How do I fix side buttons or gestures not responding on the MX Master 3S?

by Jax Dalton · Published 30/10/2025 · Updated 30/10/2025

Applies to / Last updated
Logitech MX Master 3S • Windows 10 or 11 • macOS 12 or later • Logi Options+ • Last updated: 30 October 2025

Problem

The Back and Forward side buttons, the gesture button, or gesture directions do nothing or work only in some apps. In some cases they stop responding after sleep, OS updates, or when switching computers with Easy Switch or Flow.

Solution

Confirm Logi Options+ is running and that the MX Master 3S is detected on the correct Easy Switch channel. Reapply or rebuild button mappings in the Global profile and in any app specific profiles. On macOS, grant Accessibility and Input Monitoring permissions. On Windows, disable USB power saving for receivers and ensure Options+ launches at sign in. Update firmware for the mouse and receiver, and remove conflicting utilities that might intercept shortcuts.

Step by step instructions

1) Verify connection and channel

Wake the computer and the mouse.
Tap Easy Switch to cycle the LED to the intended channel.
Open Logi Options+ and confirm the mouse shows as Connected.
If not connected, re pair the mouse on that channel and retest.

2) Make sure Logi Options+ is active

Launch Logi Options+ and leave it running in the background.
Sign in to your Logitech account so profiles sync.
On Windows, open Task Manager > Startup apps and set Options+ to Enabled at login.
On macOS, open System Settings > General > Login Items and allow Options+ and the Options+ Daemon.

3) Check Global and app specific profiles

In Options+ > Buttons, select the Global profile and verify Back, Forward, Middle click, Thumb wheel press, and Gesture button assignments.
Click Add app to view any app specific profiles. Profiles override Global mappings while that app is focused.
With the target app open and focused, select its profile and confirm the intended actions are mapped.
If a mapping looks correct but still fails, change it temporarily to Keystroke assignment, record the native shortcut for that action, save, and test.

4) Rebuild the gesture button and directions

In Buttons, select the Gesture button.
Assign a Single press action you can easily test, such as Mission Control on macOS or Task view on Windows.
Assign Up, Down, Left, Right directions to simple actions like volume or new tab to validate that directions are detected.
Test by pressing and holding the gesture button, then moving the mouse in each direction.
If only some directions work, reduce hand travel and make crisp directional pushes, then retest.

5) Grant permissions on macOS

Open System Settings > Privacy and Security > Accessibility and Input Monitoring.
Enable permissions for Logi Options+ and Logi Options+ Daemon.
Quit and relaunch Options+.
If permissions were already enabled, toggle them off, reboot, enable again, then test.

6) Remove conflicts and overlays

Quit other mouse or keyboard utilities, screen recorders, game overlays, and macro tools.
On Windows, check for third party gesture or window managers that capture inputs.
On macOS, close utilities that listen for global shortcuts.
Test buttons again inside a simple app like Notepad or TextEdit.

7) Fix receiver placement and power saving on Windows

If you use Logi Bolt, move the receiver to a front USB port or use a short USB extension so it sits near the mouse.
Open Device Manager > Universal Serial Bus controllers and for the hub that hosts the receiver clear Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
Reboot and test.

8) Update software and firmware

Update Logi Options+ to the latest version.
In the device page, run Firmware Update for the mouse and the receiver if available.
Restart the computer after updates and retest mappings.

9) Re create a clean profile

In Options+, export or note your current mappings.
Remove the app specific profile that is failing.
Re add the app and rebuild the mappings using Keystroke assignment for critical actions.
Test with the app focused.

10) As a last resort, re pair on a fresh channel

Press Easy Switch to choose an unused channel.
Re pair via Bluetooth or Logi Bolt on that channel.
Open Options+ and confirm your profiles load.
Test side buttons and gestures again.

Optional methods or tools

Keystroke assignment for maximum reliability by matching an app’s own shortcuts.
Smart Actions for multi step workflows triggered by the gesture button or a thumb button.
USB A extension to position the receiver close to the mouse and away from noisy USB 3 cables.

Best practices or tips

Keep a simple Global layout and push specialized actions into app specific profiles.
Use the gesture button for high value tasks that you perform many times per day.
Document core mappings or enable cloud sync in Options+ so you can restore them quickly.
Keep Options+ and device firmware current to pick up fixes for input hooks and gestures.
If an action fails only in one app, verify the app is focused and that your shortcut is valid in that context.

Side buttons or gestures usually fail due to inactive Options+, missing macOS permissions, or an app specific profile that overrides your Global mapping with an unintended action. Begin by confirming the channel and that Options+ is running, then validate mappings in the active profile. Keystroke assignments tied to native shortcuts tend to be the most robust across updates and different computers.

If problems return after sleep or on specific hardware, focus on radios and power. Move a Logi Bolt receiver close to the mouse, disable USB power saving, and keep the OS and Options+ updated. A clean re pair on a fresh channel can also clear stale device keys. With these basics in place, side buttons and gestures respond instantly and consistently.

The right combination of Global and app specific profiles turns the MX Master 3S into a predictable tool across Windows and macOS. Use the same functional actions on both platforms, even if the underlying keystrokes differ. This preserves muscle memory when you switch with Easy Switch or Flow and prevents confusion when a profile takes over in a focused app.