Mouse side buttons not working? How to fix back and forward
Updated October 1, 2026
The back and forward buttons on the side of your mouse – also called Mouse 4 and Mouse 5, or XButton1 and XButton2 – stop working far more often because of software than because of hardware. Here is how to find out which.
Step 1: Test the buttons
Open the mouse button test in Chrome, Edge or Firefox and press each side button. If the BACK and FWD buttons light up on the mouse diagram, the hardware works and the problem is a setting in the program you are using. If they don't light up, continue below.
Check all 5 mouse buttons in one place.
Open the mouse button test →Note for Mac users: Safari does not pass side buttons to web pages, so they will never show up in Safari. Test in Chrome or Firefox instead.
If the test does not see them
- Reset the mouse software. Logitech G HUB, Razer Synapse, Corsair iCUE, SteelSeries GG and similar tools can remap side buttons to keystrokes, DPI changes or macros. Set them back to their default “Back” and “Forward” functions, or reset the profile.
- Check onboard memory profiles. Many gaming mice store profiles in the mouse itself. Even after uninstalling the software, an onboard profile can keep the buttons remapped. Reinstall the software to reset it, or use the mouse's reset option.
- Close conflicting apps. Tools like AutoHotkey, X-Mouse Button Control or game overlays can intercept the buttons. Close them and test again.
- Try another USB port or computer. If the buttons still don't register anywhere, the side-button switches or their cable may be broken.
If the test sees them, but a program doesn't
- Games: most games need you to bind Mouse 4 and Mouse 5 yourself in the controls menu. Some older games do not support them at all – in that case, map the side buttons to keyboard keys in your mouse software.
- macOS: macOS does not use side buttons for back/forward everywhere by default. Some apps handle them, others don't. The mouse manufacturer's software or a utility such as SensibleSideButtons or Mac Mouse Fix can map them to back/forward.
- Linux: side buttons are usually buttons 8 and 9 in X11/Wayland. Most browsers support them; for other apps you can map them with tools like
input-remapper. - Remote desktop and virtual machines: side buttons are often not forwarded. Check the remote-desktop settings.
Hardware causes
Side buttons use small switches that can fail, and on some mice they share a thin ribbon cable with the main board. If the buttons don't register on any computer with default settings, repair means replacing the side switch or the cable – or a warranty claim.
FAQ
What are Mouse 4 and Mouse 5?
They are the two extra side buttons. Mouse 4 is usually “Back” and Mouse 5 is “Forward”. In browsers they have the codes 3 and 4, because the count starts at 0.
Why do my side buttons work in the browser but not in my game?
The browser uses them as back/forward by default, but games need you to bind them. Open the game's control settings, choose an action and press the side button to assign it.
Can I use side buttons on a Mac?
Yes, but support depends on the app. The mouse's own software or a small utility can map them to back/forward or keyboard shortcuts everywhere.