Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

Yes—you can connect a mouse to many Android phones and to an iPhone. Android supports Bluetooth and USB mice; on iPhone, configure a Bluetooth or USB pointer device through AssistiveTouch. The exact steps depend on your phone, operating system, connector and mouse, so check the device instructions if a mouse does not appear or connect.

Choose Bluetooth or a wired USB connection

Connection What you need Trade-off
Bluetooth A Bluetooth mouse and a phone that supports the connection. Put the mouse in pairing or discovery mode. No cable or port adapter, but you must pair the mouse and keep it charged.
Wired USB A USB mouse or wireless receiver and a connection compatible with your phone’s port. An adapter may be needed. Avoids Bluetooth pairing, but uses the phone’s port and may require an adapter.

Both Android and iPhone document support for external pointer devices, but that does not guarantee every mouse, receiver or phone combination will work. Google recommends consulting the instructions for the specific Android device. Google’s Android accessibility guidance confirms Bluetooth and USB mouse connections.

Connect a Bluetooth mouse to Android

  1. Put the mouse into Bluetooth pairing or discovery mode. Use its instructions if you are unsure how.
  2. On the phone, open Bluetooth settings and choose Pair new device or the equivalent option for available devices. The label and menu path can vary by manufacturer and Android version.
  3. When the mouse appears, tap its name and follow any prompts on screen.

Google’s Android Bluetooth instructions describe this general pairing route and note that some devices need manufacturer-specific steps. If the mouse is paired to another device and does not show up, disconnect or unpair it there before trying again.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Connect a mouse to an iPhone

On iPhone, use AssistiveTouch to configure a pointer device. Apple’s documented route is:

#1 Best Overall
Phone Remote with Touchpad for TikTok, Bluetooth Page Turner for Kindle App, Mini Mouse for iPhone, iPad, Android Devices. Cellphone Camera Photo/Video Remote Control, Carrying Case Included
  • “Mini Mouse” Remote Control with Touchpad: Distinguished from other fixed cursor Tiktok remotes on the market, this cellphone remote control allows you to slide the cursor on your cell phone and tablet through the touchpad like a mouse, flexibly realizing a variety of operations.
  • Short Video Scrolling Remote: After connecting, you can operate your phone effortlessly, including watching short videos on TikTok and YouTube, taking photos with one click, recording videos, and scrolling through apps.
  • Smartphone and Tablet E-book Page Turner: through this iPhone remote control, you can easily turn the page on E-books, comics, etc, which will give you a better operating experience. Note: not compatible with Kindle devices.
  • Mini Handheld Bluetooth Touchpad Mouse: not only supports one-finger touch, but can also be controlled by placing the remote on the desktop (a non-slip mat is included) to simulate a mouse. The Bluetooth remote interface is also designed with shortcut buttons for volume, home, and back, making it easy to operate quickly and conveniently, and comes with a portable storage case for easy carrying.
  • Wide Compatibility: iPhone/iPad (need system version V14 or above. Before use, you must open the settings: Settings>Accessibility> Touch>turn on Assistive Touch. Android device: the system needs Android 8 or above. The product can also be connected to various devices via Bluetooth, such as a TV or projector, etc.(note: not sure 100% working), You can explore according to your needs.
  1. Open Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch and turn on AssistiveTouch.
  2. Open Pointer Devices in the AssistiveTouch settings.
  3. For Bluetooth, put the mouse in pairing mode and select it through the pointer-device controls.

Apple’s iPhone AssistiveTouch guide explains how pointer devices work: the pointer can click screen items and navigate the AssistiveTouch menu.

Connect a wired mouse to iPhone

Check the mouse plug or wireless receiver against the iPhone’s connector. Apple documents connecting wired pointer devices through Lightning or USB-C; a USB-A mouse or receiver needs an adapter. The required adapter depends on the connectors involved, so do not assume one adapter fits every setup. See Apple’s pointer-device connection instructions.

