Test the Wheel First
A jumping wheel sends one step the wrong way in the middle of a scroll, so the page lurches back up as you scroll down.
Open the mouse test and scroll slowly, one step at a time, first down and then up. The Skips counter goes up when a single step goes the opposite way between two steps that go the same way, all within 150 ms.
- Skips in one direction only: the wheel is the likely cause.
- No skips in the test but jumps in one app: check that app's scroll settings.
- The test says it can't measure skips: the wheel is in a smooth or free-spin mode, or you are using a touchpad. Switch to the clicky ratchet mode and try again.
Clean the Wheel
Logitech's first step for a wheel that misbehaves is to clean it with compressed air. Check that the wheel turns freely and isn't stuck.
- Blow short bursts of compressed air into the gap around the wheel while you turn it.
- Turn the wheel a few full turns in each direction.
- Run the mouse test again with the same slow scroll.
Check the Scroll Settings
Settings decide how far each step scrolls and which way. They don't make a step go backward, but a large step size can make a normal scroll look like a jump.
- Windows 11: Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mouse. Set "Lines to scroll at a time", choose multiple lines or one screen at a time, and check the scrolling direction.
- Mac: Apple menu > System Settings > Mouse, and check the scrolling speed.
Check the Mouse Software
On Logitech mice, Logitech suggests checking the wheel settings in its software and turning off Smooth Scrolling.
Mice with SmartShift switch between ratchet and free spin on their own. To keep the wheel in ratchet mode, Logitech says to disable SmartShift and take the mode shift action off its button. Logitech Options is no longer supported, so use Logi Options+.
Check the Connection
- Plug the cable or receiver straight into the computer, not a hub. Try another USB port too.
- On a wireless mouse, replace the batteries or charge it, then disconnect and reconnect or re-pair it.
- Move phones, radios, wireless routers, and microwaves away from the receiver. Logitech gives up to 10 meters in a clear line of sight as the ideal range.
- Update the mouse firmware with the maker's software.
If another USB port helps, Logitech suggests updating the motherboard's USB chipset driver.
When the Wheel Is Worn
Try the mouse on a second computer. If the wheel still jumps there after cleaning, the fault is in the mouse.
Check the warranty first, and contact the maker's support with the steps you've already tried. Opening the mouse to clean or replace the wheel yourself may void the warranty.
To check every button and the wheel on a new or repaired mouse, use the mouse test.