Wireless mouse with ipad: Connect a mouse to iPad

Yes, You Can Use a Mouse With an iPad — Here’s How

• You can use a wireless mouse with an iPad that’s running iPadOS 13.4 or later.  
• To use a mouse on your iPad, you’ll need to pair them using the Bluetooth menu.
• Once paired, you can use a mouse with your iPad to navigate, make selections, start apps and more.

Over the past few years, Apple has put more and more effort into marketing the iPad as a replacement for your laptop. One major example of this is how new iPads can connect to a wireless computer mouse, and use it in lieu of the touchscreen.

If you have iPadOS 13.4 or later, you can connect a wireless Bluetooth mouse to your iPad. Connecting a mouse lets you navigate through apps, select items, and click buttons without touching the screen.

Note that some wired computer mice can also connect to an iPad, but you might need a special USB-C adapter for them. Check out the manual for the specific mouse you want to use, or contact the manufacturer for more information.

Here’s which iPad models can use a mouse, and how to connect it.

Which iPads can connect with a mouse?

You can use any wireless Bluetooth mouse with any iPad running iPadOS 13.4 or later. And since the iPad has a Bluetooth receiver built into it, you won’t need a Bluetooth dongle.

These iPad models are compatible with iPadOS 13.4 or later, and can use a mouse:

• iPad Pro (all models)
• iPad 5th generation or later
• iPad Air 2 or later
• iPad Mini 4 or later

To make sure you’re running iPadOS 13.4 or later, start the Settings app and tap “General,” then tap “About.” If your iPadOS version is too old, head to the “Software Update” screen and see if a new version is available.

How to connect a wireless mouse to your iPad

1. Turn on your mouse and put it into pairing mode. Generally, there should be a pairing button on the underside of the mouse or in the battery compartment. Press it until you see a blinking light that indicates pairing mode is on. 

2. Start the Settings app on your iPad. 

3. Tap “Bluetooth.”

4. Look for the mouse in the list of devices. When you see it, tap the name of the mouse.

Find the mouse in the list of Bluetooth devices.

Dave Johnson/Business Insider

5. In the pop-up window, tap “Pair. ” Follow any additional instructions, if necessary, to pair it with the iPad. This may include entering a passcode.

Tap “Pair” to complete the setup process.

Dave Johnson/Business Insider

How to use a mouse with an iPad

Once paired, the mouse should work automatically whenever it’s turned on and in range of the iPad. As you move the mouse, you should see a small dot, which is the mouse pointer. 

As it hovers over buttons and icons, you should see them expand or highlight to indicate they’re selected. If you move the pointer into a text field, you should see the I-beam indicating you can type.  

The cursor is a gray dot that can be hard to see, but you’ll see items highlight or get larger when the pointer is over them.

Dave Johnson/Business Insider

If you stop moving the mouse, the dot will disappear so it’s not in the way. To get it back, just move the mouse again. 

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Dave Johnson

Freelance Writer

Dave Johnson is a technology journalist who writes about consumer tech and how the industry is transforming the speculative world of science fiction into modern-day real life. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he’s also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts. Dave is the author of more than two dozen books and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider.

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How to connect and use a mouse or trackpad with your iPad

This article will guide you through the steps to connect and use a mouse or trackpad with your iPad, which should provide a more confortable user experience.

Using a mouse or trackpad to control your iPad pointer more precisely can be particularly helpful when using creative and productivity apps such as the Microsoft Office, performing image & video editing, creating vector art in illustration apps, and so forth.

The steps here work for all iPad models, including iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini.

Connect a mouse to your iPad

Wireless mouse

1. Go to iPad Settings and tap Bluetooth.
2. Flip the power or pairing switch of your wireless mouse to the ON position.
3. Within seconds, you should see your mouse name appear below the Under Devices heading. Tap the mouse name to connect it to your iPad.
4. Finally, move your mouse a bit, and you should see the circular mouse pointer on your iPad screen.

Wired mouse

1. Connect your wired mouse to your iPad directly if it has a USB-C connector at one end, or use an USB-C dongle.
2. Once the mouse is connected, you can start using it to control your iPad.

I have connected my wired mouse using a USB-C hub.

Connect a trackpad to your iPad

Connecting a trackpad to your iPad is the same as a mouse. Here’s how:

1. Switch on your wireless trackpad. If it has a pairing mode switch, push it to the ON position.
2. Open the Settings app on your iPad and tap Bluetooth.
3. You should see your trackpad appear under the Other Devices heading. Tap its name to connect it to your iPad.
4. Once the trackpad is connected, you can start using it instantly.

