Logitech Mouse Freezing When Switching Devices

My Logitech MX Master 3 worked perfectly on my laptop all morning. Then I switched to my desktop using the Easy-Switch button, and the cursor froze for 15 seconds. When it finally moved, it would freeze again every few minutes. Switching back to my laptop? Another 10-second freeze. I spent an entire afternoon troubleshooting this infuriating issue before discovering that my desktop’s Bluetooth adapter was fighting with my Wi-Fi card, and both devices had slightly different Bluetooth protocols that confused the mouse.

Let me show you why your Logitech mouse freezes when switching devices and exactly how to fix it.

Understanding Multi-Device Switching

Before fixing the problem, understand how device switching works.

How Logitech multi-device mice work:

• Easy-Switch buttons (1, 2, 3)
• Each button pairs to different device
• Stores 3 separate connections
• Switches between them on button press

Switching methods:

Bluetooth switching:

• MX Master series
• MX Anywhere series
• Many modern Logitech mice
• Switches between Bluetooth connections
• 2-5 second switch time normally

Unifying + Bluetooth:

• Some mice support both
• Switch between Unifying receiver and Bluetooth
• Or between different Bluetooth devices
• More flexibility

What happens during switch:

• Mouse disconnects from Device 1
• Searches for Device 2
• Re-establishes connection
• Should take 2-5 seconds
• Freezing = something wrong

Common Logitech multi-device mice:

• MX Master 3/3S
• MX Anywhere 3/3S
• M720 Triathlon
• M585/M590
• MX Ergo trackball
• Signature M650

Check Batteries First

Low batteries cause freezing during device switching.

Why batteries matter:

• Switching uses extra power
• Must disconnect and reconnect
• Low battery can’t maintain both processes
• Causes timeout and freezing
• Weakened signal after switch

Test with fresh batteries:

• Replace with new alkaline batteries
• Don’t use rechargeable (lower voltage)
• Duracell or Energizer recommended
• Test switching after replacement

For rechargeable mice:

• Charge fully before testing
• MX Master/Anywhere use internal battery
• Low charge causes switching issues
• Keep above 20% charge
• Charge overnight before troubleshooting

Check battery in software:

• Logi Options+ shows percentage
• Replace batteries below 30%
• Don’t wait for low battery light
• Proactive replacement prevents issues

My experience:

• Mouse showed 40% battery
• Still caused freezing
• Replaced batteries anyway
• Switching became instant
• Now replace at 50%

Update Logi Options+ Software

Outdated software causes device switching bugs.

Why software updates matter:

• Bug fixes for switching issues
• Improved connection handling
• Better Bluetooth protocols
• Firmware updates for mouse
• Compatibility improvements

Uninstall old Logitech software first:

• Settings > Apps
• Find “Logitech Options” (old version)
• Uninstall completely
• Old and new software conflict
• Must remove before installing new

Install Logi Options+:

• Go to logitech.com/options-plus
• Download latest version
• Install and restart computer
• Launch Logi Options+
• Software will detect your mouse

Update mouse firmware:

• Open Logi Options+
• Click on your mouse
• Look for firmware update notification
• Install any available updates
• Keep mouse connected during update (5-10 minutes)
• Don’t interrupt firmware update

Update on all devices:

• Install Logi Options+ on Device 1
• Install Logi Options+ on Device 2
• Install Logi Options+ on Device 3
• All devices need same version
• Inconsistent versions cause problems

After updating:

• Restart all computers
• Test switching between devices
• Should be smoother
• This fix solves 30% of switching issues

Update Bluetooth Drivers

Outdated Bluetooth drivers cause connection failures.

