Using a mouse or trackpad with an iPad is now easier than ever owing to the newest iPadOS versions’ complete and direct support for pointer devices. Mouse and trackpad support is no longer restricted to Accessibility, as it was in previous versions of system software, it now takes center stage.
Setting up a mouse or trackpad, as well as customizing the appearance and behavior of the cursor/pointer on iPadOS, are all quite simple once you understand how they work.
We’ll show you how to add a mouse or trackpad to your iPad and how to use it for everyday work.
What do you need?
You must own an iPad Pro (all models), iPad Air 2 or later, iPad (5th generation) or later, or iPad mini 4 to utilize a supported trackpad or mouse. Your device must also have iPadOS 13.4 or later installed.
The trackpad support is compatible with the Apple Magic Mouse 2, Magic Trackpad, and a variety of third-party mice that connect through Bluetooth.
What kind of nouse can connect to an iPad?
You can connect a non-Bluetooth mouse to your iPad. But you must first plug in the dongle. If you’re using a mouse with a USB-C dongle on the newest iPads, this isn’t a big deal. But, remember that you will not be able to use the port for anything else at the same time.
However, if your iPad has a lightning port, you’ll need to buy a converter. Because of this difficulty, we’d prefer Bluetooth mice, which are quite affordable and easy to get.
How to pair a mouse or trackpad to iPad?
In order to pair a Bluetooth mouse or trackpad, follow the same steps as you would pair any other Bluetooth device. Keep in mind that your device’s Bluetooth component must be turned on in order to work. We used an outdated Microsoft Sculpt Touch Mouse in this example. Here’s how to connect your device:
Step 1: Enter the Settings app.
Step 2: Select Bluetooth from the list on the left.
Step 3: If Bluetooth is turned off, tap the toggle to switch it on (green).
Step 4: Set pairing mode on your mouse or trackpad. This is normally accomplished by holding down a dedicated button below the screen until an LED flashes. However, for exact directions, check the peripheral’s manual.
Step 5: The device should now be visible under Other Devices. To start pairing, tap the mouse.
Step 6: On the pop-up prompt, tap Pair.
When the peripheral shows in My Devices and says Connected, it is ready to use. When both devices are turned on and nearby, they will pair automatically in the future. Keep Bluetooth turned on. If you don’t, you’ll have to manually switch it on every time you want to connect.
How to use a nouse or trackpad to iPad?
When you connect the mouse or trackpad, your iPad will display a circular pointer. You can navigate the iPad screen with a finger swipe or a mouse, just like you would on a computer. The pointer disappears when there is no activity. To continue, simply move the mouse or touch the trackpad.
How to use a Mouse with an iPad?
You may want to adjust the settings before using a mouse for the first time. Here’s how:
Step 1: Launch the Settings application.
Step 2: Select General from the list on the left.
Step 3: Select Trackpad & Mouse from the list on the right.
Step 4: Adjust the mouse speed, assign the Secondary Click, and toggle Natural Scrolling on/off.
You can move about the display with the on-screen circular pointer, just like a mouse on any other device, and make selections with a standard left-click. When you hover over text, you will notice that the pointer automatically snaps to individual buttons to make them easier to click.
iPad mouse tips & tricks
Here are some useful tips and methods for using a mouse with an iPad, which will work with any mouse that is currently in use with the device:
- Go ahead and move the pointer all the way to the bottom of the screen: display Dock
- Move the pointer all the way to the top of the screen and keep dragging up: display the Lock Screen
- Now, move the pointer to the very bottom of the display and keep dragging down: go into the Home Screen
- Right-click: works as a long press, generally bringing up contextual options, etc.
How to troubleshoot and disconnect bluetooth mouse from iPad?
If you discover later that using a mouse is just too difficult, use these steps to forget the device:
Step 1: Enter the Settings app.
Step 2: Select Bluetooth from the list on the left.
Step 3: Tap the blue “i” symbol next to the mouse you want to use.
Step 4: Click the Forget This Device button.
