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For some reason when my mac is at the login screen, moving my external USB mouse will cause the cursor to only move up and down. Once I am logged in, the mouse functions normally. Does anyone know the reason/fix?

Steps I have taken:

  • Reset SMC/NVRAM
  • Reinstalled OS
  • Tried another USB Port

Late 2013 15" MacBook Pro running Yosemite 10.10.3

with iHome wireless USB mouse.

I tested it and mouse works fine without problems on my Windows PC.

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  • What type of mouse is it? Logitech?
    – Allan
    Commented Apr 22, 2015 at 14:57
  • It's an iHome wireless USB. IIRC it worked fine prior to Yosemite.
    – Weston
    Commented Apr 22, 2015 at 14:59
  • can you look back in the log after the boot started to see how it is identified (In the Console log)
    – Ruskes
    Commented Apr 22, 2015 at 15:08
  • A mouse is pretty basic tech and there's not much requried in terms of power. 5V is more than enough to operate the LED and camera inside your mouse (yes, it's a camera!) The first thing to check is if that mouse works on another computer. If so, then you are narrowing down your issue. Next, if you have another mouse, see if that works on your Mac.
    – Allan
    Commented Apr 22, 2015 at 15:15
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    @Buscar웃 The logic is sound. If the problem manifests on other computers then it probably requires some specialized HID driver to function properly. The generic one that gets loaded as the OS boots isn't cutting it. Additionally, there may be a faulty USB bus on the Mac. The idea here is to ensure the functionality of the device before proceeding with diagnostics on the computer.
    – Allan
    Commented Apr 22, 2015 at 15:38

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
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I'm assuming this is a USB mouse with a cord? I have seen issues with those not recognizing properly until login when connected through the USB ports on a keyboard, or on laptops. I've always accounted it to the mouse needing more voltage than the USB port is delivering until the user is logged in. This seems to be the case with older mice more often than newer ones.

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8
  • It is iHome wireless USB. IIRC! Does your experience still applies ?
    – Ruskes
    Commented Apr 22, 2015 at 15:10
  • It depends, after googling "iHome wireless USB mouse" it looks like your mouse might be a bit older. I'd be willing to bet that the receiver is using more voltage (probably 5v) which is getting getting picked up by the OS until the computer logs in. The instances I've seen this problem occur have been with older Mice all over 5 years old on new machines. For example Microsoft mouse (2010) will recongnize on 2012 Mac Pro, but not the new Mac Pro. Can you try a newer mouse?
    – Mojoscream
    Commented Apr 22, 2015 at 15:17
  • I found this article on the USB power matter. support.apple.com/en-us/HT204377 There are a few things in there you can check. You might also want to check and make sure there aren't any drivers you have to install from the manufacturer, or if there are drivers installed, see if there are newer ones that are Yosemite compatible.
    – Mojoscream
    Commented Apr 22, 2015 at 15:23
  • That Voltage logic would not cut it, it works after the boot process is completed.
    – Ruskes
    Commented Apr 22, 2015 at 15:28
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    I can't see how voltage would be the problem. A USB mouse draws no more than 50mA or less of power. That's 10% of what the USB port is capable of 500mA (half an amp). If you want to check power, plug in a USB Hard Drive. If it power up, power is good on the Mac side of things. Chances are, you have a mouse with a faulty or incompatible (with Yosemite) driver.
    – Allan
    Commented Apr 22, 2015 at 15:43

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