Windows Bluetooth update:

Device Manager method:

• Right-click Start > Device Manager
• Expand “Bluetooth”
• Right-click your Bluetooth adapter
• “Update driver”
• “Search automatically for drivers”
• Install if found
• Restart computer

Manufacturer website method:

• Identify your Bluetooth adapter
• Intel, Realtek, or Broadcom usually
• Go to manufacturer website
• Download latest Bluetooth drivers
• Install and restart
• More reliable than Windows Update

For laptops:

• Visit laptop manufacturer website (Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.)
• Support section
• Enter your model number
• Download Bluetooth drivers
• Install and restart

Mac Bluetooth:

• Software Update handles this automatically
• Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update
• Install all available updates
• Restart Mac

Why this helps:

• Better Bluetooth protocol handling
• Improved connection stability
• Faster reconnection after switch
• Bug fixes for known issues
• Essential for multi-device

Check Bluetooth version:

• Device Manager > Bluetooth adapter > Properties
• Check driver date
• Should be within 1-2 years
• Very old drivers cause problems

Disable and Re-enable Bluetooth

Resetting Bluetooth clears connection issues.

Windows quick reset:

• Settings > Bluetooth & devices
• Turn Bluetooth off
• Wait 10 seconds
• Turn Bluetooth back on
• Test mouse switching

Full Bluetooth restart:

• Device Manager
• Find Bluetooth adapter
• Right-click > Disable device
• Wait 10 seconds
• Right-click > Enable device
• Restart computer

Mac Bluetooth reset:

• Hold Shift + Option
• Click Bluetooth icon in menu bar
• Choose “Reset the Bluetooth module”
• Confirm
• Restart Mac

Why this works:

• Clears cached connections
• Forces fresh pairing data
• Removes corrupt connection states
• Resets Bluetooth stack
• Often immediate improvement

Re-pair Mouse on All Devices

Corrupt pairing data causes freezing during switches.

Remove mouse from all devices first:

Device 1:

• Settings > Bluetooth
• Find your Logitech mouse
• Remove/Forget device

Device 2:

• Settings > Bluetooth
• Remove your mouse

Device 3:

• Settings > Bluetooth
• Remove your mouse

Re-pair in order:

Pair to Device 1:

• Press Easy-Switch button 1
• Hold for 3-5 seconds (LED blinks rapidly)
• On computer: Add Bluetooth device
• Select mouse from list
• Wait for connection

Pair to Device 2:

• Press Easy-Switch button 2
• Hold for 3-5 seconds
• On second computer: Add Bluetooth device
• Select mouse
• Wait for connection

Pair to Device 3:

• Press Easy-Switch button 3
• Hold 3-5 seconds
• On third device: Add Bluetooth device
• Select mouse

Important:

• Pair in same order every time
• Button 1 = Device 1, etc.
• Don’t mix up order
• Keep track of which device on which button

Test after re-pairing:

• Switch between devices
• Press button 1, wait 5 seconds
• Press button 2, wait 5 seconds
• Should connect smoothly each time

Check for Bluetooth Interference

Multiple 2.4 GHz devices cause connection conflicts.

Common interference sources:

• Wi-Fi routers (especially 2.4 GHz)
• Other Bluetooth devices
• Wireless keyboards/mice (2.4 GHz)
• Microwave ovens
• Cordless phones
• Baby monitors
• Wireless headphones

Test for interference:

• Turn off Wi-Fi router
• Test mouse switching
• If better, Wi-Fi is interfering
• Switch to 5 GHz Wi-Fi

Move to 5 GHz Wi-Fi:

• Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi
• Disconnect from 2.4 GHz network
• Connect to 5 GHz network
• Different frequency from Bluetooth
• Eliminates most interference

Reduce active Bluetooth devices:

• Disconnect unused Bluetooth devices
• Each device uses bandwidth
• 5+ devices = congestion
• Keep only necessary connections

Position router away from mouse:

• 3-6 feet minimum distance
• More is better
• Different room ideal
• Reduces 2.4 GHz conflicts

Avoid microwave:

• Microwaves blast 2.4 GHz interference
• Don’t switch devices while microwave running
• Keep mouse/laptop 6+ feet from microwave

Use Different Connection Types

Mixing Bluetooth and Unifying can help.

