Mouse support is something hardcore iPad users have been demanding for years. After all, this support is finally coming to iOS 13 and iPadOS 13 this fall. This eliminates the need for a third-party app to be installed on your device.
In reality, mouse support is an Accessibility feature in iOS 13 and iPadOS that brings desktop-like experience to users out there. However, one major drawback is that you will still see an annoying circular cursor appear on your device’s screen. As a long-time iPad user, I am glad that Apple brings mouse support to its iPad lineup. Mouse support serves as Apple’s latest effort to turn its iPad into a true laptop replacement.
Also read: 2019 iPhone Preview
In this tutorial, we will show you the steps on how to use a mouse with your iPhone or iPad. Keep in mind that the current iOS 13 and iPadOS 13 betas are not stable and may crash. If you cannot wait to test out the software, we recommend you install it on a secondary device.
How to Use a Bluetooth Mouse on your iPhone or iPad
Apple says that mouse support for iPad works with both USB and Bluetooth devices. But we recommend you use a Bluetooth mouse as it is more convenient, especially for those who want to work on the go. Before we proceed, make sure you have Bluetooth turned on.
Step one: Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad, then scroll down to Accessibility and tap on it.
Step two: Next up, tap on Touch under the Physical and Motor section and then tap on AssistiveTouch at the top.
Step three: Turn on AssistiveTouch, then scroll down a little bit and tap on Pointing Devices.
Step four: Now just simply pick up your mouse and enable the pairing mode or turn on Bluetooth. Your mouse should show up on the list of all available Bluetooth devices.
How to Use a Wired Mouse With Your iPhone or iPad.
If you now have a wired mouse or Magic Trackpad 2, then the method used to set it up on your iPhone or iPad is slightly different. If you now have a 2018 iPad Pro, then you will need a USB-A to USB-C dongle, as the 2018 iPad Pro has USB-C only. You can get the Satechi Aluminum Type-C Mobile Pro Hub Adapter for around $60.
Step one: Open the Settings app and then tap Accessibility
Step two: Under the Physical and Motor section, hit Touch and tap on AssistiveTouch
Step three: Turn on AssistiveTouch, then plug your mouse into your iPad and it should work.
How to Adjust the Tracking Speed
While mouse support is a great feature, one major drawback is that you won’t be getting the same experience as you’d on your PC. Apple says that mouse support is an alternative to AssistiveTouch and mimics a fingerprint.
Basically, it works great, but I noticed the tracking speed was too fast on my iPad. In reality, you can adjust the tracking speed for your mouse. To do this, open the Settings, then select Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch and scroll down to Tracking Speed. From here, use the bar to adjust the speed.
Customize Your Mouse Clicks
In iOS 13 and iPadOS 13, you can customize what buttons do on your mouse. To do this, open Settings, then select Accessibility and hit Touch. After that, select AssistiveTouch and tap on Pointing Devices. From here, select your connected mouse and assign new buttons.
Share with us how your experience with iOS 13 and iPadOS 13 has been so far in the section below.
