How to Turn Your iPhone Into a Mouse in 5 Steps
Have you ever been in the middle of a presentation with a restless crowd, wishing you had a wireless mouse to navigate the slides? Or have you been working on a complex spread across multiple computer screens, wishing a mouse could appear in your hand instead of making you reach to your desk?
If you have an iPhone, your wish has already been granted – you can easily turn your iPhone into a wireless mouse to control your computer. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through exactly how to achieve this wizardry in just 5 simple steps.
Why Use Your iPhone as a Mouse?
Using your iPhone as a mouse opens up new realms of convenience and versatility. Here are some of the key benefits:
Wireless Freedom: Rather than being tethered to your computer by a cord, you can control your computer cursor from anywhere – perfect for presentations, lounging on the couch, or navigating large screens.
Handy Backup: If your regular mouse stops working, you always have a backup mouse in your pocket ready to save the day.
On-the-Go Productivity: Controlling your computer directly from your phone allows you to be productive no matter where you are – continue working seamlessly whether you‘re at home, the office, or a coffee shop.
Intuitive Control: Modern iPhone screens with multi-touch input allow for precise, intuitive cursor control through familiar gestures like tapping, dragging, pinching and swiping.
The Right Remote Mouse App for You
The key that unlocks your iPhone‘s ability to become a mouse lies in downloading the appropriate app. There are a variety of options available, but two reign supreme:
- Remote Mouse
Remote Mouse transforms your iPhone into a wireless mouse, trackpad, and full keyboard. It‘s extremely user-friendly, perfect for beginners. The free version contains ads but provides robust core functionality.
Standout features include:
Multi-touch trackpad mode with smooth, precise cursor control
Customizable specialty control panels (e.g. web browsing buttons)
Voice dictation to type directly on your computer
Wide cross-platform support: iOS, Android, Windows, MacOS and Linux
- Mobile Mouse Remote
Mobile Mouse also functions as a wireless mouse and trackpad, with a few unique bells and whistles:
Utilizes iPhone gyroscope for Wii remote-style motion control
Visual app switcher gives quick access to open computer apps
Fully customizable hotkeys to automate complex or repetitive actions
One-time fee unlocks ad-free premium features
Both quality options that get the job done. Remote Mouse wins on price and simplicity, while Mobile Mouse offers some more advanced functions.
Now let‘s get your iPhone ready for its secret mouse mission.
Step 1: Install Mouse App on iPhone
Head to the Apple App Store on your iPhone and search for your chosen app:
- Tap the app listing.
- Tap "Get" for Remote Mouse or "Buy" for Mobile Mouse.
- Follow the standard installation process and open the newly downloaded app.
Step 2: Download Companion Software on Computer
In order for your iPhone to sync up and control your computer mouse, you need the matching software installed on your computer system:
On your computer, visit the app‘s official website (RemoteMouse.com or MobileMouse.com).
Find and select the download link for your operating system – whether Windows, MacOS or Linux.
Open the downloaded file and walk through installing the companion software.
With the app now set up on both ends, you‘re ready to connect them.
Step 3: Connect iPhone and Computer via WiFi
Communication between phone and computer is essential for mouse control. Follow these steps to get them linked on the same network:
Choose a WiFi network accessible by both devices and connect them. This could be your home WiFi router or public hotspot.
Launch the mouse app on your iPhone. It will automatically search for companion software within range.
Also open the companion software on your computer so the two can recognize each other.
Once connected over WiFi, you‘ll be able to control your computer mouse directly from the iPhone.
Step 4: Allow App Permissions
For full mouse functionality, the app needs access to certain permissions and settings on your devices:
On iPhone:
- Enable all requested app permissions in your Settings.
On Computer:
Add security exceptions if prompted by your anti-virus software or firewall.
Grant accessibility privileges if using a Mac.
Follow all permission guidance provided on-screen by the app during setup.
Step 5: Mousercise!
The moment has arrived. With software linked between computer and iPhone, transform your phone into a wireless mouse with these steps:
Open the mouse app on your iPhone.
Select your computer from the list of available devices.
Your iPhone screen now behaves exactly like a trackpad:
- Single finger drag to move the cursor
- One finger tap to left click
- Two finger tap to right click
Additionally, you can utilize multi-touch gestures:
- Two finger swipe to scroll vertically
- Two finger pinch zoom
- Two finger rotate to rotate objects (where supported)
Customize tracking speed, tap sensitivity, scroll direction and other preferences through your device settings for the ideal experience.
When you‘re done mousing around, simply close the app on both devices to revert control back to your computer‘s native mouse.
Key Takeaways: iPhone as Mouse in 5 Steps
Follow this checklist whenever transforming your iPhone into a wireless computer mouse:
- Install desired remote mouse app on iPhone
- Download companion software on computer
- Connect iPhone and computer via the same WiFi network
- Allow necessary app permissions on both devices
- Select computer from app and start controlling mouse!
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about using your iPhone as a wireless mouse:
Is there any lag?
Response time is generally very snappy when connected over the same strong WiFi network. Weak signals can cause delays.
Does this work on any computer?
Yes, you can control Windows, Mac or Linux computers. Just need the proper companion software installed.
Can I right and left click?
Yes, single tap functions as a left click and two finger tap as right click. The app is designed to emulate a full featured mouse.
Is it secure to allow an iPhone app access to my computer?
The recommended apps are safe when downloaded from official app stores. But it‘s smart security practice to only enable necessary permissions and keep all apps patched with latest updates.
Do I need to pay?
Top apps like Remote Mouse and Mobile Mouse offer free versions covering core features, with paid upgrades unlocking additional advanced capabilities.
Conclusion
Transforming your iPhone into wireless mouse opens up exciting new realms of flexibility and control over your digital world. Whether using it in innovative ways for presentations, equipping yourself with a handy pointer backup, or maximizing productivity on-the-go, enjoy the magic of always having a mouse on hand.