Use a mouse or trackpad on iPad

iPadOS doesn’t discriminate depending on which mouse or trackpad you’re using. But if you use a Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad, you obviously benefit from the awesome gestures they support.

Irrespective of whether it’s a wired or wireless mouse or trackpad, you can perform the following actions:

• Go home: Click the Home bar at the bottom of the screen.
• Open Control Center: Take the pointer over the battery icon in the top right and click.
• Open Notification Center: Take the pointer to the time indicator in the top left and click.
• Scroll: Use the standard gesture supported by your mouse or trackpad.
• App Switcher: Bring the mouse pointer to the bottom of the screen and continue to drag it down until you see the App Switcher with all open app tiles.

Related: How to right-click on iPad

Customize your mouse and trackpad experience

1. Open iPad Settings and tap Accessibility.
2. Tap Pointer Control.
3. From here, you can tweak the following settings:

Increase Contrast: This will make the circular pointer a bit darker.

Automatically Hide Pointer: After a while of inactivity, the circular pointer disappears from the screen. Turning it off will always show the pointer.

Color: Use this to add a white, blue, red, green, yellow, or orange border to the gray pointer. You can also adjust the border width.

Pointer Size: Lets you increase the size of the circular gray mouse and trackpad pointer.

Pointer Animations: If you turn it off, you may notice fewer pointer animations. For example, with this enabled, when you take the mouse pointer to an app icon on the Home Screen, the pointer hides from view. But with pointer animations off, it will show the pointer over the app icon.

Scrolling Speed: Using this slider, you can increase or decrease the scrolling speed of the mouse or trackpad.

Double-Tap to Drag and Trackpad Inertia: You will see these options only when you connect a trackpad to your iPad. The former lets you customize your dragging experience. Trackpad Inertia ensures the pointer continues to move a bit and slows down smoothly after you have flicked your finger. If it’s off, the pointer comes to a quick halt.

Mouse settings with AssistiveTouch: Tap AssistiveTouch settings from the bottom > select your connected mouse. From here, you can customize your mouse buttons to work with AssistiveTouch. You can configure your mouse buttons to perform specific actions.

Check the battery of your mouse or trackpad

Most mice and trackpads show the battery status in the iPad Batteries widget. You can see the remaining charge here. For more, check out how to see the battery percentage of Bluetooth devices connected to your iPhone or iPad.

Disconnect the mouse and trackpad

Wired

If it’s a wired mouse or trackpad, simply unplug it from iPad’s USB-C port or USB-C hub, and it will disconnect it.

Wireless

1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth.
2. Tap the info button ⓘ next to the connected mouse or trackpad.
3. From here, tap Disconnect.

Note: Many modern mice support simultaneous connection with two or more devices. However, if you have a Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad or a similar wireless mouse, you will have to tap Forget This Device and then switch off and switch on the mouse/trackpad to make it available to connect with other devices like your Mac.

Do more with your iPad:

• 10 iPad mouse, trackpad, and pointer tips to become more productive
• How to use your Mac’s keyboard, mouse, and trackpad seamlessly and wirelessly with your iPad
• How to connect and use a flash drive, hard disk, SSD, or SD card with your iPad

≡ Best iPad Mice 2020: Top 8 iPad Mice Ranking

Content

• 1 Top 8 Best iPad Mice Rankings 2020
  • 1.1 Logitech MX Master 3 is the best iPad mouse of 2020
  • 1.2 Logitech MX Anywhere 2S is the best iPad mouse of 2020
  • 1.3 Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Mouse 3600 is the best budget iPad mouse of 2020
  • 1.4 Logitech MX ERGO Trackball Mouse is the best iPad mouse of 2020
  • 1. 5 Logitech M720 Triathalon is the best mouse for iPad and multiple devices
  • 1.6 Apple Magic Mouse 2 is the best minimalist iPad mouse of 2020
  • 1.7 Logitech MX Vertical is the Best Ergonomic iPad Mouse of 2020
  • 1.8 Microsoft Arc ELG-00001 – best designed iPad mouse
• 2 How to choose the best mouse for iPad in 2020?
• 3 Output

iPads are extremely versatile devices, and with a few optional accessories, they can be transformed from a touch-screen mobile device into something that looks like a laptop. If you already have a stand and a Bluetooth keyboard or keyboard case, then a mouse is the last thing you need for an iPad workstation. It’s important to note that the iPad doesn’t have ports to support wired mice, so you’ll need to find a wireless model.

