The basic steps to pair a Zagg keyboard
A Zagg keyboard connects to your iPad through Bluetooth, which is a wireless connection standard that lets devices talk to each other without cables. The process takes about two minutes and works the same way whether your Zagg is a case-keyboard combo or a standalone keyboard.
Start by turning on your Zagg keyboard. Most Zagg keyboards have a power switch on the side or back — flip it to the on position. You should see a light blink on the keyboard, usually blue or white, which means it is searching for a device to connect to.
On your iPad, go to Settings (the gray gear icon), then tap Bluetooth. Make sure the toggle at the top is switched on — it will turn blue when active. Your iPad will now search for nearby Bluetooth devices.
Your Zagg keyboard should appear in the list under "Other Devices" within 10 to 15 seconds. Tap the keyboard name — it will usually say "Zagg" followed by a model number. Your iPad will pair with it automatically, and you should see a checkmark next to the keyboard name when the connection is complete.
Key Takeaways
- Zagg keyboards connect through Bluetooth, a wireless standard that your iPad has built in.
- Turn on the keyboard first and look for a blinking light, then enable Bluetooth in your iPad's Settings app.
- The keyboard will appear in your iPad's Bluetooth list within seconds, and tapping it completes the pairing.
- Once paired, your keyboard will reconnect automatically the next time you turn it on, as long as Bluetooth is enabled on your iPad.
- If the keyboard does not appear, restart both devices and try again — this fixes most connection problems.
What to do if the keyboard does not appear in the Bluetooth list
If your Zagg keyboard is not showing up after 30 seconds, the most common cause is that it is not actually in pairing mode. Some Zagg keyboards require you to hold down a specific button — usually labeled "Pair" or marked with a Bluetooth symbol — for three to five seconds to enter pairing mode. Check the manual that came with your keyboard or look for a button you have not pressed yet.
If you have already paired this keyboard with another device (like a laptop or phone), it may still be connected to that device. Zagg keyboards typically stay paired with the last device they connected to. Turn off Bluetooth on that other device, or go into its Bluetooth settings and "forget" the keyboard. Then try pairing with your iPad again.
If the keyboard still does not appear, restart both devices. Turn off the keyboard completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. On your iPad, go to Settings, tap Bluetooth, and toggle it off. Wait five seconds, then toggle it back on. Try pairing again.
How to reconnect after the first pairing
Once you have paired your Zagg keyboard with your iPad once, you do not have to pair it again. The next time you turn on the keyboard with Bluetooth enabled on your iPad, they will connect automatically within a few seconds. You will see the keyboard name appear briefly in the Bluetooth menu with a checkmark.
If your keyboard does not reconnect automatically, it usually means Bluetooth is turned off on your iPad. Go to Settings and toggle Bluetooth back on. If the keyboard still does not connect after 30 seconds, turn the keyboard off and on again.
Typing and using the keyboard once connected
Once your Zagg keyboard is paired, you can start typing when ready in any app that accepts text — email, notes, documents, web browsers, and most others. The keyboard works exactly like a computer keyboard: press keys to type, use the spacebar to add spaces, and press Enter to move to a new line or submit a form.
Most Zagg keyboards also have special keys for iPad functions. Look for keys labeled with symbols like a home icon, brightness controls, or volume buttons. These let you control your iPad without touching the screen. The exact keys vary by model, so check your manual for the full list.
If you need to use the iPad's on-screen keyboard again, just tap anywhere on the screen. The Zagg keyboard will stay connected in the background and will work again the next time you tap a text field.
Disconnecting or forgetting the keyboard
If you want to stop using the keyboard temporarily, just turn it off. Your iPad will stay paired with it, and it will reconnect the next time you turn the keyboard back on.
If you want to pair the keyboard with a different iPad or device, or if you are selling or giving away the keyboard, you need to "forget" it from your iPad's Bluetooth settings. Go to Settings, tap Bluetooth, find the keyboard name in the list, and tap the i icon next to it. Then tap Forget This Device. This erases the pairing, and you can pair the keyboard with another device.
Charging and battery life
Most Zagg keyboards are rechargeable and come with a USB charging cable. Charge the keyboard fully before using it for the first time — this usually takes two to four hours. A full charge typically lasts two to four weeks of regular use, depending on the model and how often you use it.
When the battery gets low, the light on the keyboard may blink red or change color. Plug it into a power source using the included cable. You can keep using the keyboard while it charges.
Troubleshooting common problems
If keys are not working or typing is slow, the keyboard may not be fully charged. Plug it in for at least 30 minutes and try again. If the problem continues, restart both the keyboard and your iPad.
If the keyboard keeps disconnecting, it may be too far from your iPad. Bluetooth works best within about 30 feet, but walls and other devices can interfere. Move the keyboard closer to your iPad and away from other electronics like microwaves or wireless routers.
If you have tried all these steps and the keyboard still will not work, try forgetting it completely (as described above) and pairing it again from scratch. This resets the connection and fixes most stubborn problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Zagg keyboard with multiple iPads?
Yes, but only one at a time. You can pair the keyboard with multiple iPads, but it will only connect to one device at a time. To switch, forget the keyboard from the first iPad's Bluetooth settings, then pair it with the second iPad. You can also turn off Bluetooth on one iPad and turn it on for the other to switch quickly.
Do I need to install an app or driver for the Zagg keyboard to work?
No. Zagg keyboards work with iPadOS without any extra software. Just pair it through Bluetooth and start typing. Your iPad handles everything automatically.
What if my Zagg keyboard has a trackpad instead of just keys?
The trackpad works like a mouse or touchpad on a computer. Tap it to click, slide your finger to move the cursor, and use two-finger taps for right-click options. The pairing process is identical — just connect through Bluetooth as described above.
Can I use a Zagg keyboard with an older iPad?
Most Zagg keyboards work with any iPad that has Bluetooth, which includes nearly all iPads made in the last 10 years. If your iPad is very old, check the Zagg keyboard's manual or the product page to confirm it supports your iPad model.
Why does my keyboard keep asking me to pair again?
This usually means the pairing did not complete fully the first time. Forget the keyboard from your iPad's Bluetooth settings, restart both devices, and pair again from the beginning. Make sure the keyboard is in pairing mode before you try to connect.