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Use one finger to move the pointer, two fingers to right-click or scroll, three fingers to manage windows and browser tabs, and four fingers to switch virtual desks. The gestures below show what should happen on screen; touchpad options and behavior can vary by Chromebook, so check them on your own device.

How do you click and drag on a Chromebook?

Move, click, and drag with one finger

  • Move the pointer: Slide one finger across the touchpad. The pointer follows on screen.
  • Click: Press or tap the lower half of the touchpad to select an item.
  • Drag and drop: Click and hold an item with one finger, move it to its new position, then release. You should see the item move with the pointer and drop where you let go.

How do I right-click on a Chromebook?

Press or tap the touchpad with two fingers at the same time. A context menu should appear beside the pointer. If you prefer a keyboard alternative, hold Alt and click the touchpad with one finger.

How do I scroll or go back and forward with two fingers?

Scroll a page

Place two fingers on the touchpad and move them vertically or horizontally. The page or content should scroll in the same direction as your fingers. The scroll direction can be adjusted in touchpad settings.

Navigate browser history

Swipe left with two fingers to return to a recently visited page; swipe right to move forward again. The browser should display the previous or next page in its history.

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Logitech M185 Compact Ambidextrous 2.4 GHz Wireless Mouse - Swift Grey
  • Compact Mouse: With a comfortable and contoured shape, this Logitech ambidextrous wireless mouse feels great in either right or left hand and is far superior to a touchpad
  • Durable and Reliable: This USB wireless mouse features a line-by-line scroll wheel, up to 1 year of battery life (2) thanks to a smart sleep mode function, and comes with the included AA battery
  • Universal Compatibility: Your Logitech mouse works with your Windows PC, Mac, or laptop, so no matter what type of computer you own today or buy tomorrow your mouse will be compatible
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  • Better than touchpad: Get more done by adding M185 to your laptop; according to a recent study, laptop users who chose this mouse over a touchpad were 50% more productive (3) and worked 30% faster (4)

How do I see all my open windows?

Swipe up on the touchpad with three fingers to open Overview, which displays your open windows. Swipe down with three fingers to close Overview and return to the window you were using.

How do I switch tabs with the touchpad?

Move between tabs

When you have multiple browser tabs open, swipe left or right with three fingers to switch between them. Watch the active tab highlight change as the browser moves to the adjacent tab.

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TECKNET Compact Ambidextrous Wireless Mouse for Laptop Mint Green
  • 【Special Mint Green Mouse】This is an ideal choice if you need a colorful and cute mouse. Special mint green color and compact size makes it the best mouse for kids and people with small hands.
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  • 【Universal Compatibility】The wireless mouse is well compatible with Windows11/10/8.1/7,Mac OS . Fits for desktop, laptop, PC, and other devices.

Open or close a tab with a three-finger tap

  • Point to a browser tab and tap or click with three fingers to close it.
  • Point to a link and tap or click with three fingers to open it in a new tab.

Check the tab strip after each action: the selected tab should disappear when closed, while a new tab should appear for the link.

How do I switch between Chromebook desks?

If you have more than one virtual desk, swipe left or right with four fingers on the touchpad to switch desks. You can also select a desk from Overview. Google documents keyboard shortcuts for desks as well, but notes that some shortcuts are limited to US Chromebooks with standard English QWERTY keyboards; do not assume the same shortcut works on every keyboard layout. See Google’s guide to managing multiple desktops with desks for the available desk controls.

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Rank #3
ONE-UP Wireless Mouse, 2.4G, Silent, USB Nano Receiver, for Laptop, Chromebook, PC, Mac, Windows and School Work (Black)
  • 【Comfortable and Mobile Comfortable 】mobile mouse shape is small enough to toss in a bag and the ambidextrous design guides either hand into a natural position. DPI:800-1200-1600
  • 【Plug-and-Play 】 Connect in 3 seconds to your computer via a strong, reliable USB receiver that plugs Wireless Mouse, the long-range computer mouse works up to 33ft transmission distance .Hight-performance wireless chip
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How can I adjust touchpad settings?

