The basic steps to pair a wireless keyboard
A wireless keyboard connects to your iPad through Bluetooth, a short-range wireless technology built into both devices. The process takes about two minutes and works the same way whether your keyboard is brand new or one you've used before.
Start by turning on your wireless keyboard. Most keyboards have a power switch on the back or bottom — flip it to the on position. Some keyboards turn on automatically when you open them. Look for a light on the keyboard that indicates it's powered; this is usually a small LED near the power button or on the top edge.
On your iPad, open Settings and tap Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is toggled on — you'll see the switch turn blue. Your iPad will now search for nearby Bluetooth devices and display them in a list.
Look for your keyboard's name in the list. It might be labeled with the brand name (like "Logitech" or "Apple Magic Keyboard") or a generic name like "Keyboard". Tap the keyboard name to start pairing.
Key Takeaways
- Turn on your wireless keyboard first, then open Settings > Bluetooth on your iPad and make sure Bluetooth is switched on.
- Your keyboard will appear in the Bluetooth list within 10 to 30 seconds, and you tap its name to connect.
- Some keyboards require you to hold down a pairing button for three to five seconds before they show up in the list.
- Once paired, your keyboard will reconnect automatically the next time both devices are turned on and in range.
- If your keyboard doesn't appear, restart both the keyboard and your iPad, then try the Bluetooth search again.
When your keyboard has a pairing button
Many wireless keyboards have a dedicated pairing button that you need to press before the keyboard will show up on your iPad's Bluetooth list. This button is usually small and recessed, located on the back or bottom of the keyboard. Check your keyboard's manual or look for a button labeled "Pair" or "Connect".
If your keyboard has a pairing button, press and hold it for three to five seconds until you see a light blink or flash on the keyboard. This puts the keyboard into pairing mode, which means it's actively looking for a device to connect to. Now go to your iPad's Bluetooth settings and look for the keyboard name in the list.
Some keyboards only need the pairing button pressed once per new device. After that, they'll reconnect to your iPad automatically whenever you turn them on. Other keyboards require you to press the pairing button every time you want to connect to a different device.
What to do if the keyboard doesn't appear
If you've waited 30 seconds and your keyboard still isn't showing up in the Bluetooth list, the most common fix is to restart both devices. Turn off your keyboard completely, wait five seconds, and turn it back on. Then go back to your iPad's Bluetooth settings and look again.
If the keyboard still doesn't appear, restart your iPad. Press and hold the power button until you see "Slide to Power Off", then slide to shut it down. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. Once your iPad has fully restarted, go back to Bluetooth settings and search again.
Make sure your keyboard is actually powered on — this is the most common reason a keyboard won't show up. Check for a light on the keyboard or try pressing a key to see if it responds. If your keyboard uses batteries, the batteries might be dead. Try replacing them with fresh ones and turning the keyboard back on.
How to disconnect or forget a keyboard
If you want to use a different keyboard or stop using a keyboard temporarily, you can disconnect it without erasing the pairing. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, find your keyboard in the list, and tap the information icon (a small circle with an "i" inside). Tap Disconnect.
Your keyboard will stop working with your iPad, but the pairing information stays saved. The next time you turn on your keyboard, it will reconnect automatically. This is useful if you have multiple keyboards and want to switch between them without re-pairing each time.
If you want to completely remove a keyboard so it won't reconnect automatically, tap the information icon next to the keyboard name and select Forget This Device. Now the pairing is erased. If you want to use that keyboard again later, you'll need to go through the full pairing process from the beginning.
Why your keyboard might stop working mid-session
If your keyboard was working and suddenly stopped, the most likely reason is that it's out of range or the batteries are dying. Bluetooth typically works within 30 feet, though walls and other devices can reduce that range. Move your keyboard and iPad closer together and try typing again.
If your keyboard has low batteries, it may disconnect even though it's still powered on. Replace the batteries with fresh ones. Some keyboards show a low-battery warning light before they disconnect completely, so watch for that indicator.
Occasionally your iPad's Bluetooth connection can glitch. If your keyboard still won't work after moving closer and checking batteries, turn off Bluetooth in Settings, wait five seconds, and turn it back on. Your keyboard should reconnect automatically.
Connecting multiple keyboards to the same iPad
Your iPad can be paired with multiple keyboards at the same time, though only one can be actively typing at a time. Each keyboard you pair will appear in your Bluetooth list with a checkmark next to it, showing it's connected.
To switch between keyboards, straightforward start typing on the one you want to use. Your iPad will automatically send your keystrokes to whichever keyboard is active. If you want to stop using one keyboard and use another, just pick up the second keyboard and start typing — your iPad will switch to it.
This is helpful if you have a keyboard at home and a different one at work, or if you share an iPad with someone else who has their own keyboard. Each keyboard stays paired until you forget it, so switching between them is when ready.
Troubleshooting when pairing fails repeatedly
If you've restarted both devices and your keyboard still won't pair, try forgetting the keyboard completely and starting over. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the information icon next to your keyboard, and select Forget This Device. Now turn off your keyboard, wait 10 seconds, turn it back on, and try pairing again from scratch.
Check whether your keyboard is compatible with iPad. Most modern wireless keyboards work with iPad, but very old keyboards or keyboards designed only for computers may not. Look up your keyboard model online or check the manual to confirm it supports iPad.
If you're using a keyboard with a USB receiver (a small dongle that plugs into a computer), that keyboard won't work with iPad because iPad doesn't have a USB port. Only Bluetooth keyboards work with iPad. If your keyboard came with a receiver, it's not a Bluetooth keyboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to charge my wireless keyboard?
Some wireless keyboards use rechargeable batteries and need to be plugged in to charge, usually through a USB cable. Others use replaceable AA or AAA batteries that you swap out when they run low. Check your keyboard's manual to see which type you have. A keyboard with low batteries may disconnect or type slowly before it stops working entirely.
Can I use a wireless keyboard with a case on my iPad?
Yes. A case doesn't affect Bluetooth, so your keyboard will work normally even if your iPad is in a case. The case might make your iPad slightly thicker, but Bluetooth signals pass through plastic without any problem.
Why does my keyboard keep disconnecting?
The most common reason is low batteries. Replace them with fresh ones and see if the disconnections stop. If the keyboard still disconnects, try moving it closer to your iPad — interference from walls or other wireless devices can weaken the connection. If disconnections happen in the same location, try moving to a different room.
Can I use my computer's wireless keyboard with my iPad?
If your computer keyboard is Bluetooth, yes — you can pair it with your iPad the same way you'd pair any other Bluetooth keyboard. If it uses a USB receiver (a small dongle), it won't work with iPad because iPad has no USB port. Check your keyboard's manual or look for a receiver to know which type you have.
What if my keyboard pairs but the keys don't work?
First, make sure the keyboard is actually connected — go to Settings > Bluetooth and look for a checkmark next to your keyboard's name. If it's connected but keys don't work, try disconnecting and reconnecting it. If that doesn't fix it, forget the device completely and pair it again from scratch. If the keyboard still doesn't work after re-pairing, the keyboard itself may be faulty.