How to Right-Click on iPad

What to Know

  • You can right-click on iPads by either tapping and holding the display or pressing and holding using an Apple Pencil.
  • Not every iPad app offers right-click features.
  • There are fewer right-click functions on an iPad than on a computer.

Right-clicking on an iPad can be useful when navigating the device, but it is less functional than it is on a computer. I will teach you how to right-click on an iPad using finger gestures and an Apple Pencil. Not all apps offer right-click features, so I'll show you the most practical ways to use this gesture on your iPad.

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How to Right-Click on an iPad

You don't need a Bluetooth mouse, keyboard, or touchpad to right-click on an iPad! You can do it using your fingers or an Apple Pencil. Here's how to right-click on the iPad:

  1. If you are using your finger, tap and hold the display.

    Tap and hold the display.
  2. You will see a menu pop out.

    You will see a menu pop out.
  3. If you are using an Apple Pencil, simply press and hold until you see a menu appear.

Keep in mind that not all apps have right-click features, so make sure to test this out on one that does! For more iPad tips, check out our free Tip of the Day newsletter.

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10 Best Uses for Right Click on iPad

Right-clicking on an iPad is not the same as right-clicking on a computer. There aren't nearly as many functions that right-clicking offers on an iPad, and fewer apps offer it as a feature. Apple does give third-party iPad app developers the ability to incorporate right-click features in their apps, but not all of them take advantage of this. Below are ten app-specific ways to use right-click on an iPad.

  1. Right-click the Camera app to open the app to a specific mode or to use the front or back camera. This will not automatically take a photo or start recording video, but it can save you steps to capture the perfect moment.

    Camera app
  2. Right-click the Clock app to quick-start your stopwatch or to create an alarm.

    Right-click the Clock app to quick-start your stopwatch or to create an alarm.
  3. Right-click the Maps app to mark your current location or to share your location quickly.

    Maps app
  4. Right-click the Settings app to open your Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Battery settings.

    Settings app
  5. Right-click on the Notes app to start scanning a document, take a new photo note, start a new checklist, or write a new note.

    Notes app
  6. Right-click the Photos app to immediately open your Favorites album or see photos and videos from exactly one year ago.

    Photos app
  7. Right-click the Safari tap to open a new tab or private tab or show your bookmarks or reading list.

    Safari tap
  8. Right-click the App Store to look for any available app updates.

    App Store
  9. Right-click the Reminders app to add new reminders to your top three lists (in the order they are listed in, not organized by popularity or recent use).

    Reminders app
  10. Right-click the Music app to play your most recent music or your station.

    Right-click the Music app to play your most recent music or your station.

Now you know how to right-click on iPads of all models! You can do so using third-party Bluetooth accessories, using your finger by tapping and pressing the screen, or using an Apple Pencil by pressing and holding. 

FAQ

  • How do you right-click on Mac? You can right-click on a Mac without a mouse by pressing and holding the Control key while tapping on your touchpad.
  • How to left-click on an iPad? Tapping your iPad display is the same as left-clicking.
  • Is there a mouse for the iPad? Yes, you can connect a Bluetooth mouse to your iPad and even to your iPhone.
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Author Details

Olena Kagui's picture

Author Details

Olena Kagui

Olena Kagui is a Feature Writer at iPhone Life. In the last 10 years, she has been published in dozens of publications internationally and won an excellence award. Since joining iPhone Life in 2020, she has written how-to articles as well as complex guides about Apple products, software, and apps. Olena grew up using Macs and exploring all the latest tech. Her Maui home is the epitome of an Apple ecosystem, full of compatible smart gear to boot. Olena’s favorite device is the Apple Watch Ultra because it can survive all her adventures and travels, and even her furbabies.