Makey Makey was originally designed to work with computers and laptops when it first launched over a decade ago. Since then, technology—and how we use it—has changed dramatically! Today, most of us spend far more time on our phones and tablets than on traditional computers.
Mobile Devices
Best Practices for Using Makey Makey With Phone and Tablets
The good news is that Makey Makey can work with those devices too! Your inventions are no longer limited to desktop setups—you can take your creativity anywhere. However, there are a few important things to check before connecting to a phone or tablet. This guide will walk you through what to look for and how to keep inventing wherever inspiration strikes.
Using Makey Makey On-The-Go (OTG)
Makey Makey works great with laptops and desktops out of the box, but it can also be used with many cell phones and tablets that support USB On-The-Go (OTG) or USB Host mode. This guide explains what you’ll need and what to expect when connecting Makey Makey to Android, iOS, and other mobile operating systems.
Makey Makey Version Number?
We've tested a variety of different adapters and devices and found nearly all work with Makey Makey v1.4 and v1.5. But if you have an older Makey Makey (v1.2 or older), you will likely need a newer Makey Makey to work with your iPad.
Later versions of the board (Makey Makey v1.4b and higher) work with any of the USB to Lightning adapters we have tried. If your iPad uses a USBc connection, we have a cable you can purchase in our shop here. You can find the version number of your Makey Makey printed on the back of the board under the name “Makey Makey®.” If there is no number, it is older than v1.2.
Operating Systems
Makey Makey acts as a USB HID (Human Interface Device) — basically a keyboard and mouse. When connected, your phone or tablet interprets Makey Makey key presses as if you were typing or clicking. Each operating system interprets those key presses and clicks a little differently!
Let’s take a closer look at the different operating systems…
Android
- Compatibility: Excellent. Makey Makey works on most Android 6.0+ devices with OTG support.
- Behavior: Key presses register in most apps (text fields, games, browser-based activities).
- Limitations: Some apps (especially games) may not accept external keyboard input. Try web apps or apps that use system keyboard events.
- Mouse inputs:Your Makey Makey sends mouse signals (arrows, clicks), and the screen pointer may appear automatically (especially with newer Android devices).
iOS (iPhone/iPad)
- Compatibility: Limited but possible. iOS recognizes Makey Makey as a USB keyboard via Apple’s Lightning to USB Camera Adapter or on USB-C iPads / iPhones.
- Behavior: Key presses register in text fields and in apps that support keyboard shortcuts.
- Limitations:
- Mouse control from Makey Makey is not supported.
- You may see a small “keyboard connected” notification when plugging in.
- Best results: Remap your Makey Makey CLICK keypress to a different keyboard input of your interest using the Makey Makey remap app!
ChromeOS (Chromebook Tablets)
- Compatibility: Excellent — full HID support.
- Behavior: Works just like a laptop. Chrome browser and Scratch work perfectly.
- Tip: You can even use the Scratch for ChromeOS app offline.
Windows Tablets
- Compatibility: Excellent. Treats Makey Makey exactly as a USB keyboard/mouse.
- Behavior: Plug in and go—no setup required.
- Tip: Check “Device Manager → Keyboards” if connection doesn’t seem to register.
USB Connectors and Cables
Because Makey Makey connects via USB, you’ll need the right adapter to match your device’s charging/data port. Makey Makey uses a standard USB-A plug, so you’ll need an OTG adapter or USB-C to USB-A adapter that supports data transfer, not just charging.
If your device is USB-C, you are in luck! We have created a USB-C Cable just for Makey Makey ! Our cable reduces the need for an adapter or hub keeping hook-up clean and tidy!
Power Considerations
Finding the right cable is only half of the equation! Phones and tablets manage power differently than laptops, so it’s important to understand how to keep your Makey Makey powered and responsive.
Makey Makey draws very little current (around 30–50 mA), which is within the limits of most phones’ USB OTG power budget. However, not all devices provide the same amount of power over OTG.
Best Practices for Reliable Power
1. Use a short, high-quality OTG adapter — long or cheap cables may drop voltage.
2. Keep your device charged or plugged in. Some phones limit USB power below 20% battery.
3. Use a powered USB hub if connecting multiple Makey Makeys or additional peripherals.
4. Avoid sleep mode — some tablets cut USB power when the screen turns off.
Makey Makey OTG Quick Setup
1. Check your phone/tablet supports USB OTG or Host mode.
2. Get the right adapter (USB-C OTG, Micro-USB OTG, or Lightning Camera Adapter).
3. Plug in your Makey Makey — no drivers needed.
4. Open an app or web page that accepts keyboard input.
5. Touch the Makey Makey pads — you’re now controlling your device!
Recommended Mobile-Friendly Apps
Using different games, phone and web apps can be a bit tricky when using Makey Makey and your mobile device. We recommend looking for games and apps that use basic keyboard keys you find on your Makey Makey (UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT, SPACE, W, A, S, D, F, G. If you have a favorite game that requires different keys than those on the Makey Makey you can check out our Remap App to remap your Makey Makey to those specific keys.
We also provide a collection of free Web Apps that we have created that are all mapped specifically to Makey Makey keys. You can find the full list of Makey Makey Web Apps here .
Show us how YOU hacked or modified your Invention Launchpad creation! Tag #MakeyMakeyLaunchpad and join our global community of inventors.