Some wireless mice connect to the device using a tiny adapter that plugs into a USB port. The iPad cannot support this connection, so you need to find a model that is compatible with Bluetooth. You’ll also want to take into account factors such as battery life and ability to track on multiple surfaces. If you enjoy setting up your iPad in different workspaces, you don’t need to bring your mouse pad to your favorite coffee shop. And, of course, you’ll want to think about comfort. If you’re uncomfortable using a standard mouse, there are some great ergonomic options that support different hand positions. The mobikoff online store also recommends checking out the full list of best Razer mice if that’s a priority for you.

Top 8 best iPad mice of 2020

1. Logitech MX Master 3 is the best iPad mouse of 2020

Logitech MX Master 3 is an all-in-one Bluetooth mouse for iPad that provides precise control and several cool features . It has a right and left click with a ‘magspeed’ scroll wheel in between for super-fast and quiet scrolling. The iPad Mouse also includes a set of thumb and gesture controls. One of the most interesting features of MX Master 3 is the ability to customize these gestures. You can set up application-specific “profiles” to make controls work differently in programs like Adobe Photoshop, Google Chrome, and Final Cut Pro.

This mouse supports both Bluetooth and USB wireless connection. One of the most interesting features is the simultaneous connection to Logitech Flow, a technology that allows you to pair your mouse with three devices at the same time and “move” the cursor over all three devices. In fact, you can put your iPad next to your laptop and use the cursor between them as if they were two screens. This is a very interesting feature that might even make you reconsider your workstation setup. MX Master 3 can also track almost any surface, including glass.

Plus

• ✔ Application-specific control profiles.
• ✔ Supports simultaneous connections.
• ✔ Rechargeable.

Cons

• ✘ Bulky.

2. Logitech MX Anywhere 2S is the best iPad mouse of 2020

This wireless iPad mouse from Logitech is a fantastic all-rounder that can connect to multiple devices and work on any surface. It has a standard mouse design with left and right clicks, a central scroll wheel and a pair of forward/back buttons on the side next to the thumb space. Mouse for iPad is compatible with Mac and Windows devices and supports Bluetooth connection. And it can track just about any surface – the 4000dpi dark field sensor keeps your cursor on track, even when you’re working on glass. The battery lasts for 70 days without recharging. MX Anywhere 2S can also connect to up to three different devices at the same time. You can use Logitech Flow technology to use the cursor on multiple displays at the same time.

Pros

• ✔ Supports simultaneous connections.
• ✔ Works on multiple surfaces.

Cons

• ✘ No built-in storage for USB receiver.

3. Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Mouse 3600 is the best budget iPad mouse of 2020

This is a super basic mouse that is reliable and Bluetooth compatible, making it a good budget choice for your iPad if you don’t need the extra bells and whistles. It has a standard left and right click and a four-way scroll center wheel (up/down and left/right). The design is not particularly ergonomic, but symmetrical. This means that the iPad mouse can be used independently with either the left or right hand. Its BlueTrack tracking technology uses a combination of optical and laser technology to reliably move the cursor over all types of surfaces except clear glass and mirrors.

This iPad mouse is not rechargeable and uses an AA battery instead. Plus: each battery lasts about a year. If you’re looking for an affordable iPad mouse, get the Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Mouse 3600 in black, blue, or red.

Pros

• ✔ Inexpensive.
• ✔ Symmetrical design.

Cons

• ✘ Not rechargeable.

4. Logitech MX ERGO Trackball Mouse is the best iPad mouse of 2020

Unlike conventional optical mice that slide across the work surface, trackball mice are immobile and you control cursor movement by rolling the trackball with your thumb. This design is very precise and requires minimal desk space. These iPad mice are also very ergonomic, and the Logitech MX Ergo is no exception. The surface of the mouse supports the entire hand, and there is a hinge at the bottom that allows you to adjust it to the most comfortable angle. The mouse for iPad supports Bluetooth and can support pairing with two different devices at the same time. This means you can buy this mouse for your desktop at home and use it between your laptop and iPad, switching from one to the other with simple mouse button controls.

Pros

• ✔ Trackball design.
• ✔ Adjustable hinge for individual angle.

Cons

• ✘ Bulky iPad mouse.
• ✘ Dear.

