What is a Mouse Jiggler?
Quick Definition
A mouse jiggler is a device or software that simulates mouse movement to prevent your computer from going idle, sleeping, or triggering screen lock. They're commonly used by remote workers to keep systems active.
Understanding Mouse Jiggler
Mouse jigglers come in two forms: hardware USB devices that plug into your computer and physically or electronically simulate mouse movement, and software applications that programmatically move your cursor. Both types trick your operating system into thinking you're actively using the computer, preventing idle timeouts, screen locks, and sleep mode. While effective for keeping a computer awake, they don't directly control application-specific status like Slack presence. Hardware mouse jigglers range from simple mechanical devices that physically move a USB receiver to more sophisticated electronic devices that send HID (Human Interface Device) signals to the operating system. They typically cost between $10 and $30 and require no software installation. However, they appear in USB device logs and can be detected by endpoint security software that inventories connected peripherals. Software mouse jigglers include standalone applications like Move Mouse (Windows), scripts using tools like AutoHotKey or AppleScript, and browser-based solutions. These programmatically move the mouse cursor by a pixel or two at regular intervals. While they don't require USB ports, they run as visible processes that endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools can identify. The key limitation of all mouse jigglers is that they address the symptom (computer going idle) rather than the cause (Slack's presence detection). Even with a jiggler running, closing your laptop lid, losing WiFi, or having Slack in a suspended browser tab will still result in an away status.
Key Points
- Hardware jigglers are USB devices that simulate physical mouse movement
- Software jigglers are programs that move your cursor automatically
- They prevent computer sleep and screen lock
- They don't directly control Slack or other app-specific presence
- Can be detected by IT departments through USB logs or process monitoring
Examples
Hardware mouse jiggler
A small USB device that plugs into your computer and either physically moves (mechanical) or electronically simulates mouse movement every few seconds.
Software mouse jiggler
An application like Move Mouse (Windows) or a script that moves your cursor by a pixel periodically to prevent idle detection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can IT detect a mouse jiggler?
Does a mouse jiggler keep Slack active?
Are mouse jigglers allowed at work?
How Idle Pilot Helps
Unlike mouse jigglers that only keep your computer awake, Idle Pilot directly manages your Slack presence from the cloud. It works even when your laptop sleeps, doesn't require any hardware, and can't be detected as a suspicious USB device. You set your work schedule, and Idle Pilot handles presence automatically.
Try Idle Pilot freeRelated Terms
Slack presence is the indicator (green or yellow dot) next to your name showing whether you're currently active or away in Slack. It's automatically determined by Slack based on your recent activity and connection status.
Slack auto-away is the automatic system that switches your presence status from active (green) to away (yellow) after a period of inactivity. Slack typically triggers this after approximately 10 minutes with no interaction.