If mouse supports both:

• MX Master 3S, MX Anywhere 3S
• Can use Bluetooth + Bolt receiver
• Or Bluetooth + Unifying receiver

Strategy 1: Primary device on receiver

• Device 1 (main computer): Use Bolt/Unifying receiver
• Device 2: Use Bluetooth
• Device 3: Use Bluetooth
• Faster switching between BT devices

Strategy 2: All Bluetooth if possible

• More reliable with modern Bluetooth 5.0+
• No receiver to carry
• Universal compatibility
• Slightly slower switching

Receiver advantages:

• Faster connection
• No pairing needed
• More stable
• Less affected by interference

Bluetooth advantages:

• No USB port needed
• Works with tablets/phones
• One less thing to carry
• No receiver to lose

Test both methods:

• Try all Bluetooth
• Try receiver + Bluetooth mix
• See which gives less freezing
• Use what works best for you

Adjust Bluetooth Power Management

Power saving features cause connection delays.

Disable Bluetooth power saving:

• Device Manager
• Expand “Bluetooth”
• Right-click Bluetooth adapter
• Properties > Power Management tab
• Uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device”
• Click OK
• Repeat on all computers

Why this helps:

• Computer suspends Bluetooth to save power
• Takes time to wake up
• Causes freeze during switch
• Disabling keeps Bluetooth always on
• Instant connection

Disable USB selective suspend:

• Control Panel > Power Options
• Change advanced power settings
• USB settings > USB selective suspend
• Set to “Disabled” (both battery and plugged in)
• Prevents USB from sleeping

Set High Performance power plan:

• Control Panel > Power Options
• Select “High Performance”
• More power consumption
• But no lag or freezing
• Worth it for desktop PCs

On all devices:

• Must disable on Device 1
• Must disable on Device 2
• Must disable on Device 3
• All need same settings
• Inconsistent = problems

Check for Software Conflicts

Other software can interfere with device switching.

Other mouse software:

• Razer Synapse
• Corsair iCUE
• SteelSeries Engine
• Can conflict with Logitech software
• Uninstall if not needed

Virtual machine software:

• VMware, VirtualBox, Parallels
• Can capture mouse connection
• Prevents switching
• Close VMs when not needed

Remote desktop software:

• TeamViewer, AnyDesk, Chrome Remote Desktop
• Interferes with mouse switching
• Close when not using
• Or test without them running

Gaming overlays:

• Discord overlay
• Steam overlay
• GeForce Experience
• Disable to test
• Can block input switching

Close and test:

• Close all extra software
• Test mouse switching
• If works, identify culprit
• Add Logi Options+ to exceptions in conflicting software

Reduce Bluetooth Device Load

Too many Bluetooth connections slow switching.

How many devices per computer:

• Bluetooth adapter has limits
• 7 simultaneous connections typical maximum
• More devices = slower switching
• Quality degrades with quantity

Audit your Bluetooth devices:

• Settings > Bluetooth
• Count connected devices
• Mouse + keyboard + headphones + speakers + phone + watch = 6 devices
• Remove unnecessary ones

Keep under 5 devices:

• Better performance
• Faster switching
• More stable connections
• Less congestion

Disconnect when not in use:

• Turn off Bluetooth on phone when at desk
• Disconnect speakers when not listening
• Fewer active connections = better
• Turn back on when needed

Prioritize mouse:

• Mouse is most important
• Needs reliable connection
• Consider wired keyboard to free Bluetooth bandwidth
• Or use 2.4 GHz keyboard (different frequency)

Fix Bluetooth Adapter Issues

Some Bluetooth adapters don’t handle multi-device well.

