How to Customize a Mouse for iPad
Reading Time: 3 minutes Some iPad users will only ever use their device to browse the internet, play games or stream movies and shows. Others will use their iPads for productivity tasks, such as emails, editing documents and more. These users no doubt prefer an external keyboard and mouse or trackpad. Using an external mouse with your iPad allows you to interact without touching the iPad with your finger.
Using an external mouse with iPad
Although there are some basic functions you can perform with an external mouse once you have it connected to your iPad, there are others you can access if you turn on Accessibility features.
Connecting an external mouse
If you haven’t already, you can connect a Bluetooth mouse by putting the mouse in pairing mode (see instructions for your mouse model), opening the Bluetooth settings on your iPad (Settings > Bluetooth) and looking under the Other Devices section for your new mouse.
Mouse functions on iPad
Once your mouse is connected, you can use it to perform the following basic functions:
- Tap (left click)
- Swipe/Drag (press and hold the left mouse button, then drag)
- Open menus (right click)
- Scroll (using a scroll wheel)
- Other app-dependent functions using single or double-clicks
You can make some adjustments using the Pointer Control menu. With your mouse connected, open Settings, tap on Accessibility then choose Pointer Control. Here, you can change the pointer size and color and choose a scrolling speed, among a few other options.
If you want to do more with your mouse on your iPad, such as using other mouse buttons to perform actions, you have to be willing to turn on AssistiveTouch.
Customize your mouse for iPad
You will need to turn on Assistive Touch. Some may find AssistiveTouch annoying because it leaves a white/grey dot on your screen, but it is easy enough to turn on or off.
To turn on AssistiveTouch and customize your mouse:
- Make sure your mouse is connected to your iPad, open Settings on your iPad, then tap on Accessibility.
- Tap on Touch, then on AssistiveTouch. Tap the switch to toggle on AssistiveTouch.
- Scroll down to the Pointer Devices section, tap on Devices, and then tap on the name of your mouse.
- What you see may vary depending on your mouse model. For my Logitech MX Anywhere 3S mouse, Button 3 is the scroll wheel click, Button 4 is the backward button and Button 5 is the forward button. Also, if you want to customize other buttons, such as a left or right mouse button, you can tap on Customize Additional Buttons and then click the button you wish to customize. This will cause it to show up in the list.
- Tap on any button to choose from a list of possible actions. There is a long list of possible actions, including opening the App Switcher, returning to the Home screen, or even initiating a Shortcut.
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