Just as is done with headphones, it is also possible to connect a keyboard, a game controller or even a mouse to any Android device via Bluetooth. All that is needed is a USB cable with a suitable adapter. In this post we are going to see chow to connect a mouse to your mobile.
There are many users who are unaware that such a thing can be done. Almost all Android devices, especially the latest ones, are perfectly compatible with most peripherals that can be connected via USB or Bluetooth. This means that there is no problem connecting a mouse to an Android phone or tablet, as we will see below.
The idea also works in the other direction: an Android phone or tablet can also become a wireless mouse or keyboard for use on another device. It is a protocol called HID (Human Interface Device) the one who makes this possible. This was created to connect input devices, such as keyboards and mice, using a minimal setup.
Why is it interesting to use the mouse to operate a mobile phone? Nowadays, smartphones are like small laptops that we carry in our pockets. We use them for many things, including work. And, sometimes, we need to have the agility and flexibility to be able to use them as a laptop. For that, the possibility of being able to connect a mouse turns out to be really useful. On the other hand, this resource can be a pretty good solution when the touch function of our screen fails, whether due to a blow or for any other reason.
Let's see then how to connect the mouse to the mobile. First we will analyze the method for Android devices and then the one to follow in the case of an iPhone, which is a little different.
How to connect a mouse to your mobile via Bluetooth
These are the steps to connect a mouse, keyboard or controller to an Android mobile phone or tablet via Bluetooth. The instructions are equally valid for any of these devices:
- To start, we go to the menu Configuration Of the device. We swipe down the screen to expand the full Quick Settings panel and then tap the gear icon. The way to do this varies depending on each device.
- Then we select the option Bluetooth/Connections/Connected devices. The name may be different depending on the brand and model.
- Next, from the list of devices displayed, click on Pair new device. It is important to make sure that the one we have chosen is in pairing mode.
By doing this, the mouse will be connected to the Android mobile and the cursor will appear on the screen. We can now use our mobile phone and navigate through its options using the mouse, as if it were a laptop.
How to connect a mouse to your mobile with a USB cable
The other way to connect a mouse to an Android mobile is using a USB cable. What we are going to need in this case is a USB-C to USB-A adapter. This is because most wired accessories still use the classic USB-A connector. while new mobile phones and tablets already use USB-C ports.
It is simply a matter of connecting the adapter to the phone and then connecting the mouse. If you are lucky and the accessory already has a USB-C connector, the adapter will not be necessary. Furthermore, thanks to the aforementioned HID protocol, supported by Android, USB accessories will work without the need for any additional configuration.
Connect the mouse to an iPhone
As with Android devices, we also have two connection paths for the mouse. Through a USB-C cable it is possible with the iPhone 15, in previous models an adapter is required. In any case, it's just a matter of connecting and that's it. However, to connect via Bluetooth you must follow these steps:
- First we put the iPhone in pairing mode.
- Then we go to the menu Bluetooth and we select "Other devices".
- Next (this is essential), we activate Assistive Touch from the Accessibility menu.*
After this, the mouse and smartphone will be connected and the mouse pointer will now be visible on the screen. As a curiosity, we will say that it is not possible to connect the famous Apple Magic Mouse to an iPhone. It may seem strange, since these are two devices from the same manufacturer, but that's how it is.
In this simple way, with the left mouse button we will be able to perform all the actions that we would normally do with our finger. In addition, we always have the option to customize the buttons and configure them according to our own tastes and preferences.
(*) An alternative way to do this is to go directly to AssistiveTouch, from there select Devices and finally go to Bluetooth devices to search and connect the mouse.