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Updated on Published on August 6, 2024 in How to, Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Guide on AnyDesk Mouse Not Working

Author: Durga Prasad
Durga Prasad Article author

A non-functional mouse in AnyDesk prevents a user from interacting with the remote desktop. AnyDesk mouse not working will reduce your productivity and increase user frustration when you require an urgent connection. 

In this guide, we’ll learn how to diagnose this issue, find quick fixes to try first, and how to progress to more advanced solutions by platform. 

Quick Alternative:  If you are searching for a perfectly working remote desktop with zero mouse control issues, consider HelpWire. It offers stable remote access for different operating systems, such as Windows, Linux, and macOS, for free.
Note:  Due to free plan restrictions, AnyDesk may disconnect during a session if the mouse control is not working properly or stops after a few uses. As a result, you may have to face input lag or complete restrictions on your remote control.

Try These Quick Solutions to Fix AnyDesk Mouse Not Working

These quick fixes will take under a minute each to solve most mouse issues in AnyDesk.

Solution 1: Test the Mouse on the Local System

First, verify that the issue is not hardware-related before blaming AnyDesk.

  1. Connect the mouse to a different USB port to test it.

  2. Use a different mouse to test the same computer.

  3. For wireless devices, replace the batteries or re-establish the receiver pairing.

If local mouse functionality is normal, the issue is likely related to AnyDesk. Proceed with the next solution in this case.

Solution 2: Restart AnyDesk on Both the Local and Remote Computers

  1. Fully close AnyDesk on both the local and remote devices.

  2. Use Task Manager on Windows to end any leftover AnyDesk.exe processes.

  3. Restart AnyDesk on both systems and reinitiate the connection.

  4. If the problem remains, perform a full restart of both devices.

Solution 3: Re-click the Scroll Wheel Again on your Mouse

If you detect mouse cursor movement, but click events are registering during the session, press the mouse scroll wheel or middle button once. User reports indicate that this action can immediately restore mouse control without further adjustments.

Solution 4: Turn on Remote Cursor Display

If you fail to see the cursor on your remote screen, follow the steps below:

  1. Open the display settings from your active session toolbar.

  2. Activate the “Show Remote Cursor” option.

  3. Turn on “Follow Remote Cursor” to maintain the viewport centered on the cursor position.

Solution 5: From the Session Toolbar, Ensure the Permissions Toggle is Enabled

Mouse control can sometimes be accidentally disabled on the local client during an active session. To verify that, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Permissions menu from the toolbar in your active session.

  2. Check that “Control the remote client’s mouse and keyboard” is active.

Note:  Permissions can only be adjusted by the local user if they are already allowed by the remote device. You may need to update the remote device’s permission profile by referring to “Block 3” if the option doesn’t appear.

How to Fix AnyDesk Mouse Control Problems by Platform

If the issue persists after trying the quick fixes, it may be related to your operating system or device. Identify your platform below and follow the instructions step by step. 

Windows

In most cases, AnyDesk mouse issues on Windows are caused by one of the three factors:
  • •Admin privileges were not granted on the remote device.
  • •A permission profile that prevents mouse input.
  • •A Windows UAC dialog that restricts access to the interface.
When a red circle appears on the cursor, use “Solution 1” to fix it, and if you are connected but unable to interact with clicks, use “Solution 3”. 

Fix the Forbidden Cursor Indicator (Red Circle)

If you see a denied or forbidden cursor, it means that AnyDesk is not permitted to control a specific part of the remote interface. The primary causes are:
    • • The remote machine is missing in AnyDesk installations: The portable version of the app has limited permissions. 
  • • AnyDesk is running without admin rights: This is necessary for accessing admin-level features in Windows. 
To resolve the above issues, you can go through these solutions:

  1. For full functionality, install AnyDesk on the remote device instead of using the portable version.

  2. Alternatively, launch AnyDesk with administrator privileges on the remote device by right-clicking the icon and selecting “Run as administrator”. 

Fix Windows UAC Prompt Issues (Black Screen and Crossed-out Cursor)

A UAC Prompt on the remote PC can cause the screen to go black and the cursor to appear crossed out, which is an expected behavior. To fix this issue, follow these steps:

  1. Open the session toolbar, go to Actions, and choose Request elevation. 

  2. The remote user will receive a prompt. If admin credentials are not available, use “Transmit authentication data” to securely share credentials through AnyDesk. 

