How to Connect Every Magic Keyboard to Your iPad

Apple makes a range of different Magic Keyboards, including several versions of the regular Bluetooth Magic Keyboard that works with Macs, iPads, and iPhones, as well as specialized ones that are only compatible with certain iPads.

Depending on the Magic Keyboard you have and the iPad model you own, the steps you need to follow may vary. So, follow along to learn how to connect these Magic Keyboards to your iPad and avoid common mistakes. We’ll also discuss a few troubleshooting tips to follow when pairing fails.

4

How to Connect the Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro or iPad Air

The Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro and iPad Air attaches magnetically and has an integrated trackpad. It doesn’t have a battery because it gets power from the connected iPad via the Smart Connector.

Here’s what you need to do:

Two iPad Pros on a desk with black and silver Magic Keyboards

Apple clarifiesthat the first Magic Keyboard (A1998) “may not precisely fit” the fifth-generation or later iPad Pro when closed. Despite the imprecise fit, we can confirm that the keyboard functions as expected. To disconnect the keyboard, separate it from the iPad. For those wondering, closing the cover during a call won’t automatically hang up the call.

You can charge your iPad by plugging a power cable into the USB‑C port on the keyboard hinge, which frees up the iPad’s charging port for peripherals. The USB-C port on the keyboard is forpass-through chargingonly and doesn’t transmit data, meaning you cannot use it for things such as USB-C thumb drives, mice, and similar.

White Magic Keyboard on iPad Pro

In case you’ve been wondering, you shouldn’t attempt to connect the iPad and the keyboard through their USB-C ports because it doesn’t work.

The Magic Keyboard for iPad works with the 11-inch iPad Pro, the third-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro and newer, and the fourth-generation iPad Air and later.

A white Magic Keyboard Folio on an iPad

How to Connect a Magic Keyboard Folio for the iPad

The Magic Keyboard Folio only works with the 10th-generation iPad. It’s equipped with a trackpad, an adjustable stand, a detachable keyboard, and a protective back panel.

Follow these simple instructions to start using it:

Back view of Apple’s Magic Keyboard for Mac

To disconnect your Magic Keyboard Folio, separate it from the iPad.

How to Connect a Bluetooth Magic Keyboard for Mac to an iPad

The Magic Keyboard for the Mac packs a rechargeable battery and supports wireless and wired modes. This keyboard has distinct editions; you can buy one with or without a numeric keypad. Apple also sells a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, whichrequires an Apple silicon Macfor biometric features.

The Magic Keyboard for Mac works with any iPhone or iPad as long as it runs at least iOS/iPadOS 10.3. Follow the steps below to connect the keyboard wirelessly:

If the keyboard doesn’t appear, check that Bluetooth is enabled on your iPad first. If it’s already paired with a Mac, you’ll need to unpair it before connecting it to your iPad or another device.

To disconnect your Bluetooth Magic Keyboard and revert to the virtual one, openSettings > Bluetooth, and touch thei (Info)button to the right of theMagic Keyboardentry, then chooseDisconnect. You’ll need to reconnect later to use the keyboard again.

Alternatively, you can connect and use the Magic Keyboard in wired mode. To do this, plug one end of a Lightning to USB-C charging cable into the Lightning port on the back of the keyboard and the other end into the iPad’s USB-C port. The keyboard automatically pairs in wired mode. And to disconnect it, either flip the power switch on the back or unplug the cable.

Potential Fixes When Your Magic Keyboard Isn’t Connecting

If you experience issues when trying to connect a Magic Keyboard, follow these troubleshooting steps one by one until it works as intended:

Hopefully, you still don’t have issues connecting the Magic Keyboard to your iPad.

Elevate Your Typing Experience on the iPad

Apple’s Magic Keyboard lineup has become essential to get the ideal iPad experience. Besides, physical keys give you tactile feedback that no touchscreen can simulate.

If you’ve never used a Magic Keyboard, we encourage you to try it. Connecting and pairing one with your iPad will instantly elevate your tablet typing experience.

Still getting used to Apple’s Magic Keyboard for the iPad or iPad Pro? These tips and customizations can help you make the most of it.

Quality apps that don’t cost anything.

you could’t call this offline, Notion.

Some subscriptions are worth the recurring cost, but not these ones.

Turn these settings on, and your iPhone will be so much better than before.

The best features aren’t the ones being advertised.

Technology Explained

PC & Mobile