The basic steps to pair a Bluetooth keyboard
To connect a Bluetooth keyboard to your iPad, turn on the keyboard, open Settings on your iPad, tap Bluetooth, and select the keyboard name when it appears in the list. Your iPad will pair with it immediately — most keyboards connect in under a minute without needing a code.
The keyboard must be in pairing mode first. On most keyboards, this means holding down a power button or a dedicated Bluetooth button for three to five seconds until a light blinks. Check your keyboard's manual if you are unsure which button to press or how long to hold it.
Once the keyboard appears in your iPad's Bluetooth list under "Other Devices", tap its name. The keyboard will move to "My Devices" and show as "Connected". You can now type in any app that accepts text input.
Key Takeaways
- Turn on your keyboard and put it in pairing mode by holding the Bluetooth button until the light blinks.
- Open Settings, tap Bluetooth, and select your keyboard from the "Other Devices" list.
- Once connected, the keyboard will appear under "My Devices" and work in any app that accepts text input.
- If the keyboard does not appear, restart both devices and try again, or check that the keyboard battery is not dead.
- You can connect multiple keyboards to one iPad, but only one will work at a time.
What to do if the keyboard does not appear
If your keyboard does not show up in the Bluetooth list, the most common cause is that it is not actually in pairing mode. Turn the keyboard off completely, then turn it back on while holding the Bluetooth button. The light should blink steadily — if it does not, your keyboard may not have a pairing mode button, or the battery may be too low.
Restart your iPad if the keyboard still does not appear. Go to Settings, tap General, scroll down, and tap Shut Down. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button to turn it back on. Once your iPad restarts, repeat the Bluetooth pairing steps.
Check the keyboard battery next. Most wireless keyboards show a low-battery light or will not enter pairing mode if the battery is nearly dead. Replace the batteries or charge the keyboard if it has a built-in battery, then try pairing again.
Reconnecting a keyboard you have used before
If you have already paired a keyboard with your iPad, it will reconnect automatically when you turn it on — you do not need to go through the pairing steps again. Just turn on the keyboard and it should connect within a few seconds.
If it does not reconnect automatically, go to Settings, tap Bluetooth, and look under "My Devices". Tap the keyboard name and select "Connect". If the keyboard is still not connecting, tap the information icon next to its name and choose "Forget This Device", then pair it again from scratch.
Using the keyboard with different iPad apps
Once connected, your Bluetooth keyboard works in most apps that let you type — Mail, Notes, Pages, Google Docs, and web browsers all support it. Some apps show an on-screen keyboard at the same time, but you can dismiss it by tapping the keyboard icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.
In some apps, keyboard shortcuts work the same way they do on a Mac or Windows computer. For example, Command+B makes text bold in Pages, and Command+Z undoes your last action. Not every app supports every shortcut, so you may need to use the on-screen keyboard or menu buttons for some functions.
If you are using an iPad with a trackpad keyboard, the trackpad will control the cursor on your screen. Tap with one finger to click, tap with two fingers to right-click, and swipe with two fingers to scroll.
Connecting multiple keyboards to one iPad
You can pair more than one Bluetooth keyboard with your iPad. Go to Settings, tap Bluetooth, and repeat the pairing steps for each keyboard. All paired keyboards will appear under "My Devices".
Only one keyboard can be active at a time. If you have two keyboards paired and both are turned on, the one you used most recently will be the active one. To switch to a different keyboard, turn off the active keyboard and turn on the one you want to use instead.
Troubleshooting connection problems
If your keyboard connects but stops working after a few minutes, it may have gone into sleep mode. Press any key to wake it up. If that does not work, turn the keyboard off and back on.
If the keyboard connects but types the wrong characters, your iPad may have the wrong keyboard layout selected. Go to Settings, tap General, tap Keyboard, and check that the language and layout match your keyboard. For example, if you have a French keyboard, select French (AZERTY) instead of English (QWERTY).
If the keyboard keeps disconnecting, move it closer to your iPad — Bluetooth has a range of about 30 feet, but obstacles like walls and metal objects can reduce that. Also check that your iPad's Bluetooth is still on by going to Settings and tapping Bluetooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to charge or replace batteries in my keyboard after pairing?
No. Pairing does not use extra battery power. However, using the keyboard will drain the battery over time, so you may need to replace batteries or charge the keyboard after weeks or months of regular use, depending on the model.
Can I use a Bluetooth keyboard with an older iPad?
Most Bluetooth keyboards work with any iPad running iOS 5 or later, which includes all iPads sold in the last ten years. Check your keyboard's manual to confirm it supports your iPad's iOS version, but compatibility is rarely an issue.
What is the difference between a Bluetooth keyboard and a keyboard case?
A Bluetooth keyboard is wireless and separate from your iPad, so you can position it however you like. A keyboard case has the keyboard built in and also holds your iPad. Keyboard cases are more portable, but Bluetooth keyboards are more flexible if you switch between devices.
Can I use a keyboard designed for a Mac or Windows computer?
Yes. Any standard Bluetooth keyboard will pair with an iPad, regardless of what it was designed for. The only difference is that some keyboard shortcuts may not work the same way — for example, the Windows key does not do anything on an iPad.
Why does my keyboard work sometimes but not other times?
This usually means the keyboard has gone into sleep mode or the connection has dropped. Turn the keyboard off and back on, or move it closer to your iPad. If the problem continues, forget the keyboard in Settings and pair it again.