  3. After the UAC prompt is closed or accepted, the normal mouse functionality is restored. 

Ensure the Correct Permission Profile is Set on the Remote PC

If you can connect through AnyDesk but are unable to interact with the remote computer, the permission profile may be configured as Screen Sharing (view only). There are three built-in profiles of AnyDesk:
  • • Default: In this profile, all permissions are active, with mouse and keyboard control turned on.
  • • Screen Sharing: This profile allows users to see the screen in view-only mode. Here, mouse and keyboard input are not allowed. 
  • • Full access: This profile gives unrestricted control of the remote system. 
You can change the profile settings on your remote computer with these steps:

  1. Launch AnyDesk and go to settings > Security > open Permission Profiles

  2. Choose the active profile and verify that “Control my computer’s keyboard and mouse” is turned on.

  3. Confirm the changes and reconnect to the session.

Use Ease of Access to Adjust Mouse Settings

If the cursor is visible but clicks aren’t working in your remote session, modify the mouse settings on your local computer so that the Windows system recognizes a point device. To adjust the settings, follow these steps:

  1. Open Windows settings on your device by pressing the Win + I keys on your keyboard.

  2. If you are using Windows 10, open Ease of Access and click on the Mouse. In Windows 11, open accessibility and click on the Mouse.

  3. Activate “Control your mouse with a keypad”.

  4. Reconnect to the remote session.

Disable IPv6 on the System

IPv6 compatibility issues in AnyDesk can block mouse input, but turning off IPv6 on your network connection often resolves the problem. To disable IPv6, you must follow these steps:

  1. Go to the control panel, click on “Network and Sharing Center”, and modify adapter settings.

  2. Use your mouse to right-click on your active network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and open properties.

  3. Untick “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).

  4. Click OK and restart the AnyDesk application.

Remove and Reinstall the AnyDesk Application

To reinstall the latest version of AnyDesk, go through these steps:

  1. Navigate to the Settings on your system, go to Apps, and click Installed Apps. Search for the AnyDesk app and uninstall it from your system. 

  2. Get the most recent version of the AnyDesk app.

  3. Install the application and reconnect, then approve any permission requests that appear.

Mac

AnyDesk mouse problems on macOS are typically caused by missing system permissions. To control input devices, applications must receive explicit approval under Apple’s security model. AnyDesk, therefore, requires three separate permissions to function properly. Without these permissions, the remote session may open, but the input from the mouse and keyboard will be fully restricted. 

Configure the Required Permissions on macOS

The reason for the AnyDesk mouse not working Mac could be due to missing system permissions. Without the required permissions, AnyDesk cannot manage mouse or keyboard input and cannot receive incoming sessions. 

To function properly on macOS, AnyDesk requires three permissions:

  • • Screen Recording: This permission from macOS lets remote users access the screen display.
  • • Accessibility: This permission grants remote users control over mouse and keyboard input.
  • • Full Disk Access: This permission supports file transfer while a session is active.

After installing AnyDesk, you’ll see a warning icon (⚠️) appearing next to your AnyDesk ID. Select the icon to open the “System Permission Status” window on your screen. After clicking, follow these steps:

  1. Select “Open Screen Recording preferences”, turn on AnyDesk, and restart the application.

  2. Select “Request Accessibility” and turn on AnyDesk under system settings.

  3. Select “Open Full Disk Access preferences”, activate AnyDesk. Next, relaunch the AnyDesk application.

Note:   Mouse control depends on having both Screen Recording and Accessibility permissions enabled. If you change Screen Recording or Full Disk Access permissions, relaunch the AnyDesk application for the changes to take effect.

Reinstall the Latest Version of AnyDesk

  1. Delete the old version of AnyDesk completely by moving it to the Trash and then clearing the Trash.

  2. Locate the AnyDesk folder in /Library/Application Support/ and delete that folder.

  3. Search for the latest version and download it from
    anydesk.com/en/downloads.

  4. Before you begin a session, install the application and grant all three permissions.

Android

Remote input on Android works differently from desktop operating systems. Even with a successful AnyDesk connection, the screen may appear but not respond to mouse input. In this case, you may run into the AnyDesk mouse not working Android issue. It’s because, by default, the OS blocks apps from controlling mouse or touch input remotely. 

Below, we discuss some fixes that cover plugin installation, scroll gestures, and input mode configuration. 

Install the Plugin for Remote Control

By default, Android blocks remote input. Without a control plugin, AnyDesk is limited to screen viewing only.