How to change the appearance of the mouse cursor / pointer?
By going into Accessibility Settings on iPad, you may change the size of the cursor, the color of the pointer, the size of the pointer’s border, whether or not it automatically hides, the contrast of the pointer, and whether or not items animate when the cursor hovers over them. The following settings are available for these options:
Step 1: Open the “Settings” app and go to “Accessibility.“
Step 2: Go to “Pointer Control.”
Step 3: Adjust the cursor’s “Color” and “Pointer Size,” as well as any other cursor settings, as needed.
Once you’ve configured your cursor/pointer settings to your preference, you’re ready to use the mouse or trackpad on the iPad.
What are some basic mouse gestures for iPad?
A list of mouse movements and methods for navigating an iPad using any third-party mouse or Apple’s Magic Mouse is provided below:
- To wake your iPad: Use the left mouse button.
- To access the Dock: Move the pointer to the bottom of the screen and wait for the Dock to display.
- View the Home screen: After the Dock displays, continue to move the pointer to the bottom of the screen.
- To switch apps: Move the pointer to the bottom of the screen on the Home screen until multiple apps display.
- View slide over: Move the pointer past the screen’s right edge.
- To open Control Center: Move the cursor over the status icons in the upper right corner and left-click.
- To open the Notifications Center: Move your mouse over the time and date in the upper left corner and left-click.
- To open contextual menus: Use the right mouse button.
How to use a trackpad with an iPad?
You may want to change the settings before using a trackpad. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open the Settings app.
Step 2: Select General from the list on the left.
Step 3: Select Trackpad & Mouse from the list on the right.
Step 4: Adjust the tracking speed, scrolling direction, and secondary click. With some models, you will also notice toggles for Tap to Click and Two Finger Secondary Click (for context menus).
Consider the trackpad to be an external mouse. You can control the on-screen cursor to change the display or select other functions by clicking on the left side. When hovering over text content, the cursor adjusts itself and makes it easier to click particular buttons by automatically snapping to them.
What are some basic trackpad gestures?
When it comes to cursor support, iPadOS provides a large number of great trackpad gestures. We highly suggest you link the gestures with the Magic Trackpad or Magic Trackpad 2 since this will help you keep greater control.
- To wake up your iPad: Press the trackpad.
- To open the Dock: Swipe your finger up from the bottom of the screen until the Dock displays.
- To access the Home screen: Keep swiping a finger past the bottom of the screen until the Dock displays.
- To switch apps: Swipe your finger up from the bottom of the Home screen until multiple apps show.
- To view a slide over: Swipe your finger past the screen’s right edge.
- To open Control Center: Move your mouse over the status icons in the upper right corner and click.
- To open the Notifications Center: Move the cursor over the time and date in the upper left corner and click.
How to use advanced trackpad gestures on iPad?
Apple Magic Trackpad 2 will provide you with more control and better movement features. You’ll be able to scroll, zoom, and switch between windows more quickly.
- To scroll: Use two fingers to move up, down, left, or right.
- Zoom: Pinch two fingers open or closed to zoom in or out.
- To return home: Swipe up with three fingers.
- To open the App Switcher: Swipe three fingers up, then pause before lifting your fingers. Alternatively, squeeze four fingers together and hold for a moment.
- To switch between open apps: Use three fingers to swipe left or right.
- Open Today View: Swipe two fingers right on the Home or Lock Screen.
- To open Spotlight: Slide two fingers down from the home screen.
- Secondary click: Use two fingers to click at the same time.
Conclusion
Remember that this article is aimed at modern versions of iPadOS; older versions of iPadOS do support a mouse. But the setup is different via Accessibility, and some of the capabilities are more limited. You can still use the mouse or trackpad if your device is limited to an earlier iPadOS release or if you haven’t updated to a modern version (which you should if you can).
Do you have any useful tips, recommendations, gestures, tricks, or other information about using a mouse or trackpad with an iPad? What are your ideas or experiences with using a mouse or trackpad with the iPad? Tell us in the comments!
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