Rank #2
Logitech M196 Compact Ambidextrous Bluetooth Wireless Mouse - Graphite
  • Convenient Portable Mouse for Laptops and Tablets: The Logitech M196 Bluetooth Wireless Mouse connects in seconds with a reliable pair-and-play Bluetooth connection, no dongle or port required, and works with MacBook Neo laptops and other Apple, Windows, and Chromebook devices
  • Comfortable, Travel-Ready Design: This Bluetooth travel mouse is lightweight and fits in any bag; its contoured, ambidextrous shape is comfortable for both left and right hands
  • Works on a Variety of Surfaces: With precise line-by-line scrolling and optical tracking; the M196 Wireless Bluetooth Mouse provides smooth and accurate cursor control on nearly any surface
  • Made to Last With Recycled Plastic: The plastic parts in the M196 contain certified post-consumer recycled plastic (67% for Graphite and 66% for Off-White and Rose (2))
  • 12-Month Battery Life: Enjoy a reliable 12-month battery life (1) and auto sleep feature for longer use between battery changes; 1 AA battery included

Connect a wired mouse to Android

Google confirms that an Android device can use a mouse over USB, but the connection depends on the particular phone and accessory. Check the phone’s port, the mouse plug or receiver, and the device instructions to determine whether you need an adapter. Google’s Android accessibility help directs users to their phone or tablet instructions for device-specific details.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Troubleshoot a mouse that will not connect

  • Bluetooth mouse is missing: Confirm that it is in pairing mode. If it is paired to another device, disconnect or unpair it there and search again.
  • USB mouse does not fit: Check the phone’s connector and the mouse or receiver plug. Use an appropriate adapter where necessary; iPhone USB-A pointer devices require an adapter for Lightning or USB-C.
  • It connects but does not behave as expected: Check the phone and accessory instructions. Compatibility and available features can depend on the specific hardware; the cited support guidance does not establish universal support for extra mouse buttons.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Which connection should you use?

Choose Bluetooth if you want to avoid a cable and your mouse pairs successfully. Choose USB if you prefer a wired mouse or already have a receiver, provided the phone can connect to it with the required port or adapter. In either case, verify compatibility for the exact phone and mouse rather than assuming all combinations work.

Rank #4
SANWA 3 in 1 Bluetooth Finger Ring Mouse, Wireless Presentation Clicker, Video Scroller & Page Turn for Kindle APP, Mini Wearable Mouse, Rechargeable Handheld Remote Mice for PC, Laptop, Mac, Tablet
  • 3 in 1 Finger Wearing Mouse - This SANWA finger mouse features 4 keys and a button sensor, allowing for flexible use on/off the table. It works as a regular mini mouse, a wireless powerpoint clicker, a short video scroller, and a page turner for ebook (like kindle APP). Enable easy control of your desktop PC, laptop, phone, tablet, and TV screen during meetings, watching movies, reading, browsing, swipe videos, etc.
  • Bluetooth 5.0 Connection & Rechargeable - This portable mouse provides a stable, reliable connection up to 32 feet via BT5.0 technology. Default DPI: 800. Wireless design, no need of easy-missing USB dongle. Come with a Type-C cable for charging, this wireless clicker mouse provides 34 hours of constant use on a charge or 38 days of standby time.
  • Video Swipe & eBook Page Turner - This product allows you to control TikTok and Kindle apps remotely. No more swiping the screen up or down with your finger while watching short videos or reading. This mini page turner supports operations including scrolling up/down, swiping left/right, play/pause(in mouse mode). Note: Not compatible with Kindle devices like Paperwhite and Oasis.
  • Ergonomic Handheld Design - Designed for ergonomic comfort, the wearable bluetooth mouse mini can ease harm on your wrist joint and muscle, and effectively reduce strain injury caused by regular mouse. Help to avoid Arthritis and CTS suffering. The soft silicone ring provides optimal comfort even during prolonged use and can be worn while typing without causing disruption.
  • Versatile Usage Scenarios - Lightweight, small & portable, this air mouse is an excellent travel companion. Provide great mouse functionality and presentation features, including left/right click, page up/down, video on/off, and full/black screen. Ideal for office work, meeting presentations, classroom teaching, working from home, watching movies on the sofa or bed, and even during yoga sessions. A perfect gift for friends and family.
Rank #3
Logitech M240 Compact Silent Bluetooth Wireless Mouse - Graphite
  • Pair and Play: With fast, easy Bluetooth wireless technology, you’re connected in seconds to this quiet cordless mouse —no dongle or port required
  • Less Noise, More Focus: Silent mouse with 90% reduced click sound and the same click feel, eliminating noise and distractions for you and others around you (1)
  • Long-Lasting Battery Life: Up to 18-month battery life with an energy-efficient auto sleep feature, so you can go longer between battery changes (2)
  • Comfortable, Travel-Friendly Design: Small enough to toss in a bag; this slim and ambidextrous portable compact mouse guides either your right or left hand into a natural position
  • Long-Range: Reliable, long-range Bluetooth wireless mouse works up to 10m/33 feet away from your computer (3)

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.