You can use two types of plugins:

  • • Universal Control Plugin (ad1): You’ll find this plugin on the Google Play app. It works on almost every Android device. 
  • • Vendor Plugins: This plugin is required on some devices due to manufacturer restrictions and can be downloaded from the Android Control Plugins page. 
Important Note:  You do not need to search for the control plugin manually. The AnyDesk application will track what is required and automatically prompt you immediately to install the plugin.
Once the installation process is complete, follow the steps below to enable it:

  1. Open device settings and go to Accessibility.

  2. Search for AnyDesk Control Service (ad1) and activate it.

  3. Some Android devices require a restart to activate the plugin. 

Choose the Appropriate Input Mode

During a session, long-press the AnyDesk logo to open the Session Menu, then swipe to the input title and select your preferred mode from these options:
  • • Mouse mode: Provides mouse-like control, making it ideal for remote desktop use.
  • • Touch-to-touch mode: Uses direct touch input and works best for Android-to-Android connection.
  • • Touchpad mode: Swipe gestures behave like a laptop touchpad.
  • • Translate mouse input to touch input: Turns mouse input into touch-based interactions.

How to Scroll When Using AnyDesk on Mobile

Note:  Available gestures may differ based on your device model and Android version.
The following official gestures apply in mouse or touchpad mode:
  • • Three-finger swipe: Use to scroll
  • • One-finger swipe: Use to move the cursor
  • • Tap: Gesture for left-click
  • • Press and Hold: Use for right-click
  • • Three-finger tap: Gesture for middle-click
  • • Two-finger swipe: Gesture for zoom
Note:  On ChromeOS (view-only) and some Android TV or Fire TV devices, full input control and scrolling may not be available due to Accessibility features being disabled by the manufacturer.

Exclude AnyDesk from Battery Optimization

On Android, battery optimization can stop AnyDesk in the background within 30-60 seconds, causing active sessions to disconnect. To avoid this, follow these steps:

  1. Use your device settings to search for “Battery Optimization”.

  2. Scroll through the list to find AnyDesk and the control plugin (ad1).

  3. Change both settings to “Unrestricted” or “Don’t Optimize”.

Remove and Reinstall the AnyDesk Application

To perform a fresh installation of AnyDesk, follow these steps:

  1. Remove both AnyDesk and the control plugin from your Android device.

  2. Get the latest version of AnyDesk from the Google Play Store and install it.

  3. When you launch AnyDesk, it will automatically prompt you to install the required plugin.

  4. Go to settings and then Accessibility to activate the plugin.

Try HelpWire as a Reliable Alternative to AnyDesk

If mouse control in AnyDesk continues to be unreliable after all the attempts you made, try switching to a more stable solution. 

HelpWire offers a free and reliable remote desktop solution with full mouse and keyboard support across every platform, including Windows, Linux, and macOS.

What you get:

  • • Completely free for personal and business use
  • Provides both on-demand and unattended access
  • • Easily transfer files with drag-and-drop support during sessions
  • • Includes built-in chat to enable real-time communication with the remote user
  • • Offers cross-platform support, such as Windows, Linux, and macOS

Explore all of HelpWire’s features or discover why it’s the top choice as an alternative to AnyDesk.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you see a red circle (forbidden/denied) cursor, it means AnyDesk does not have control permissions for that area of the remote interface. According to the official documentation of AnyDesk, this can usually be resolved by installing AnyDesk on the remote device or launching it with admin rights.

If the connection is established properly but control is not working, the host’s Permission Profile is the most likely cause. You can modify the settings. For this, open the system’s Settings, go to Security, and then to Permission Profiles on the remote PC, and verify if the “Control my computer’s keyboard and mouse” is active. 

To control the mouse, AnyDesk needs three explicit permissions on macOS. They are Screen Recording, Accessibility, and Full Disk Access. If the Accessibility permission is not granted, AnyDesk connected but cannot control mouse or keyboard input. 

Scrolling in AnyDesk for Android is done with a three-finger swipe in Mouse or Touchpad mode. A one-finger swipe moves the cursor, a tap performs a left-click, and a press-and-hold performs a right-click. To change the input mode, you need to open the session menu by long-pressing the AnyDesk logo. 

By default, Android blocks the remote input. AnyDesk will prompt the designed plugin automatically by tracking your requirements. You need to install that control plugin and activate it under Settings and then Accessibility. Most of the devices require a restart of the device after installing the plugin.

There are several causes for a mouse becoming unresponsive during a session:

  • • The permission toggle in the session toolbar may have turned off accidentally.
  • • A User Account Control (UAC) prompt on the remote device may have blocked input.
  • • The remote PC has entered sleep mode.

Confirm the Permissions icon status in the session toolbar.  

 

Tags:
AnyDesk, Tips & Tricks