Can We Use Bluetooth Mouse Without Its USB Dongle?

The idea of a wireless mouse is to reduce the hassle by eliminating one cable from the desktop. Another benefit of wireless mice is the freedom to move around without being restricted by a cable. This feature alone is very enticing for gamers and graphic designers.

But if you have ever purchased a Bluetooth mouse, you might already know that some products are shipped with a Bluetooth dongle (receiver) that is expected to attach via a USB port.

This is quite counterintuitive since a wireless mouse is supposed to free one USB port from the computer. And yet, some Bluetooth mice do come with a USB dongle 🤦‍♂️.

But is it really necessary?
If my computer or laptop has built-in Bluetooth, can I use the mouse without its dongle?

Yes, you can use a Bluetooth mouse without its USB dongle

Some Bluetooth mouse bundled with USB dongle but it still works fine without it. If your notebook, laptop, or desktop PC already has a Bluetooth connection, then USB dongle may not be necessary to be plugged in.

Only plug-in dongle if your device doesn’t have Bluetooth. Manufacturers usually provide extra dongle just in case their customers didn’t have a Bluetooth connection on their devices.

On the other hand, if the mouse did not include a dongle in the product packaging, it means the device can work with a built-in Bluetooth — no extra dongle needed.

If you consider using an onboard Bluetooth, it may require manual installation by adding a new device. Please refer to the manual book to follow the step-by-step of the pairing process. Meanwhile, USB Bluetooth dongle designed to immediately connect with the mouse seamlessly.

Can I connect multiple devices with Bluetooth?

Yes, you can. My laptop, for example, has built-in Bluetooth inside, and often I have a mouse, earphones, and printer connected together without any disruption. I even can lock the device via Bluetooth using a smartphone.

I have tried many other portable computers and all of them do support multiple Bluetooth connections for multiple devices. It’s not that surprising given modern Bluetooth technology allows that scenario.

What about a WiFi mouse without a USB dongle?

Unlike Bluetooth, a WiFi-based mouse still requires an exclusive connection with its WiFi dongle. It won’t work with the onboard WiFi component since the frequency is different. In other words, a USB port is necessary to attach the dongle.

That’s the downside of a WiFi mouse. Not to mention you probably need an additional USB converter if your device has no regular USB-A port. However, it’s known to be more reliable, higher response time, and longer battery life.

How to identify if a mouse is Bluetooth or WiFi

Wanted to buy a new wireless mouse? Check out this table to see how Bluetooth mouse and WiFi mouse are differentiated.

My favorite Bluetooth mouse without a dongle

I have a Logitech M557 Bluetooth mouse that can last up to 12 months of usage. It does not come with a USB dongle because it was designed for the user that already has Bluetooth connectivity on their device.

I also have Logitech M331, a WiFi mouse that requires the WiFi receiver (dongle) to be attached to my PC. My other favorite one is Logitech 705, which could run up to 3 years before I have to replace its AA battery.

Of course, there’s plenty of wireless mouse products out there. You don’t have to stick to these options — they are just an example. If you plan to buy a wireless mouse, please make sure whether it’s a Bluetooth mouse or a WiFi mouse.

Update: I’m currently using DeLUX vertical mouse for better ergonomics and comfort.

When the USB Dongle is necessary for a Bluetooth mouse

The USB dongle for a Bluetooth mouse is included as a backup connectivity option in case your computer lacks built-in Bluetooth support. If your laptop or desktop PC has Bluetooth capability, then the dongle is not required to use the Bluetooth mouse.

Manufacturers include the USB dongle as a fail-safe so that customers without Bluetooth can still use the wireless mouse. It provides plug-and-play connectivity instantly when inserted, whereas Bluetooth requires a pairing process. But if Bluetooth is already available, the dongle itself is redundant.

What about wireless/WiFi mice?

While Bluetooth mice can work without a dongle, WiFi/wireless mice still require the USB dongle to be plugged in for connectivity. This is because WiFi mice use a different frequency than standard WiFi and cannot directly interface with onboard WiFi adapters.

The USB dongle for a WiFi mouse acts as the receiver using the 2.4 GHz wireless frequency band. Without the dongle, the mouse has no way to communicate with the computer. So unlike Bluetooth mice, WiFi mice must have the dongle inserted to operate.

Conclusion

So while the USB dongle serves a purpose, it is generally not required equipment to operate a Bluetooth mouse, as long as your computer has built-in Bluetooth support. With the proper knowledge, you can reduce cable clutter by going dongle-free!

Alright. I hope this article helps you. If there’s anything you want to know, please write it down in the comment below!

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