How to Fix a Mac Mighty Mouse That Doesn't Scroll

One of the coolest things about the Apple mighty mouse is its scroll ball, because it can scroll in every direction. However, the experience can become far less magical when your scroll ball stops working properly, but have no fear of your mighty mouse. With patience and some really tiny tools, you can get your mouse working properly again in no time.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Diagnose the Problem

1. Try cleaning the external parts of the apple mighty mouse with rubbing alcohol first. The scroll ball often stops working because dirt particles get into the small wheels inside the mouse that the scroll ball rolls against. Be sure to unplug the mouse from its power source before doing anything.

2. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a paper towel or lint free cloth.

3. Wipe the scroll ball with the rubbing alcohol, making sure to roll the scroll ball with the damp cloth. This makes sure that all sides of the scroll ball get clean. Remove any loosened dirt using a dry part of the towel.

4. Wait for the alcohol to evaporate for 30 minutes or more and then plug the mighty mouse back into a power source. Test the scroll ball. If your scroll ball still won't work properly, continue to the next section.

Fix the problem

5. Unplug the mouse and find a well lit area and a clean surface to work on. The mighty mouse is comprised of small components that can stop functioning correctly if exposed to more dirt, or if pieces are lost when taking the mighty mouse apart.

6. Remove the inner ring by using a small screwdriver to lift it out. Don't force the inner ring out. There are eight pins attached to the ring on the inside that can break easily.

7. Cut around the outer ring with a small utility knife, separating the glue from the plastic on the mighty mouse. This is easy to break, so take your time when removing this piece. The goal is to lift it out in one piece.

8. Insert your small screwdriver on the top side of the mouse cord so that once separated, the mouse cord is attached to the bottom panel of the mouse components. Press the still attached part of the mouse sideways to loosen the hinges.

9. Leave the two flat cables attached once separated. Using a small Phillips head screwdriver, unscrew the three screws holding the roller ball in.

10. Take off the white inner casing carefully to release the ball and inner wheel pins. These are extremely small so consider using a small tray to prevent them from rolling away while you remove any dirt and grime from them.

11. Reassemble the mouse by reversing these steps, being sure to snap together the pieces of your mighty mouse carefully to avoid accidentally cracking the plastic.

[tonisavbird]

on 10/7/2009 good idea regarding cleaning with just white photo copy paper!!!

[royvanegas]

on 8/29/2009 I took apart the mighty mouse (both the wireless and wired versions) to properly clean the scroll balls, and took pictures of the process:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/roy_vanegas/sets/72157602217208146/

Hope this helps.

Roy Vanegas

[eemie]

on 7/24/2009 Great article, but I think I would have found it more helpful if you posted some pictures along with the steps for fixing the problem. My mouse doesn't work but I need to know exactly how to dissemble it (visually) or my husband will seriously get angry if I mess up his imac mouse :s.... men.....

[jenrique]

on 7/8/2008 The only thing you have to do is get a blank piece of white photo-copying paper, turned the mouse upside down and vigorously rubbed the scroll wheel across the paper up and down and from side to side for about 30 seconds and then give me your Thx. ;-D