The two ways to connect: Bluetooth or USB

You can add a keyboard to your iPad in two ways: through Bluetooth wireless connection or through a physical USB cable. Bluetooth is the more common choice because it lets you move the keyboard around without a cord. USB works only with certain iPad models and keyboard types, and it keeps the keyboard tethered to your device.

Which method works for you depends on your iPad model and the keyboard you own. Most modern keyboards sold for iPad use Bluetooth. If you have an older iPad or a keyboard designed for a computer, you may need to check the keyboard's manual to see which connection method it supports.

Both methods involve putting the keyboard into pairing mode and then telling your iPad to recognize it. Once paired, your iPad will remember that keyboard and reconnect automatically the next time it comes in range.

Key Takeaways

  • Most iPad keyboards connect through Bluetooth, which requires you to turn on the keyboard's pairing mode and then select it from your iPad's Bluetooth settings.
  • Your iPad must have Bluetooth turned on in Settings before it can find and pair with a keyboard.
  • Once paired, the keyboard will reconnect automatically when you turn it on and bring it near your iPad.
  • If pairing fails, restarting both the keyboard and iPad usually solves the problem.
  • Some iPad keyboards use USB-C or Lightning cables instead of Bluetooth, which requires a compatible iPad model and cable.

Pairing a Bluetooth keyboard step by step

Start by turning on your iPad's Bluetooth. Open Settings, tap Bluetooth, and toggle the switch to on. You should see "Bluetooth" appear in the status bar at the top of your screen. Leave this screen open while you set up the keyboard.

Next, turn on your keyboard and put it into pairing mode. Most keyboards have a dedicated pairing button on the back or bottom — look for a button labeled "Pair," "Connect," or a Bluetooth symbol. Press and hold it for three to five seconds until you see a light blink on the keyboard, usually blue or white. Some keyboards enter pairing mode automatically when you turn them on for the first time. Check your keyboard's manual if you are not sure where the pairing button is.

Go back to your iPad's Bluetooth settings. Within a few seconds, your keyboard should appear in the list of available devices. Tap the keyboard's name. Your iPad will then ask you to confirm the pairing by entering a code — usually just a number that appears on your screen. Type that number on the keyboard and press Enter. Once you see "Connected" next to the keyboard's name, the pairing is complete.

Connecting a USB keyboard to iPad

USB keyboards work only with iPad Pro models and only if you have the right cable. iPad Pro uses USB-C, so you need a USB-C keyboard or a USB-A keyboard with a USB-C adapter. Older iPad models do not support USB keyboard connections at all.

If you have a compatible iPad Pro and keyboard, straightforward plug the USB cable into the iPad's USB-C port. Your iPad will recognize the keyboard when ready — no pairing needed. The keyboard will work as long as it remains plugged in. If you unplug it, you will need to plug it back in to use it again.

USB keyboards do not drain battery the way Bluetooth keyboards do, since they draw power directly from the iPad. However, they limit your movement because you are tethered to the device by a cable.

What to do if the keyboard will not pair

If your keyboard does not appear in the Bluetooth list after you put it in pairing mode, restart both devices. Turn off your keyboard completely, wait ten seconds, and turn it back on. Then go to your iPad's Settings, turn Bluetooth off, wait five seconds, and turn it back on. Try pairing again.

If the keyboard still does not appear, check that it has enough battery. A keyboard with a dead or dying battery often will not enter pairing mode. Charge it for at least 30 minutes and try again. Some keyboards have a battery indicator light — if it is red or not lit at all, the battery is the problem.

If pairing still fails after restarting and charging, forget the keyboard from your iPad and start over. Go to Settings, tap Bluetooth, find the keyboard in the list, tap the information icon next to it, and select "Forget This Device." Then put the keyboard back into pairing mode and pair it again from scratch.

How to reconnect after the first pairing

Once you have paired a keyboard, your iPad remembers it. The next time you turn on the keyboard and bring it within range of your iPad, they will reconnect automatically. You do not need to go through the pairing process again.

If your keyboard does not reconnect automatically, make sure Bluetooth is still turned on in your iPad's Settings. Then turn the keyboard off and back on. If it still does not connect, forget the device and pair it again using the steps above.

You can pair multiple keyboards to one iPad, but only one can be active at a time. If you have two keyboards paired and turn them both on, your iPad will connect to whichever one was most recently used. To switch keyboards, turn off the active one and turn on the one you want to use.

Battery and range considerations

Bluetooth keyboards run on batteries — usually AA, AAA, or rechargeable lithium batteries depending on the model. Check your keyboard's manual to see what type it uses and how often you need to replace or charge them. Most keyboards last several weeks or months on a single charge or set of batteries.

Bluetooth has a range of about 30 feet in open space, though walls and other obstacles reduce that distance. If you move your keyboard too far from your iPad, the connection will drop. Move it back within range and it will reconnect automatically.

USB keyboards do not have battery concerns since they draw power from your iPad. However, using a USB keyboard will drain your iPad's battery faster than using a Bluetooth keyboard, since the iPad is powering both itself and the keyboard.

Troubleshooting a connected keyboard that stops working

If your keyboard was working but suddenly stopped responding, the connection may have dropped. Turn the keyboard off and back on. If that does not work, go to Settings, turn Bluetooth off, wait five seconds, and turn it back on. Your keyboard should reconnect within a few seconds.

If only some keys work, or if the keyboard types the wrong characters, the keyboard may need a firmware update. Check the keyboard manufacturer's website to see if there is an update available. You will usually need to connect the keyboard to a computer to install the update.

If the keyboard connects but your iPad does not respond to typing, restart your iPad. Press and hold the power button until the "Slide to Power Off" screen appears, then slide to turn it off. Wait ten seconds and press the power button again to turn it back on. Once your iPad restarts, the keyboard should work again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any Bluetooth keyboard with an iPad?

Most Bluetooth keyboards work with iPad, but some are designed specifically for computers and may not pair correctly. Check the keyboard's manual or the manufacturer's website to confirm it supports iPad. Keyboards labeled "iPad compatible" or "works with iPad" are your safest choice.

What if my keyboard pairs but the keys do not type anything?

Restart your iPad first — this solves the problem about half the time. If that does not work, forget the keyboard from Bluetooth settings and pair it again. If typing still does not work, the keyboard may have a hardware problem or may not actually be compatible with your iPad model.

Do I need to pair my keyboard every time I use it?

No. Once paired, your keyboard will reconnect automatically when you turn it on and bring it near your iPad. You only pair once. If the keyboard does not reconnect automatically, turn it off and back on, or restart your iPad's Bluetooth.

Can I use a keyboard case that has a built-in keyboard?

Yes. Keyboard cases work the same way as standalone keyboards — they pair through Bluetooth or connect via USB-C. Follow the same pairing steps. Some cases have a physical button to turn the keyboard on and off, while others turn on automatically when you open the case.

Will a wireless keyboard for my computer work with my iPad?

It depends on the keyboard. If it uses standard Bluetooth, it will likely pair with your iPad and work. If it uses a proprietary wireless receiver or USB dongle, it will not work with iPad. Check the keyboard's manual to see what connection method it uses.