troubleshooting techniques-
    • Reset SMC by following the directions applicable to your MacBook Air here ➔ How to Reset SMC. If that does not solve things then-
    • Reset NVRAM/PRAM by following the directions applicable to your MacBook Air here ➔ How to Reset NVRAM/PRAM. If that does not solve things then-
    • Enter ➔ Safe Mode with the External monitor and mouse connected. Does the mouse lag in Safe Mode?

No matter what happens, do not throw your computer at the wall please.


Axel F.

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User profile for user: Axel Foley
Axel Foley
User level: Level 10
149,592 points

May 17, 2020 8:45 PM in response to backcountrybobcat

Hello Bobcat,

I get a chuckle every time I hear, "I am about to throw this computer at the wall (or out the window)" because I have said the same many many times over the years. I know that the frustration can drive you nuts.

What stumps me is that the bluetooth mouse lag only happens when you have an external monitor connected. Correct?

  1. Have you tried chaining ports for the monitor end or at the MacBook end?
  2. I am assuming that the mouse works perfectly without the external monitor attached. Correct?
  3. Have you tried forgetting the mouse in Bluetooth Preferences and then pairing it again?
  4. How about trying the three basic troubleshooting techniques-
    • Reset SMC by following the directions applicable to your MacBook Air here ➔ How to Reset SMC. If that does not solve things then-
    • Reset NVRAM/PRAM by following the directions applicable to your MacBook Air here ➔ How to Reset NVRAM/PRAM. If that does not solve things then-
    • Enter ➔ Safe Mode with the External monitor and mouse connected. Does the mouse lag in Safe Mode?

No matter what happens, do not throw your computer at the wall please.


Axel F.

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Mouse Lag With External Monitor

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