Here’s how to set up your iPhone as a mouse for Mac and PC.
Thanks to the latest updates from Apple, computers Mac and devices iPhone there iPad They offer full integration and synchronization with features like Universal Control and Sidecar that let you use iPad as an external display for Mac or mirror what’s on your screen.
Additionally, recently the bitten apple logo signature also implemented software technology that provides the ability to use a trackpad and mouse on the iPad screen. Apple is opening up to the world of peripherals, and another proof of this is in the tutorial that concerns us today: did you know that the iPhone can be used as a mouse or trackpad on your Mac and on your PC?
It sounds crazy, and somehow using an iPhone as a virtual mouse isn’t the best thing to do. But it’s also true that this feature can save you more than a haste. Imagine your mouse running out of batteries, running out of battery, or suddenly crashing. Using the iPhone as a trackpad would be an ideal solution in these cases, at least until you have time to buy a new mouse or recharge its battery.
How to use your iPhone as a trackpad or virtual mouse on your Mac
Surely many of you already know that the iPhone can be used as a universal remote to change TV channels and even to control an Apple TV. But what few people know is that the iPhone is so functional that it can even turn into a trackpad.
Before starting the tutorial, it is worth mentioning that to use your iPhone as a mouse on PC or Mac, you will need download a special application from the App Store and download and install iOS 16 on your smartphone.
Here are the steps to turn your iPhone into a trackpad or mouse to control your Mac computer:
1. Download the Remote Mouse app from the iOS 16 app store.
2. Once downloaded, open it on your iPhone.
3. Accept the permissions requested by the app and allow connection with other devices via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
4. Next, turn on your Mac and download Remote Mouse from the macOS App Store.
5. Open the app and follow the guide to enable its use in your Mac’s accessibility settings.
6. When you are done with the process, click on the Remote Mouse app icon in the menu bar and select the “Autostart” option.
Once you have completed all the steps in these instructions, the app will sync data between your iPhone and Mac. Of course, you will need to make sure that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and/or activate the Bluetooth connection.
From there, you can select the device you want to start controlling in order to use your iPhone as a virtual mouse or trackpad for your Mac.
1. Open the Remote Mouse app on your iPhone.
2. Go to the “Select a computer” section.
3. Click the (+) button.
4. Then choose the method by which you want to add a new device, such as an IP address or a QR code.
You should keep in mind that for the system to recognize your computer, the application must be open on your Mac or PC.
Remote mouse operation
Remote Mouse app media controls
The operation of the Remote Mouse application is very simple and very intuitive. Obviously it’s not the same to use a trackpad or a mouse as an iPhone to control the pointer of a Mac but it’s very useful and fun.
The application is compatible with iPhone, iPad, Mac and PC.
Below you can check how it works from a video on the Daniel About Tech channel on YouTube:
The application includes a series of touch gestures through which you can use your iPhone and Mac as a trackpad, a mouse, and even a keyboard. Moreover, you will also have the ability to move and drag items such as files, windows and applications; control media playback, run shortcuts and many other options such as shutting down or restarting the computer.
Note that some of the functions of the remote mouse are Payment but mouse and trackpad control is free.
