iPadOS ensures that the iPad Pro makes optimal use of the trackpad on its Magic Keyboard, but did you know that it is also very easy to connect a mouse to your iPad? Do you have a computer mouse with extra buttons? Then you can link specific actions to these buttons. iPhone explains how to do this.
iPadOS tip: pair a mouse with an iPad (or iPhone)
In our iPadOS review, we crowned the first operating system for the tablet as the best Apple update of 2019. A handy addition is the option to connect a mouse. That way you make the iPad a lot more productive, especially when you also connect a keyboard. This is how you connect a mouse to your iPad:
- Grab your iPad (or iPhone) and open the Settings app;
- Go to ‘Accessibility’, choose ‘Touch’ and then ‘AssistiveTouch’;
- Slide the switch so that the box turns green;
- Scroll down and tap on ‘Devices’ under the heading ‘Pointing devices’;
- Choose ‘Bluetooth devices’ and wait for the mouse to be found;
- Follow the instructions on the screen.
The option to add a mouse is therefore under the heading ‘Accessibility’. This means that AssistiveTouch will remain on your screen. Optionally, you can hide the virtual button by sliding the switch at ‘Always show menu’ in the AssistiveTouch menu so that the box turns gray.
Also interesting: Add and pin widgets to your iPad home screen
Pair mouse with wire
When you have paired a mouse, AssistiveTouch will remain hidden. As soon as you stop using the mouse, the virtual button pops up again. You can also connect a wired mouse. You may need a connector for this, so that it fits on the USB-C port or lightning input of your iPad or iPhone.
Do you have an extensive computer mouse with multiple buttons? Then you can adjust it in iPadOS and iOS 13 to activate additional options. To do this, go to ‘Devices’ in the AssistiveTouch menu. Then choose the paired mouse and tap ‘Customize extra buttons’, then press the appropriate button on the mouse. You can then link this button to other actions, such as opening a menu.
Do you have a mouse or trackpad (whether or not from the Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro) and do you want to tweak it for your device? We teach you how to adjust the scrolling speed and more on your iPad with some hidden settings. If you want to use a cursor on your device for the first time, read our comprehensive guide to pairing and operating a mouse on the iPad.
More about iPadOS
Since this year, the iPad has its own operating system: iPadOS. You have access to a renewed homescreen, a better and more extensive Files app, multitasking is simpler and thanks to the desktop version of Safari, surfing the internet is also more productive. Read more in our iPadOS review.
- Major security updates available for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch (26-3)
- Explained: Pair and control an iPad with a mouse or trackpad (20-2)
- Video of the week: Magic Keyboard review (4-9-2020)
- New features in iPadOS 14: Video of the week (8/7/2020)
- Concept: iPadOS 15 with new home screen, better widgets and more (7/21/2020)