Mouse Side Buttons: What They Do & How to Use Them

Mouse side buttons are the extra buttons on the left or right edge of a mouse, typically numbered 4 and 5, and you can use them for anything from browser navigation to custom shortcuts in games and productivity apps. They work by sending signals that your operating system or mouse software can map to specific commands. Most people first use them to go back and forward in a web browser, but their real value is in the time you save by assigning them to actions you repeat often.

How Side Buttons Work

Standard mice report five buttons to the computer: left, right, middle (scroll wheel click), and two side buttons (usually labeled X1 and X2, or button 4 and button 5). When you press a side button, the mouse sends a specific signal to the operating system. Windows and macOS recognize these as “back” and “forward” by default in most browsers and file explorers. The buttons are usually placed under your thumb on a right-handed mouse, or on the right side for left-handed models. Some mice have additional buttons, but the two thumb buttons are the most common configuration.

Default Uses: Browser and File Navigation

Out of the box, side buttons are wired to navigate backward and forward. In Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari, pressing the button closest to you (usually the lower one) goes back to the previous page, and the upper one goes forward. The same works in Windows File Explorer and macOS Finder. This is the most immediate benefit: you never have to move the cursor to the small arrow buttons in the browser toolbar. If you are reading a long article or browsing search results, the back button becomes a one-thumb press instead of a precise click.

Customizing Side Buttons with Software

To go beyond back and forward, you need configuration software. Most gaming and productivity mice come with their own app, such as Logitech G Hub, Razer Synapse, or Corsair iCUE. But even basic mice can be remapped using built-in OS settings or third-party tools like AutoHotkey (Windows) or BetterTouchTool (macOS). In the software, you select a button and assign it a function: a keystroke, a media command, a macro, or launching a program. For example, you could set the forward button to Ctrl+W to close a browser tab, or the back button to copy and paste. The possibilities are limited only by the software’s features and your imagination.

Productivity: Shortcuts That Save Time

For office work, side buttons can become your most-used shortcuts. Common assignments include:

Copy (Ctrl+C) and paste (Ctrl+V) – one thumb press instead of two hands.
Undo (Ctrl+Z) – a lifesaver when you make frequent mistakes.
Switch tabs (Ctrl+Tab) or close tab (Ctrl+W) in a browser.
Show desktop (Windows+D) or mission control (macOS).
Play/pause music or mute microphone during video calls.

In spreadsheet or coding work, you might map a side button to a frequently used formula or a snippet. The key is to pick actions you do dozens of times a day. Once your thumb learns the position, you stop thinking about it and just press.

Gaming: Extra Commands at Your Thumb

In games, side buttons give you extra inputs without taking your fingers off the movement keys. In first-person shooters, players often map them to melee attack, grenade, or push-to-talk. In MOBAs like League of Legends, they can be used for item slots or summoner spells. In MMOs, the side buttons might be part of a larger set of thumb buttons for abilities. The advantage is speed: your thumb is already resting there, so you don’t have to reach for a number key or a function key. Some gamers also use them for “push-to-talk” in voice chat, which keeps your left hand free for movement.

Choosing a Mouse with Side Buttons

When picking a mouse, consider the number of buttons, their placement, and whether you need software. Two side buttons are enough for most people. If you play games that need many inputs, look for mice with 6-12 thumb buttons, but be aware that more buttons can be harder to hit accurately without looking. The size and shape matter: the buttons should fall naturally under your thumb. Also check if the mouse is symmetrical or ergonomic for right or left hand. Left-handed users should look for a mouse with buttons on the right side or a symmetrical design with buttons on both sides.

Common Problems and Fixes

Side buttons sometimes stop working. Here are the usual causes and solutions:

Driver or software issue: Reinstall the mouse software or update the driver.
Battery or connection: For wireless mice, low battery can cause buttons to fail. Replace or recharge.
Dirt or debris: Dirt under the button can prevent a click. Clean with compressed air.
Custom mapping lost: If you remapped buttons in software and then uninstalled it, the buttons revert to default. Reinstall or reconfigure.
Hardware failure: If none of the above works, the switch may be worn out. This is rare but possible after years of use.

Alternatives: What If You Don’t Have Side Buttons?

If your mouse lacks side buttons, you can still get similar functionality. Keyboard shortcuts like Alt+Left/Right (browser back/forward) or Ctrl+W (close tab) work everywhere. You can also use a mouse with a tilt wheel that scrolls left/right, though that’s not the same. Or you can buy a separate macro keypad that sits next to your keyboard. But for most people, a mouse with two side buttons is a cheap and effective upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are side buttons only for gaming?
No, they are equally useful for productivity. Browsing, copy-paste, and media controls are common uses for non-gamers.

Can I make the side buttons do different things in different programs?
Yes, most mouse software allows per-app profiles. You can set one action for Chrome and another for Excel, and the mouse will switch automatically when you change apps.

Why don’t my side buttons work in some games?
Some games read only the standard five buttons, or the game’s input system doesn’t recognize button 4/5. You can often remap the side buttons to keyboard keys in the mouse software, and then the game sees a keyboard press, which usually works.

Can I use side buttons on a Mac?
Yes, macOS recognizes the back/forward buttons in Safari and Finder. For custom actions, you can use the mouse’s software (if it has a Mac version) or a third-party tool like BetterTouchTool.

Do side buttons wear out faster?
They are used less than left/right buttons, so they typically last a long time. But if you use them constantly, the switch can wear out like any other button.

Is it possible to disable side buttons?
Yes, you can set them to “no action” in the mouse software or in the OS settings. This is useful if you accidentally press them while gaming.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

More cards in this drawer

The whole Numbers and Powers drawer →