Bluetooth mouse latency issues on iPad

1. Bluetooth/Wireless InterferenceBluetooth uses the 2.4 GHz frequency band, which is shared by Wi-Fi, microwaves, and other wireless devices. Too much congestion can disrupt the connection.

Solution: Move the iPad and mouse closer together. Try disconnecting other nearby Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi devices. If your router supports it, try using a 5 GHz Wi-Fi band for your iPad.

2.Simultaneous Bluetooth ConnectionsConnecting multiple high-bandwidth Bluetooth devices, especially audio devices like AirPods or headphones, can overload the iPad's limited Bluetooth capacity and cause mouse lag.

Solution: Disconnect other unnecessary Bluetooth accessories while using the mouse.

3.iPadOS Limitations/DesignSome users report that iPadOS's implementation of mouse support, including forced cursor acceleration and movement smoothing, contributes to a feeling of latency even when the hardware is responsive. This can be more noticeable with certain mice.

Solution: Go to Settings > General > Trackpad & Mouse and maximize the Tracking Speed. For some users, enabling AssistiveTouch (Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch) has been reported to slightly improve responsiveness.

4.Mouse/Keyboard Combination LagA particular issue has been reported where connecting a Bluetooth mouse after a Bluetooth keyboard causes significant lag on the keyboard.

Solution: Try connecting the devices in reverse order, or if the lag occurs, temporarily turn off the mouse, wait for the keyboard to stabilize, and then turn the mouse back on. For some, connecting the mouse via the AssistiveTouch > Devices menu instead of the main Bluetooth settings has helped.

5.Low BatteryA low battery in the mouse can lead to a weaker Bluetooth signal and inconsistent performance.

Solution: Ensure the mouse has fresh or fully charged batteries.

6.Outdated SoftwareBugs in iPadOS or the mouse's firmware can cause connectivity issues.

Solution: Ensure your iPad is running the latest version of iPadOS and check if your mouse manufacturer has any firmware updates.

7.Specific Mouse Model IssuesSome users have found that certain mouse models, particularly from brands like Logitech when used in Bluetooth mode (rather than via a dedicated wireless dongle), consistently have lag issues on the iPad.

Solution: If your mouse supports a dedicated USB dongle (e.g., Logitech Unifying Receiver or Bolt), use a USB-C or Lightning hub/adapter to connect the dongle to your iPad. This often provides a more reliable connection than standard Bluetooth.