Batteries in Magic Mouse only work in certain position

[Silly John Fatty]

So I have that early Magic Mouse (probably Magic Mouse 1) that still uses batteries. And so I got some new pair of rechargable ones, and although they were full, the mouse just wouldn't work.

I've been using the mouse for years but it has always had problems with rechargable batteries. I always thought these batteries were rubbish, but now I think it's the mouse that's the problem.

I basically noticed that the mouse would only work if the batteries, once they were sitting in the mouse, were slightly lifted on the minus poles.

Then, the mouse would work normally. But that means I wouldn't be able to close the lid of the mouse. As soon as the batteries would be in place as they should be, the mouse stopped working. As soon as I slightly lifted their minus poles, it would work again.

What in the fricking hell in going on here? I took a look at the batteries and the mouse and everything seems fine. Has anyone ever had this?

 

[velocityg4]

It's the way the battery bay is designed. The positive end is recessed a little. Instead of flat like most battery bays.

The NiMH rechargeables normally have a slightly shorter bump on the positive end than standard alkaline batteries. Due to the odd battery bay design. The positive end bump won't quite reach the metal contact in the magic mouse.

 

[Silly John Fatty]

It's the way the battery bay is designed. The positive end is recessed a little. Instead of flat like most battery bays.

The NiMH rechargeables normally have a slightly shorter bump on the positive end than standard alkaline batteries. Due to the odd battery bay design. The positive end bump won't quite reach the metal contact in the magic mouse.

Interesting. So what's the solution? I can't close the bay right now otherswise the connection is lost/the batteries don't work anymore. 😂 Hilarious …

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

It's the way the battery bay is designed. The positive end is recessed a little. Instead of flat like most battery bays.

The NiMH rechargeables normally have a slightly shorter bump on the positive end than standard alkaline batteries. Due to the odd battery bay design. The positive end bump won't quite reach the metal contact in the magic mouse.

And my experience with the Apple Rechargeables is that the 'bump' is just ever so slightly taller. I have had to 'adjust' the contacts of some battery reliant products from time to time, so maybe it's needed in the OP's case.

That said, I have never had an Apple mouse refuse to work with any battery. But to be clear, OP: you aren't talking about the original 'Mighty Mouse' with the little rolling pimple on top, right?

Some 'off-brand' batteries might be off spec though. *shrug*

 

[Silly John Fatty]

And my experience with the Apple Rechargeables is that the 'bump' is just ever so slightly taller. I have had to 'adjust' the contacts of some battery reliant products from time to time, so maybe it's needed in the OP's case.

That said, I have never had an Apple mouse refuse to work with any battery. But to be clear, OP: you aren't talking about the original 'Mighty Mouse' with the little rolling pimple on top, right?

Some 'off-brand' batteries might be off spec though. *shrug*

I've never had that happen either and I've had these mice since 2011 or so.

And nope, I'm in fact talking about that original bluetooth magic mouse that works with batteries.

This is how they site inside:





Can't close the lid, otherwise I'd have to push them in completely, and then they don't work. Silliest thing I've seen I think.

And I don't even understand how that's physically possible. I mean, the poles are made out of conductible metal everywhere, how is that even possible that there's (apparently) no contact …

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

I've never had that happen either and I've had these mice since 2011 or so.

And nope, I'm in fact talking about that original bluetooth magic mouse that works with batteries.

This is how they site inside:

View attachment 2174746

View attachment 2174747

Can't close the lid, otherwise I'd have to push them in completely, and then they don't work. Silliest thing I've seen I think.

And I don't even understand how that's physically possible. I mean, the poles are made out of conductible metal everywhere, how is that even possible that there's (apparently) no contact …

I do remember hacving to push them down to close. Try different batteries? I think I gave all my battery mice to GoodWill. I'll look and see if any are still here.

Does Apple still sell their branded batteries? They seemed to work well. Just a thought.

 

[transmaster]

You have run into a common problem with rechargeable batteries. Chinese manufacturers often skirt the official dimensions of the AA battery. A fraction of a mm usually does not cause a problem and when you are manufacturing millions of battery in a month or so that saves a fraction of a cent per battery that add's up real quick. A good tool to have in your battery stash is a cheap plastic dial caliper, plastic because you do want a conductive metal one. The current draw a mouse has is so tiny that a regular AA battery will last for a very long time. There is no point in running a rechargeable battery in one if you have a choice.

Always choose "brand name" rechargeables batteries. Sony, Panasonic, Sanyo, or Samsung, Panasonic batteries are my go to brand. Apple batteries are rebranded Sanyo's.

Here are the official dimensions of the "AA" battery.