• Around The HomeToggle Menu

    • Entertainment
    • Productivity
    • Smart Home
  • FamilyToggle Menu

    • Parenting
    • Toys
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • ReviewsToggle Menu

    • Phones
    • Tablets
    • Laptops
    • Desktops
    • Wearables
    • Audio
    • Cameras
    • Headphones
    • Printers
    • Smart Home
    • TVs
    • Gaming and Video
  • One Cool ThingToggle Menu

    • Frugal Tech
    • Kickstarters
    • Videos
  1. Home
  2. Around The Home
  3. Productivity
  4. Does a Mouse Work With an iPad?

Does a Mouse Work With an iPad?

By: Anne Hirsh
  • Share
  • Share on Facebook

The iPad's software does not allow use of most computer mice. The Apple staff designed the iPad as a touch-based mobile device, and that touch interaction is a large part of what separates it from other computing devices. This software does not support mouse use, in part because cursor and mouse interaction require different programming from multitouch.

One click connection
Close-up of a woman's hand clicking a mouse
credit: shironosov/iStock/Getty Images

Connections vs. Support

Because iPad offers Bluetooth connections for peripherals such as keyboards and headphones, you might expect that these connections could work with a mouse too. However, the software that supports mouse-style pointer interaction with the screen is not present in Apple's iPad software. Apple's USB camera connection kit also offers users a way to add a limited USB port to the iPad, but again, even if you can connect a USB mouse to the device, the software drivers are not available to support it.

Mouse-Like Tapping Precision

Inserting the cursor at a certain point in text can be difficult for some users, especially when the software snaps your cursor to the beginning or end of the word you tap. For precise cursor insertion, nearly all iPad apps support magnification mode. Simply hold your finger on the area where you want to insert the cursor rather than tapping and releasing. A magnification window will appear, allowing you to slide your finger to insert the cursor exactly where you want it. Releasing your finger snaps the iPad back to regular view so you can continue typing.

Video of the Day

Other Mouse Features

You may miss the ability to right-click or secondary-click on the iPad, but again, there are touch gestures that mimic this property of a mouse. For example, if you hold your finger on a link in an iPad browser or document, a right-click-style context menu appears, allowing you options such as copying the link or opening in a new tab or page.

Considerations

If you find finger-tapping and gestures uncomfortable, try one of the many styluses available for the iPad. These allow a more pen-and-paper type of experience, rather than finger taps and can reduce hand fatigue from the unaccustomed gestures. You may hear of users working with mice on "jailbroken" iPads. Jailbreaking is against Apple's terms of service and will void any warranties and support for your iPad, as well as reducing or eliminating certain Apple services.

Show Comments

Related Articles

How to Right Click on an iPad

How to Right Click on an iPad

Around The Home
Productivity
By: Amanda Gronot
How to Copy Text on an iPhone

How to Copy Text on an iPhone

Around The Home
Entertainment
By: KR Knowlin
How to Disable the Touchpad on a HP Pavilion Laptop

How to Disable the Touchpad on a HP Pavilion Laptop

Around The Home
Productivity
By: Candace Benson
How Do I Troubleshoot IPad Touch Screen Problems?

How Do I Troubleshoot IPad Touch Screen Problems?

Around The Home
Productivity
By: Todd Bowerman
How to Fix a Skipping Cursor

How to Fix a Skipping Cursor

Around The Home
Productivity
By: Pat Smith
How to Scroll With a Toshiba Laptop Touchpad

How to Scroll With a Toshiba Laptop Touchpad

Around The Home
Productivity
By: Anne Hirsh
  • HOW WE SCORE
  • ABOUT US
  • CONTACT US
  • TERMS
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • COPYRIGHT POLICY
  • Advertise

An error occurred. Try again later.

Thanks for signing up!
© 2019 Leaf Group Ltd. Leaf Group Media

Get great tech advice delivered to your inbox.

Keep your family productive, connected, entertained, and safe.

Please enter a valid email.