Built-in Bluetooth quality varies:

• Cheap motherboards = cheap Bluetooth
• Old laptops = old Bluetooth
• Budget PCs = budget adapters
• Premium devices usually better

Test with external Bluetooth adapter:

• Buy USB Bluetooth 5.0+ adapter ($15-25)
• Disable built-in Bluetooth
• Use external adapter instead
• Often dramatically better
• Especially on desktops

Recommended adapters:

• TP-Link UB500 Bluetooth 5.0 ($13)
• ASUS USB-BT500 Bluetooth 5.0 ($18)
• Plugable USB-BT4LE ($13)
• Any with Bluetooth 5.0+

Desktop PCs especially:

• Desktop Bluetooth often poor
• Added as afterthought
• External adapter much better
• Plug into USB 2.0 port (not 3.0)

Position adapter:

• Use USB extension cable
• Place adapter on desk
• Not behind metal PC case
• Line of sight to mouse
• Makes huge difference

Check for OS-Specific Issues

Different operating systems have different problems.

Windows 11 specific:

• Some early versions had Bluetooth bugs
• Settings > Windows Update
• Install all updates
• KB5020044 fixed many Bluetooth issues
• Keep Windows updated

Windows 10 specific:

• Version 2004 had Bluetooth problems
• Update to latest version
• Some AMD Bluetooth drivers buggy
• Download from AMD directly

macOS specific:

• Monterey (12.x) had Bluetooth issues
• Update to Ventura (13.x) or later
• Some 2019-2020 MacBooks have poor Bluetooth
• External adapter can help

Linux specific:

• Bluez stack sometimes problematic
• Update to latest Bluez version
• Some distros better than others
• Ubuntu generally works well

Mixed OS switching:

• Windows + Mac = can cause issues
• Different Bluetooth implementations
• May need to re-pair more often
• Keep all OS updated

Adjust Mouse Sensor Settings

High DPI or polling rate can affect switching.

Lower DPI temporarily:

• Open Logi Options+
• Reduce DPI to 1000-1600
• Test switching
• High DPI (4000+) uses more processing
• Can interfere with connection switching

Adjust polling rate:

• Some mice allow adjustment
• Lower to 500 Hz or 250 Hz
• Test if switching improves
• 1000 Hz may be too demanding during switch

Disable advanced features:

• Turn off Flow (seamless switching)
• Disable SmartShift
• Turn off gestures temporarily
• Test with minimal features
• Add back one at a time

Why this might help:

• Complex features use bandwidth
• Interferes with connection process
• Simple = more reliable
• Can re-enable after testing

Deal with Specific Device Scenarios

Different device combinations have different issues.

Laptop + Desktop switching:

• Most common scenario
• Usually works well
• Laptop Bluetooth often better than desktop
• Consider external BT adapter for desktop

PC + Mac switching:

• Different Bluetooth stacks
• Can be problematic
• Update both OS
• Re-pair more frequently
• Works but may need patience

Computer + iPad switching:

• Generally reliable
• iPadOS handles Bluetooth well
• Make sure iPad updated
• Works great for many users

Three computers:

• More complex
• More chances for conflicts
• Keep all three updated
• May need to re-pair monthly
• Consider using receiver on one device

Phone + Computer:

• Usually no issues
• Phone Bluetooth typically good
• Don’t overload phone with BT devices

Fix “Flow” Feature Issues

Logitech Flow can cause freezing.

What is Flow:

• Seamless cursor movement between computers
• No button press needed
• Move cursor to screen edge, appears on other computer
• Convenient but can be buggy

Disable Flow:

• Open Logi Options+
• Find Flow settings
• Turn off Flow
• Use Easy-Switch buttons instead
• Test if freezing stops

Flow requirements:

• Both computers on same Wi-Fi network
• Logi Options+ on both
• Accounts linked
• Many points of failure

Enable later if desired:

• Fix basic switching first
• Then re-enable Flow
• If freezing returns, Flow is culprit
• May need to choose one or the other

Alternatives to Flow:

• Synergy (third-party)
• Barrier (open-source)
• Mouse Without Borders (Microsoft)
• Might work better than Flow

Try Different Easy-Switch Buttons

Sometimes specific buttons have issues.

