When it comes to using a Mac, many Windows users often wonder how to perform a right-click — especially since Apple devices are famous for their minimalist design with just one trackpad or button. But contrary to popular belief, you can indeed right click on a Mac! In fact, there are multiple ways to do it — each tailored to different preferences and setups.
In this full 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through five different ways to right click on a Mac. Whether you have a MacBook, a Magic Mouse, or prefer an external mouse, there’s a perfectly simple method for you.
1. Control + Click
This is the most universal and straightforward method.
How to do it:
- Hold down the Control (Ctrl) key on your keyboard.
- Click the mouse or trackpad.
That’s it! This tells macOS that you’re attempting a right-click. It works on any Mac setup and is a great fallback if trackpad gestures aren’t your thing.
2. Two-Finger Tap on the Trackpad
Every MacBook today comes with a trackpad enabled with gesture control. One of them is the two-finger tap, which mimics a right click.
How to enable:
- Go to System Settings (called System Preferences in previous macOS versions).
- Click on Trackpad.
- Under the Point & Click tab, turn on Secondary Click.
- Select the option that says “Click or tap with two fingers.”
Now simply tap with two fingers simultaneously on the trackpad to right click.
3. Corner Click on the Trackpad
If you prefer a physical click over tapping, macOS also lets you assign a corner of your trackpad for right clicking.
To set it up:
- Navigate again to System Settings > Trackpad.
- Under Secondary Click, choose either “Click in bottom right corner” or “Click in bottom left corner.”
Now each time you click that specific corner of your trackpad, it will perform a right-click. This is perfect for users transitioning from a traditional mouse.
4. Use Apple’s Magic Mouse
The Magic Mouse is another sleek Apple device that supports gestures — including right click. Even though it looks like it has no buttons, it’s smarter than it appears.
Steps to enable right click:
- Open System Settings > Mouse.
- Toggle on the Secondary Click option.
- Select the right side as the area to be used for right clicking (you can choose the left if you’re a left-handed user).
Once enabled, clicking on the right side of the Magic Mouse will trigger a right-click just like on any standard mouse.
5. Use an External Mouse with Right Button
If you’re not a fan of gestures or the Magic Mouse, any standard USB or Bluetooth mouse with two buttons works smoothly on a Mac.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Plug in your mouse via USB or pair it via Bluetooth.
- Go to System Settings > Mouse to confirm the right-click functionality.
- Most mice will automatically map the right button as a secondary click, so no major configuration is required.
This option provides a familiar feel, especially for users transitioning from Windows PCs.
Bonus Tip: Customize Right Click Behavior
macOS applications can offer context-aware options when you right click. From revealing additional features in Finder, to accessing app-specific menus, the right click is more powerful than people think.
You can also enhance it further using third-party applications like BetterTouchTool to fully customize your mouse and trackpad gestures.
Conclusion
Right-clicking on a Mac doesn’t have to be confusing. With these five diverse options, you can tailor your secondary click method to suit your workflow and device. Whether you’re tapping with fingers, clicking corners, or using an external mouse, macOS gives you the flexibility and choice to work more efficiently.
Next time you need to open a context menu, just remember — your Mac is more capable than it looks!