The basic steps to pair your Zagg keyboard
A Zagg keyboard connects to your iPad through Bluetooth, which is a wireless connection that lets devices talk to each other without cables. Most Zagg keyboards pair in under a minute: turn on Bluetooth on your iPad, make sure the keyboard is powered on and in pairing mode, then select it from the list of available devices.
The exact steps depend slightly on which iPad model and which Zagg keyboard you own, but the process is nearly identical across all recent versions. If your keyboard is brand new or hasn't been used in a while, it may already be in pairing mode — a light on the keyboard usually blinks to show this. If the light isn't blinking, hold down the power button for three to five seconds until it does.
Key Takeaways
- Turn on Bluetooth in your iPad's Settings, then look for your Zagg keyboard in the list of available devices and tap it to connect.
- Most Zagg keyboards enter pairing mode automatically when powered on for the first time, shown by a blinking light on the device.
- If pairing fails, restart both the keyboard and iPad, then try again — this solves most connection problems.
- Once paired, your keyboard will reconnect automatically when you turn it on near your iPad, without needing to pair again.
- If your keyboard uses batteries, check that they are fresh and inserted correctly, as low power can prevent pairing.
Turning on Bluetooth on your iPad
Open the Settings app on your iPad — it looks like a gray gear and is usually on your home screen. Tap "Bluetooth" in the left menu. You will see a toggle switch at the top that says "Bluetooth". If it is gray and off, tap it once to turn it on. The switch will turn green and say "On".
Wait a few seconds for your iPad to scan for nearby devices. You should see a list of available devices appear below the toggle. If you do not see your Zagg keyboard listed, make sure the keyboard is powered on and in pairing mode — the keyboard should have a light that blinks when it is ready to pair.
Putting your Zagg keyboard into pairing mode
Most Zagg keyboards enter pairing mode automatically the first time you turn them on. Look for a small light on the keyboard — usually near the power button or on the top edge. If the light is blinking or flashing, the keyboard is ready to pair. If the light is solid or off, hold down the power button for three to five seconds until the light starts blinking.
Some Zagg keyboards have a dedicated pairing button instead of relying on the power button. Check the back or underside of your keyboard for a small button labeled "Pair" or "Connect". If you find one, press and hold it for three seconds. The manual that came with your keyboard will show exactly where this button is if you are unsure.
Selecting your keyboard from the Bluetooth list
Once your iPad's Bluetooth is on and your keyboard is in pairing mode, look at the list of devices on your iPad's Bluetooth settings screen. Your Zagg keyboard will appear with a name like "Zagg Keyboard" or "Zagg Keys" — the exact name depends on the model. Tap on it once.
Your iPad will attempt to connect. This usually takes five to ten seconds. When the connection is successful, the word "Connected" will appear next to your keyboard's name in the list. The light on your keyboard will stop blinking and either turn solid or turn off, depending on the model.
What to do if your keyboard will not pair
If your keyboard does not appear in the list, or if the connection fails, the most common fix is to restart both devices. Turn off your keyboard completely by holding the power button for five seconds. Then go to your iPad's Settings, tap "Bluetooth", and toggle it off. Wait ten seconds, then turn Bluetooth back on and power on your keyboard again. Repeat the pairing steps above.
If the keyboard still will not pair, check the battery. If your keyboard uses replaceable batteries, open the battery compartment and make sure the batteries are fresh and inserted with the correct polarity — the + and − sides should match the markings inside the compartment. Low batteries are the most common reason a keyboard will not pair. If your keyboard has a built-in rechargeable battery, plug it in and let it charge for at least 30 minutes, then try again.
Using your keyboard after it is paired
Once your Zagg keyboard is paired, it will reconnect automatically every time you turn it on near your iPad. You do not need to pair it again — the iPad remembers the connection. straightforward power on the keyboard and start typing. The connection usually happens within a few seconds.
If your keyboard does not reconnect automatically, turn it off and back on. If that does not work, go to Bluetooth settings on your iPad, find your keyboard in the list, and tap it again. You can also "forget" the keyboard by tapping the information icon next to its name and selecting "Forget This Device", then pair it fresh if you are having persistent problems.
Troubleshooting when keys do not work after pairing
If your keyboard is connected but the keys do not type anything, first check that you are using an app that accepts text input — some apps like Photos or Maps do not respond to keyboard input. Open the Notes app and try typing there. If the keys work in Notes but not elsewhere, the problem is with that specific app, not your keyboard.
If the keys do not work anywhere, disconnect and reconnect the keyboard. Go to Bluetooth settings, tap the information icon next to your keyboard's name, and select "Disconnect". Wait five seconds, then tap your keyboard's name again to reconnect. If this does not fix it, restart your iPad completely by holding down the power button until "Slide to Power Off" appears, then slide to shut it down. Wait ten seconds and power it back on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect my Zagg keyboard to multiple iPads?
Yes. Your keyboard can pair with multiple devices, but it can only connect to one at a time. To switch between iPads, turn off Bluetooth on the first iPad, then turn on Bluetooth on the second iPad and tap your keyboard's name in the list. The keyboard will disconnect from the first device and connect to the second.
Why does my keyboard keep disconnecting?
The most common cause is low battery. Check that your keyboard's battery is charged or that replaceable batteries are fresh. If the battery is fine, restart both devices and re-pair. If disconnections continue, the keyboard may have a hardware problem and may need to be replaced.
Do I need to install anything on my iPad to use a Zagg keyboard?
No. Zagg keyboards work with the built-in Bluetooth on your iPad — no app or software installation is needed. Your iPad handles the connection automatically once you pair the devices.
What if my Zagg keyboard has a USB cable instead of batteries?
Some Zagg keyboards charge through USB but still connect via Bluetooth. Plug the keyboard into power using the USB cable, wait for it to charge, then follow the same pairing steps above. The USB cable is only for charging, not for data connection.
Can I use my Zagg keyboard with other devices besides iPad?
Yes. Most Zagg keyboards work with any device that has Bluetooth, including iPhones, Android tablets, and computers. You pair it the same way — turn on Bluetooth on the device, put the keyboard in pairing mode, and select it from the list.