Test each button:

• Pair Device 1 to button 1
• Test switching
• Pair Device 1 to button 2
• Test switching
• Compare performance

Button could be faulty:

• Physical switch inside worn
• Inconsistent connection
• Some buttons work better than others
• Use the one that works best

Reset button assignments:

• Forget all devices
• Re-pair in different order
• Button 3 might work better than button 1
• No rule saying device must match button number

Physical button inspection:

• Clean around buttons
• Ensure buttons click properly
• Debris can cause issues
• Compressed air helps

When Switching Will Always Be Slow

Understanding normal vs. abnormal delays.

Normal switching time:

• 2-5 seconds Bluetooth reconnection
• 1-2 seconds for Unifying receiver
• Brief cursor freeze is normal
• Under 10 seconds total

Acceptable but slow:

• 5-10 seconds on older devices
• Laptop from sleep = longer
• First connection of day slower
• Can be tolerated

Unacceptable freezing:

• 15+ second delays
• Multiple freezes after switching
• Cursor lag after connection
• This needs fixing

When to accept limitations:

• Very old devices (10+ years)
• Budget Bluetooth adapters
• Interference-heavy environment
• May need hardware upgrades

Consider Using Multiple Mice

Sometimes separate mice work better.

When multiple mice make sense:

• Can’t fix switching
• Critical work can’t have downtime
• Different mouse preferences per device
• Budget allows

Cost comparison:

• One MX Master 3S: $100
• Two good mice: $60 total (e.g., two M585)
• Three budget mice: $45 total
• Might be cheaper than frustration

Benefits:

• No switching delay ever
• Each mouse optimized for its device
• No troubleshooting needed
• Just works

Drawbacks:

• Multiple mice to manage
• Takes up more space
• Need to remember which mouse for which device
• Can’t take all on trips

Complete Troubleshooting Checklist

Follow this systematic approach:

Tier 1 – Quick fixes (5 minutes):

1. Replace batteries with fresh ones
2. Restart all devices
3. Re-pair mouse to all devices
4. Test switching

Tier 2 – Software (15 minutes): 5. Update Logi Options+ on all devices 6. Update mouse firmware 7. Update Bluetooth drivers on all devices 8. Disable Bluetooth power management

Tier 3 – Interference (20 minutes): 9. Move all devices to 5 GHz Wi-Fi 10. Disconnect unused Bluetooth devices 11. Test away from interference sources 12. Check for software conflicts

Tier 4 – Advanced (30 minutes): 13. Try external Bluetooth adapter 14. Disable Flow feature 15. Lower DPI and polling rate 16. Test different Easy-Switch buttons

Tier 5 – Last resort (1 hour): 17. Fresh OS install on one device (test) 18. Different connection types (BT + receiver) 19. Contact Logitech support 20. Consider multiple mice

When to Contact Logitech Support

Sometimes you need manufacturer help.

Contact support if:

• All troubleshooting failed
• Mouse under 2-year warranty
• Suspect hardware defect
• Easy-Switch buttons physically broken

What Logitech can do:

• Advanced troubleshooting
• Firmware fixes
• Replacement under warranty
• Confirm if known issue

How to contact:

• support.logi.com
• Click “Contact Us”
• Chat, email, or phone
• Have serial number ready
• Explain troubleshooting already done

Warranty coverage:

• MX series: 2-year warranty
• Covers manufacturing defects
• Freezing during switching qualifies
• Keep proof of purchase

I spent two full days thinking my MX Master 3 was defective before I discovered the real culprits: my desktop’s cheap built-in Bluetooth was fighting with my Wi-Fi card (both fighting for 2.4 GHz), my laptop had Bluetooth power management enabled and would suspend mid-switch, and I had 8 different Bluetooth devices connected to my work computer. Once I bought a $15 external Bluetooth 5.0 adapter for my desktop, disabled USB selective suspend on both devices, moved to 5 GHz Wi-Fi, and cleaned up my Bluetooth device list, switching became nearly instant. The “freeze” went from 15-20 seconds down to 2-3 seconds. The lesson: multi-device switching is complex, and your environment matters more than the mouse itself. Fix the environment first before blaming the hardware.