The basic steps to pair a wireless keyboard

To connect a wireless keyboard to your iPad, you turn on the keyboard, open your iPad's Bluetooth settings, and select the keyboard from the list of available devices. The process takes about two minutes and works the same way whether your keyboard is Bluetooth or uses a USB receiver.

Most wireless keyboards sold today use Bluetooth, which means they connect directly without needing a separate receiver. Some older keyboards use a USB receiver instead — if yours came with a small USB dongle, you'll need the USB Camera Adapter (sold separately by Apple) to use it with your iPad.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn on your wireless keyboard and make sure it's in pairing mode — usually by holding a power button or pressing a dedicated pairing button for three seconds.
  • Open Settings on your iPad, tap Bluetooth, and toggle it on if it's off, then select your keyboard from the "Other Devices" list.
  • Once paired, your keyboard will reconnect automatically when you turn it on near your iPad, so you only pair once.
  • If your keyboard uses a USB receiver instead of Bluetooth, you'll need Apple's USB Camera Adapter to connect it to your iPad's charging port.
  • If pairing fails, restart both the keyboard and iPad, then try again — this solves most connection problems.

How to put your keyboard into pairing mode

Before your iPad can find your keyboard, the keyboard needs to be in pairing mode. This tells the keyboard to broadcast its presence so nearby devices can see it. The method depends on your keyboard model, but most keyboards use one of two approaches.

For most Bluetooth keyboards, hold down the power button for three to five seconds until you see a light blink or flash — usually a blue or white LED. Some keyboards have a separate pairing button (sometimes labeled "Connect" or marked with a Bluetooth symbol) that you press instead. Check the manual that came with your keyboard or look on the bottom or back of the keyboard for a small button you may have missed.

Leave the keyboard in pairing mode while you move to your iPad. Pairing mode usually stays active for about two minutes, so you have time to walk to another room. If the light stops blinking before you finish, put the keyboard back into pairing mode and try again.

Connecting through your iPad's Bluetooth settings

Once your keyboard is in pairing mode, open the Settings app on your iPad. Tap Bluetooth in the left sidebar (on iPad Pro models with a larger screen, you may need to tap Settings first, then Bluetooth). Toggle the Bluetooth switch to the on position if it's currently off — the switch will turn green.

Your iPad will begin scanning for nearby Bluetooth devices. Wait a few seconds, and your keyboard should appear in the list under "Other Devices." The keyboard will usually show its brand name and model number — for example, "Logitech K380" or "Apple Magic Keyboard." Tap the keyboard name to begin pairing.

Your iPad may ask you to confirm the pairing by entering a code on the keyboard or simply tapping "Pair." Follow the on-screen instructions. Once pairing is complete, the keyboard will move from "Other Devices" to "My Devices" in your Bluetooth settings, and a checkmark will appear next to its name.

What to do if your keyboard won't pair

If your keyboard doesn't appear in the Bluetooth list after 30 seconds, the most common fix is to restart both devices. Turn off your keyboard completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then restart your iPad by holding down the power button and volume button together until "Slide to Power Off" appears, swipe to turn it off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on.

After both devices restart, put your keyboard back into pairing mode and try connecting again. This solves the problem in most cases because it clears temporary connection glitches that prevent the devices from finding each other.

If the keyboard still doesn't appear, check that Bluetooth is actually on — the toggle in Settings should be green. Also verify that your keyboard has a charged battery by checking its LED indicator or trying to type on it. Some keyboards have a low-battery light that looks different from the pairing light, so consult your manual if you're unsure what the lights mean.

Using a USB keyboard with the Camera Adapter

If your keyboard came with a USB receiver (a small dongle that plugs into a computer), it uses an older wireless standard that iPad doesn't support directly. To use this keyboard, you need Apple's USB Camera Adapter, which costs about $20 and plugs into your iPad's charging port.

Plug the USB receiver into the USB port on the Camera Adapter, then plug the adapter into your iPad's charging port. Your keyboard should work immediately — no pairing required. The downside is that your iPad can't charge while the adapter is plugged in, so you'll need to choose between using the keyboard or charging your battery.

Reconnecting after the first time

After you pair your keyboard once, it will reconnect automatically whenever you turn it on near your iPad. You don't need to pair it again. Simply turn on the keyboard, and within a few seconds it will show as connected in your Bluetooth settings.

If your keyboard doesn't reconnect automatically, open Bluetooth settings and tap the keyboard name. If the keyboard is on and in range, it should connect within a few seconds. If it still doesn't connect, restart the keyboard and try again.

To disconnect a keyboard without unpairing it, turn off the keyboard. To completely remove a keyboard from your iPad so you can pair a different one, go to Bluetooth settings, tap the information icon next to the keyboard name, and tap "Forget This Device." You'll then need to pair the new keyboard following the steps above.

Troubleshooting common problems

If your keyboard types but some keys don't work, the keyboard may not have paired completely. Forget the device in Bluetooth settings and pair it again from the beginning. If only certain keys are broken, the keyboard itself may be faulty — try it on a computer to confirm.

If your keyboard keeps disconnecting, move it closer to your iPad. Bluetooth has a range of about 30 feet in open space, but walls and metal objects can reduce that. Also check that your keyboard's battery isn't low — a weak battery causes frequent disconnections. Replace the batteries and try again.

If you see your keyboard in the Bluetooth list but it won't pair, the keyboard may already be paired to another device. Some keyboards can only pair with one device at a time. Put the keyboard into pairing mode again and hold it there for 10 seconds to clear its memory, then try pairing with your iPad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a wireless keyboard with an older iPad?

Yes, as long as your iPad has Bluetooth, which all iPad models from 2011 onward do. If your keyboard uses a USB receiver instead of Bluetooth, you'll still need the USB Camera Adapter. Check your iPad's model year in Settings > General > About if you're unsure how old it is.

Will my keyboard work with other devices after I pair it with my iPad?

Most Bluetooth keyboards can pair with multiple devices and will switch between them automatically. However, some keyboards can only stay connected to one device at a time. If you want to use your keyboard with both your iPad and a computer, check your keyboard's manual to see if it supports multi-device pairing.

Do I need to charge my wireless keyboard?

Yes, unless it's a wired keyboard. Bluetooth keyboards use either rechargeable batteries (which you charge via USB) or replaceable batteries (AA or AAA). Check how long your keyboard's battery lasts — most last between two weeks and three months depending on use. Your keyboard will usually show a low-battery warning in your iPad's Bluetooth settings when it needs charging.

What if my keyboard has a touchpad — will that work with my iPad?

Most keyboard touchpads work with iPad, but the experience varies. Some touchpads act as a mouse pointer, while others let you scroll or swipe. Test the touchpad after pairing to see what gestures your iPad recognizes. If the touchpad doesn't work, you can still use the keyboard for typing — the touchpad just won't function.

Can I use a keyboard case instead of a separate keyboard?

Yes. iPad keyboard cases work the same way as separate keyboards — they pair via Bluetooth and follow the same steps. Some cases also have a wired connection option, which means they don't need batteries. Check your case's manual for pairing instructions, as some cases have a dedicated pairing button.