Pairing a keyboard with your iPad turns it into a more capable device for typing emails, documents, and longer notes. You can connect a wireless Bluetooth keyboard or attach one that clips on physically.
What you'll need
- An iPad
- A Bluetooth keyboard or a compatible iPad keyboard case
Step by step
- Charge and power on the keyboardFor a wireless keyboard, make sure it has power and switch it on. A clip-on Smart Keyboard or Magic Keyboard draws power from the iPad and needs no separate charging.
- Attach a physical keyboard directlyIf you have an iPad keyboard case or Smart Connector keyboard, line up the magnetic connector and press it into place. It connects automatically with no pairing needed.
- Put a Bluetooth keyboard in pairing modeFor a wireless keyboard, hold its pairing button until its light blinks, showing it is discoverable.
- Open Bluetooth on the iPadGo to Settings, tap Bluetooth, and make sure the switch is on. Your iPad starts searching for nearby devices.
- Select and pair the keyboardUnder Other Devices, tap your keyboard name. If prompted, type the code shown on screen using the keyboard and press Return.
- Test your typingOpen Notes or any text field and type a line to confirm the keys register. The on-screen keyboard should stay hidden while the physical one is active.
Handy tips
- Adjust key repeat and other options under Settings, General, Keyboard, Hardware Keyboard.
- Hold the Command key in most apps to see a list of available keyboard shortcuts.
- If the keyboard supports multiple devices, check that it is set to the channel assigned to your iPad.
FAQ
Will any Bluetooth keyboard work with an iPad?
Most standard Bluetooth keyboards pair and type fine. Some special keys may not map exactly, but the core keys work across brands.
Why does the on-screen keyboard still appear?
This usually means the physical keyboard disconnected. Check that it is on, charged, and still shown as Connected in Settings, Bluetooth.
How do I disconnect or switch keyboards?
Go to Settings, Bluetooth, tap the info icon next to the keyboard, and choose Disconnect or Forget This Device.