The basic steps to pair a Bluetooth keyboard
To connect a Bluetooth keyboard to your iPad, you turn on the keyboard, open your iPad's Settings app, go to Bluetooth, and tap the keyboard name when it appears. The iPad and keyboard then exchange a connection code — this is called pairing — and after that, the keyboard works whenever it is in range and turned on.
The whole process takes about two minutes the first time. After that, your iPad remembers the keyboard, and they reconnect automatically when you turn the keyboard back on.
The steps below work for most Bluetooth keyboards sold today, including Apple's Magic Keyboard, Logitech keyboards, and generic brands. Some keyboards have a dedicated pairing button; others pair as soon as you turn them on.
Key Takeaways
- Your iPad's Bluetooth must be on before the keyboard can connect, and you turn this on in Settings, not by swiping from the top of the screen.
- The keyboard must be in pairing mode — usually this means turning it on for the first time, or holding a dedicated pairing button for three seconds.
- Once paired, the keyboard reconnects automatically when both devices are on and within about 30 feet of each other.
- If the keyboard does not appear in the Bluetooth list, restart both the iPad and the keyboard, then try again.
Turn on your iPad's Bluetooth
Open the Settings app on your iPad — it is the gray icon with gears. Tap Bluetooth in the left sidebar (on iPad Pro and Air models) or scroll down and tap Bluetooth if you are using a smaller iPad.
You will see a toggle switch next to the word Bluetooth. If it is gray, tap it to turn Bluetooth on. The switch will turn green and say "On". Your iPad is now ready to find the keyboard.
Do not use the Control Center (the panel you swipe down from the top right) to turn on Bluetooth for pairing. That toggle only turns Bluetooth off temporarily and does not put your iPad in pairing mode the way the Settings app does.
Put your keyboard in pairing mode
Most Bluetooth keyboards enter pairing mode automatically the first time you turn them on. Look for a power switch on the back or side of the keyboard, usually marked with a line and a circle. Flip or slide it to the On position.
Some keyboards have a dedicated pairing button, often labeled "Pair" or marked with a Bluetooth symbol. If you see one, hold it down for about three seconds until a light on the keyboard blinks or changes color. This tells you the keyboard is now broadcasting its signal and waiting for a device to connect.
If your keyboard came with a manual, check it for the exact location of the power switch or pairing button — placement varies widely between brands.
Select the keyboard from the Bluetooth list
Go back to your iPad's Settings app and look at the Bluetooth section. Within 10 to 20 seconds, your keyboard's name should appear under "Other Devices" or "Available Devices". The name is usually something like "Logitech K380" or "Magic Keyboard", depending on the brand.
Tap the keyboard name. Your iPad will display a pairing code — a four-digit number — and ask you to confirm it on the keyboard. Some keyboards show the same code on a small screen; others straightforward ask you to press Enter or a specific key to confirm.
Once you confirm, the keyboard moves to a section called "My Devices" or "Connected" in your Bluetooth settings, and you can start typing when ready.
What to do if the keyboard does not appear
If the keyboard name does not show up after 30 seconds, the keyboard may not be in pairing mode. Turn the keyboard off, wait five seconds, and turn it back on. If it has a pairing button, hold that button for three seconds instead.
If the keyboard still does not appear, restart your iPad. Press and hold the power button and either volume button until you see the power-off slider, then slide it to turn off the iPad. Wait 10 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. Once the iPad restarts, go back to Bluetooth settings and try again.
If you have already paired this keyboard to another device — a phone, laptop, or different iPad — it may still be connected to that device. Turn off Bluetooth on the other device, or unpair the keyboard from that device's settings, then try pairing with your iPad again.
How to use the keyboard once it is connected
Once the keyboard is paired and listed under "My Devices" in your iPad's Bluetooth settings, it will reconnect automatically whenever you turn it on and the iPad is nearby. You do not have to go back into Settings each time.
The keyboard works in any app where you would normally type — email, notes, web browsers, documents, and messaging apps. Some keys may behave differently than on a computer keyboard. For example, the top row of keys often controls iPad features like brightness and volume instead of function keys.
If the keyboard stops responding, make sure it is turned on and has battery power. Most Bluetooth keyboards show a low-battery light or will stop connecting when the battery is nearly empty. Check the keyboard's manual for how to replace or recharge the battery.
Unpairing a keyboard you no longer use
If you want to disconnect a keyboard permanently, go to Settings, tap Bluetooth, find the keyboard name under "My Devices", and tap the information icon (a small circle with an "i") next to it. Tap "Forget This Device" and confirm. The keyboard is now unpaired and will not reconnect automatically.
You can pair it again later by repeating the steps above. Unpairing does not erase anything on your iPad or the keyboard — it straightforward breaks the connection so the devices stop recognizing each other.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use more than one Bluetooth keyboard with the same iPad?
Yes. You can pair multiple keyboards to your iPad, but only one can be connected at a time. To switch keyboards, turn off the first one and turn on the second. The iPad will connect to whichever keyboard is on and in range.
Why does my keyboard keep disconnecting?
Bluetooth keyboards disconnect when they run out of battery, when they move out of range (usually beyond 30 feet), or when Bluetooth is turned off on the iPad. Check the keyboard battery first, then make sure Bluetooth is still on in Settings. If the problem continues, restart both devices.
Do I need to charge my Bluetooth keyboard?
Most Bluetooth keyboards use rechargeable batteries or replaceable AA or AAA batteries. Check your keyboard's manual to see which type yours has. Rechargeable keyboards usually come with a USB cable for charging; battery-powered keyboards need new batteries every few months depending on use.
Can I use a Bluetooth keyboard with an older iPad?
Bluetooth keyboards work with any iPad that has Bluetooth, which includes all iPad models from the last 10 years. Very old iPads may not support newer keyboard features, but basic typing will work on any model with Bluetooth turned on.
What if my keyboard has special keys for Mac that do not work on iPad?
Some keyboards made for Mac have keys that do not function on iPad because the operating systems are different. The basic letter and number keys will always work. Check your keyboard's manual to see if it has an iPad mode or if certain keys are Mac-only.