5. Logitech M720 Triathalon – the best mouse for iPad and multiple devices

Compatibility is key to the Logitech M720 Triathlon. It can work with many different devices and operating systems besides the iPad, making it a one-stop solution for your home office. The iPad Mouse supports Bluetooth and a universal USB receiver, and the adapter is conveniently stored inside the mouse when not in use.

For its mid-range price point, the M720 Triathlon has some great features that make it a real bargain. One of these features is Logitech Flow technology, which allows you to merge and then smoothly move the cursor across three different device screens. This can be very handy if you have an iPad set up as a secondary screen for your laptop or desktop. The iPad mouse is powered by an AA battery. And while the ability to recharge is preferable, the M720 Triathlon lives up to its name and lasts two full years before the battery needs to be replaced.

Pros

• ✔ Supports simultaneous connections.
• ✔ Integrated USB stick.

Cons

• ✘ Not rechargeable.

6. Apple Magic Mouse 2 is the best minimalist iPad mouse of 2020

If you have multiple Apple devices, you know how everything works seamlessly within the Apple ecosystem. The same goes for the iPad and Apple Magic Mouse 2. It connects to the tablet via Bluetooth and has the same clean look and feel as the Apple brand. The multi-touch surface lets you effortlessly swipe and scroll anywhere on the front of the device. And despite the sleek look, it still has right-click and left-click functionality. That being said, pretty much everything that the Magic Mouse 2 does is covered here. The iPad mouse looks nice, but costs a little more due to the simple functionality. It can be charged via a USB-C port and lasts up to 70 days on a single charge. One minute charge provides up to 3 hours of use.

Pros

• ✔ Full iPad integration.
• ✔ Multi-touch design.

Cons

• ✘ Not very ergonomic.
• ✘ Dear.

7. Logitech MX Vertical is the Best Ergonomic iPad Mouse of 2020

If you suffer from pain in your hand and wrist, or notice that your muscles get tired after a long time at the computer, then it is worth exploring some ergonomic mouse designs that may be more comfortable. The Logitech MX Vertical has the same controls as a regular mouse, but it reorients the hand to a position that takes pressure off the wrist, reduces muscle tension, and drastically reduces the amount of hand movement when using the mouse. The iPad mouse looks weird – and the somewhat bulky design means it’s not very portable – but people love the feel of it. This Bluetooth mouse is also equipped with Logitech Flow technology, which allows you to connect up to three devices at the same time and use the cursor seamlessly on all three screens.

The Logitech MX Vertical iPad Mouse measures 5″ x 4″ x 4″. Like many ergonomic mice, it is designed for the “average” hand. If standard mice don’t fit your hands, you should check out the reviews before you buy – the MX Vertical shape means your fingers need to align with the controls to be comfortable.

Pros

• ✔ Reduces pressure on the wrist.
• ✔ Fast recharge.

Cons

• ✘ Bulky.
• ✘ Not suitable for very small or very large hands.

8. Microsoft Arc ELG-00001 – Best Designed iPad Mouse

Microsoft has brought some creativity to the wireless mouse market with the Arc. This hyper-minimalist design starts out flat when it’s off and then curves when it’s on. The iPad Mouse weighs less than 85 grams and is only 1.4 cm thick, making it the perfect travel mouse. It’s so thin you’ll probably fit it in the same pocket as your iPad. The entire front of the mouse is a scroll plane, so you can swipe up and down the surface like you would on a laptop trackpad.

The iPad Mouse is compatible with Bluetooth 4.0 only. It uses three AAA batteries and lasts about six months at a time. If you like to coordinate your device’s accessories, you’re in luck: Arc is available in eight colors, including fancy colors like burgundy, lilac, and sage.

Pros

• ✔ Very portable.
• ✔ Looks great.

Cons

• ✘ Very basic functionality.
• ✘ Not rechargeable.

How to choose the best mouse for iPad in 2020?

Wireless connection . Most Bluetooth mice connect to modern iPads with relative ease, but since most iPads don’t have a USB port, connecting a mouse via a USB receiver can be a little tricky. If you want to connect a wired USB mouse or a wireless mouse with a USB dongle, you will need a Lightning-to-USB adapter.

Comfort and grip style . Are you right handed or left handed? Do you prefer a mouse with a claw grip, palm grip, or top grip? Make sure the mouse you choose will be comfortable, especially if you plan to use it for a long time or on multiple devices. Because you’re likely to take your iPad mouse on the road, you may want a smaller, lighter mouse that fits easily in your bag.

