The basic steps to pair a Zagg keyboard

A Zagg keyboard connects to your iPad through Bluetooth, which is a wireless connection standard built into both devices. The keyboard and iPad find each other, confirm they want to talk, and then stay paired so you don't have to repeat the process every time. Most Zagg keyboards are ready to pair straight out of the box — you just need to turn on Bluetooth on your iPad and follow a few prompts.

The exact steps depend slightly on which Zagg model you have, but the process is nearly identical across their product line. If your keyboard came with a charging cable, charge it fully before you start — a keyboard with low battery may not pair reliably. Then turn on the keyboard (usually a power switch or a button you hold for a few seconds) and make sure Bluetooth is on in your iPad's settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Zagg keyboards connect through Bluetooth, a wireless standard that both your iPad and keyboard have built in.
  • You turn on the keyboard, open your iPad's Bluetooth settings, and select the keyboard from the list of available devices.
  • Your iPad will ask you to confirm a pairing code — this is normal and takes less than a minute.
  • Once paired, the keyboard reconnects automatically when you turn it on, so you only pair once.
  • If pairing fails, restarting Bluetooth on your iPad or restarting the keyboard usually fixes the problem.

Turning on Bluetooth on your iPad

Open the Settings app on your iPad — it looks like a gray gear icon and is usually on your home screen. Tap "Bluetooth" in the left menu. You should see a toggle switch at the top of the screen that says "Bluetooth." If it is gray or shows "Off," tap it to turn Bluetooth on. The toggle will turn green and show "On."

Once Bluetooth is on, your iPad starts looking for nearby devices. You should see a list appear below the toggle showing devices it has found. If your Zagg keyboard is turned on and in pairing mode, it will appear in this list — usually with a name like "Zagg Pro Keys" or "Zagg Slim Book" depending on your model.

Selecting your keyboard from the Bluetooth list

Look for your Zagg keyboard's name in the list under "Other Devices." Tap on it once. Your iPad will start trying to connect and may show a spinning circle while it works. Within a few seconds, a pairing request should appear on your screen asking you to confirm a code.

The code is usually a four-digit number that appears on both your iPad and your keyboard screen (or just on your iPad, depending on the model). You do not need to type this code — you are just confirming that you see the same number on both devices, which proves they are talking to each other and not to someone else's device. Tap "Pair" on your iPad to confirm.

Once you tap "Pair," the keyboard should move from the "Other Devices" list to a section called "My Devices" and show "Connected" next to its name. This means the pairing worked. You can now close the Settings app and start typing.

What to do if the keyboard does not appear in the list

If you do not see your Zagg keyboard in the Bluetooth list, the keyboard may not be in pairing mode. Most Zagg keyboards enter pairing mode automatically when you turn them on for the first time, but if you have used the keyboard before, you may need to put it back into pairing mode manually. Look for a small button on the keyboard — often labeled "Pair" or "Connect" — and hold it down for three to five seconds until you see a light blink on the keyboard. Then check your iPad's Bluetooth list again.

If the keyboard still does not appear, try turning Bluetooth off and back on on your iPad. Go back to Settings, tap Bluetooth, toggle it off, wait five seconds, and toggle it back on. Then turn on your Zagg keyboard again and look for it in the list. If it still does not show up, the keyboard may have a low battery — plug it in and wait a few minutes before trying again.

Reconnecting after the first time

After you pair your keyboard once, you do not have to pair it again. The next time you turn on your Zagg keyboard, it will automatically reconnect to your iPad as long as Bluetooth is on. You will not see any prompts or pairing codes — the keyboard will straightforward work when you start typing.

If your keyboard does not reconnect automatically, make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your iPad's settings. You can also try turning the keyboard off and back on, which usually triggers a reconnection within a few seconds. If you have paired the keyboard to multiple devices (like a phone or laptop), make sure Bluetooth is off on those other devices — a keyboard can only connect to one device at a time.

Troubleshooting a keyboard that stops working

If your keyboard was working but suddenly stopped, the first step is to check that it is still turned on and has battery. Most Zagg keyboards have a small LED light that shows when they are on — if you do not see it, the battery may be dead. Plug in the keyboard and let it charge for at least 15 minutes, then try again.

If the keyboard has battery but still is not working, go to your iPad's Bluetooth settings and tap the information icon (a small "i" in a circle) next to your keyboard's name. Tap "Forget This Device," then turn off Bluetooth and turn it back on. Turn on your keyboard and look for it in the list again, then tap it to re-pair. This clears out any confusion between the devices and usually fixes connection problems.

Using your keyboard with multiple iPads

A Zagg keyboard can be paired to more than one iPad, but it can only be connected to one at a time. If you want to switch the keyboard from one iPad to another, turn off Bluetooth on the first iPad, then turn on Bluetooth on the second iPad and turn on your keyboard. It should reconnect to the second device automatically if it has been paired to it before.

If you want to pair the keyboard to a new iPad you have not used it with before, put the keyboard into pairing mode (usually by holding the Pair button for three to five seconds) and then follow the same steps as the first time: go to Bluetooth settings on the new iPad, find the keyboard in the list, and tap it to pair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to charge my Zagg keyboard before I use it?

Most Zagg keyboards come partially charged, but charging it fully before first use is a good idea. A keyboard with low battery may not pair reliably or may disconnect unexpectedly. If your keyboard came with a USB cable, plug it in for at least an hour before you try to pair it.

Can I use my Zagg keyboard with other devices besides iPad?

Yes. Zagg keyboards use standard Bluetooth, so they work with iPhones, Android tablets, laptops, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. You pair it the same way on each device. Remember that the keyboard can only connect to one device at a time, so you will need to switch Bluetooth off on one device before connecting to another.

What if my keyboard pairs but the keys do not work?

First, make sure the keyboard is actually connected — go to your iPad's Bluetooth settings and check that it shows "Connected" next to the keyboard name. If it is connected but keys do not work, try turning the keyboard off and back on. If that does not help, forget the device and re-pair it following the steps above.

How long does a Zagg keyboard battery last?

Battery life varies by model and how often you use it, but most Zagg keyboards last several weeks to a few months on a single charge. Check your keyboard's manual or the Zagg website for your specific model. When the battery gets low, the keyboard may disconnect more often — that is usually the first sign you need to charge it.

Why does my keyboard keep disconnecting?

A keyboard that disconnects repeatedly usually has a low battery. Charge it fully and try again. If it still disconnects, forget the device in your iPad's Bluetooth settings and re-pair it. If disconnections continue, the keyboard may have a hardware problem and may need to be replaced.