  1. Select the time in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Under Device, select Touchpad or Touchpad and mouse. Labels and locations may differ on your Chromebook.
  4. Adjust the options available on your device, such as tap-to-click, tap-and-drag, touchpad acceleration, pointer speed, and scroll direction.

Google describes the scroll-direction Reverse option in terms of whether swiping up moves the page up or down. Try the setting and observe the result on your screen to choose the behavior that feels right.

What should I practise first?

  1. Try a lower-half click, then a two-finger right-click; look for a selection and a context menu.
  2. Scroll vertically and horizontally with two fingers, then swipe left and right to navigate browser history.
  3. Use three fingers to open and close Overview, switch between tabs, and try the tab and link actions.
  4. If you use more than one desk, practise switching with four fingers and confirm the active desk changes.

Practising one action at a time and checking its visible result makes it easier to tell whether a gesture registered. Google’s Chromebook touchpad guide describes the gestures and settings; behavior is not established as identical across every model, touchpad, software version, or browser context.

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Amazon Basics 3-Button USB Wired Mouse with Responsive Tracking, Plug & Play, Compatible with Windows and Mac, Black
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  • USB-A wired connection; if existing device only supports USB-C, an additional adapter will be required
  • High-definition (1000 dpi) optical tracking ensures responsive cursor control for precise tracking and easy text selection
  • 3 buttons offer effortless fingertip control
  • Plug-and-go ready for instant use

What if the touchpad gestures are unreliable?

Google suggests several touchpad troubleshooting steps: remove dust or dirt, press Esc several times, drumroll your fingers on the pad for ten seconds, and restart the Chromebook. If the problem continues, Google also suggests trying a hard reset or contacting the manufacturer. These are troubleshooting suggestions, not guaranteed fixes.

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What if touchpad gestures are uncomfortable?

Open Settings > Accessibility to explore available options. Google’s accessibility overview lists features relevant to mobility and dexterity, including automatic clicks, face control, mouse keys, and swipe-navigation settings. Which options are available or useful depends on the person and device; they are not all interchangeable replacements for touchpad gestures. See Google’s Chromebook accessibility guide.

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Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 1
Logitech M185 Compact Ambidextrous 2.4 GHz Wireless Mouse - Swift Grey
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Amazon Basics 3-Button USB Wired Mouse with Responsive Tracking, Plug & Play, Compatible with Windows and Mac, Black
Amazon Basics 3-Button USB Wired Mouse with Responsive Tracking, Plug & Play, Compatible with Windows and Mac, Black
Computer mouse for easily navigating a computer interface; click, scroll, and more; 3 buttons offer effortless fingertip control
$6.79
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Wireless Mouse for Laptop, PC, Chromebook, Desktop, Notebook, Mac, MacBook
  • Plug and Play - 2.4GHz wireless technology can provide a stable signal. The use range is up to 33 feet(10m), ensuring no delay or dropout.without downloading any drivers—just plug the USB dongle (stored on the back of the mouse) into your device, and it's ready to use
  • Multi-Function & Efficiency - 6 efficient buttons for excellent productivity, convenient forward/back buttons for increased work efficiency. 3 DPI (1000/ 1600/ 2400) and 5 million keystrokes tested, making every click precise and accurate
  • Ergonomic Design - The contour shape of the 2.4G wireless mouse is suitable for the palm, sweat resistant, skin friendly, and can achieve maximum comfort. The rubber wheels of the USB wireless mouse are sturdy and enduring, ensuring that your hands do not slip while scrolling. Significantly reduces stress on thumbs and wrists when in use
  • Energy Saving & Eco-friendly - Only 1 AA battery lasts up to 12 months (battery not included). It enters sleep mode after you leave for 10 minute, Double click the left and right keys to wake up Reduces the need to replace batteries
  • Wide Compatibility - Well compatible with Windows7/8/10/11/XP/Vista, Mac OS, Linux, Chrome OS and Android operating systems. Fits for desktop, laptop, PC, Macbook, Chromebook and other devices with USB-A port

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.