Settings . Do you want a mouse with programmable buttons? Maybe you want to be able to switch between continuous? Check out the customization options that the mouse offers, the accompanying mouse software, and make sure it’s compatible with your device.

Output

The Logitech MX Master 3 is a Bluetooth iPad mouse that offers an ergonomic design as well as customizable gesture profiles for different applications. The Logitech MX Anywhere 2S iPad Mouse is a cheaper alternative that offers many of the same features, including simultaneous synchronization and tracking of all kinds of surfaces.

The best mice and trackpads for iPad and iPad Pro, tested

By connecting a mouse to an iPad or iPad Pro, Apple’s popular tablet becomes even more powerful and productive. We’ve tested a bunch of mice and trackpads to see which ones work best, offer more features, and have the best design.

Best iPad Mice

Apple Magic Mouse 2 Apple Magic Trackpad 2 Satechi M1 Logitech MX Master Bluetooth Mouse 3 Microsoft Arc Logitech K830 Mobile Mouse Multimedia Keyboard and Trackpad

Input lag is an important measurement of a mouse or trackpad, and is best viewed how they work for themselves by checking out our hands-on video.

Apple’s Magic Mouse 2 and Magic 2 Trackpad

Apple’s own input devices top our list. They deserve recognition not only because they belong to Apple, but also because they really perform better on the iPad for a number of reasons.

These two devices had the absolute lowest lag when navigating iPadOS, and input lag is not noticeable during normal use. In addition, Magic Trackpad supports a wide range of multi-touch gestures, such as switching between applications, switching between applications Slide Over, pinching to zoom in or out, or swiping a page in Safari.

Satechi M1

As we continued to test different mice and trackpads, the best third party Bluetooth mouse was the Satechi M1. This mouse had the fewest delays of all.

Satechi M1 Wireless Mouse

Not to mention, the M1 has a great design. This is similar to Apple’s previous mouse design, which is slightly rounded and bulbous. The case is made of aluminum, which is quite consistent with the aesthetics of Apple.

Logitech MX Master 3

Logitech recently updated its Master line for Apple users with the MX Master 3 Mouse and MX Master Keys. We were impressed with both on Mac, but they work well on iPad as well.

Logitech MX Master 3

MX Master 3 works better on a Mac than on an iPad, but only because of the huge array of special features that can be customized using its macOS utility. Not all of these features are present on the iPad, such as the gesture-based thumb button.

However, it is still one of our favorites. The mouse has an excellent ergonomic shape that feels perfect in the hand for extended use. The scroll wheel is metallic and tactile and can switch between free spin and notch thanks to a built-in magnet and a toggle button behind the wheel.

On the iPad, it still has some extra features. By pressing the button under the thumb, you can navigate to the previously used application. If you keep this button pressed, it opens the app switcher where you can choose which app to open.

This mouse has some lag as you can see in our video above. It’s not dramatic, and it’s doable—but it’s noticeable.

Microsoft Arc

Apple’s iPad is known for being an incredibly powerful device while remaining extremely portable. Then it makes sense to connect it with the same portable mouse.

Microsoft Surface Arc Mouse

Surface arc The mouse starts out completely flat, but when bent, it takes on a thin arc that fits your hand. When it’s flat, the mouse is off, but when it’s curved, it automatically turns on. It is delightful to use and comes in multiple colors.

It has a silicone body that is soft and comfortable with a plastic front that can click. It also scrolls across this touch surface, similar to Apple’s own Magic Mouse 2.

Microsoft Surface Arc mouse flattened

Like the Logitech MX Master 3, we also noticed lag. Notably, this lag showed up the most with over-scrolling and bouncing back. It’s not necessarily the fault of these different companies because it doesn’t show up on macOS but is a problem on iPadOS.

Logitech K830 Media

The Logitech K830 Media is unlike any of the other options on our list. It combines the keyboard and trackpad in one device. Typically, it was designed to be used with set-top boxes, smart TVs, or even media center PCs.

Logitech K830 Media keyboard and trackpad

Because of this, this is obviously a Windows keyboard, which means it has the Windows logo instead of the Command key, and they are in a different location. It’s not a convention, and it still functions the same as a Mac keyboard on an iPad, just with different keys. The Windows key works like the Command key, so you can still use it for any shortcuts like the app switcher, opening a new Safari tab, or opening universal search.