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To connect a Bluetooth Apple keyboard, turn it on, then on your iPad go to Settings > Bluetooth, switch Bluetooth on, and tap the keyboard when it appears. If the keyboard is made specifically for iPad—such as Magic Keyboard, Magic Keyboard Folio, Smart Keyboard, or Smart Keyboard Folio—it attaches through the Smart Connector instead; it does not pair over Bluetooth.
First, identify which kind of Apple keyboard you have
Apple sells both standalone Bluetooth keyboards for computers and keyboard covers designed for particular iPad models. Their connection methods differ, so identify the keyboard before troubleshooting.
| Keyboard type | How it connects | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone Apple Bluetooth keyboard, such as the computer Magic Keyboard | Bluetooth | Turn it on, then select it in Settings > Bluetooth on the iPad. |
| Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro or iPad Air; Magic Keyboard Folio; Smart Keyboard or Smart Keyboard Folio | Smart Connector | Attach it to a compatible iPad at the connector. Bluetooth pairing is not part of setup. |
Apple’s compatibility list treats these as separate product families with different supported iPad models. Check the current Apple keyboard compatibility list for your exact iPad generation and size before buying or diagnosing a connection problem. For example, Apple lists Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad (A16) and iPad (10th generation); Smart Keyboard is listed for iPad (7th, 8th, and 9th generation), iPad Air (3rd generation), and iPad Pro 10.5-inch.
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Pair a standalone Bluetooth Apple keyboard
- Charge it if needed and switch it on. If your Magic Keyboard has a power switch, green visible at the switch indicates that it is on.
- Open Settings > Bluetooth on the iPad. Turn Bluetooth on.
- Select the keyboard. Wait for its name to appear in the available devices list, then tap it. The exact list label can vary with iPadOS; Apple’s iPhone pairing guide refers to the Other Devices list.
- Enter a code if prompted. Follow any on-screen instruction to complete the connection.
Apple’s published Magic Keyboard Bluetooth pairing instructions describe the iPhone flow, while its iPad guide confirms that iPad supports external Bluetooth keyboards. The Settings flow above applies that device-selection process on iPad; it is not a claim that Apple publishes a separate iPad-specific Magic Keyboard pairing article.
#1 Best Overall
- WHY MAGIC KEYBOARD FOLIO — The perfect iPad (A16) companion. It features a great typing experience, a built-in trackpad to handle tasks with precision, a 14-key function row. The versatile two-piece design that includes a detachable keyboard and protective back panel that both attach magnetically to iPad for front and back protection. No charging or pairing required. Simply attach it and start typing.
- COMPATIBILITY — Magic Keyboard Folio works with iPad (A16 and 10th generation).
- DESIGNED FOR COMFORT — Magic Keyboard Folio features a versatile two-piece design that includes a detachable keyboard and a protective back panel that attach magnetically. The large click-anywhere trackpad supports Multi‑Touch gestures and using a cursor.
- PROTECTIVE KEYBOARD AND CASE — The back panel has an adjustable stand for smooth, continuous viewing. And the case helps iPad stay protected wherever you go.
Attach an iPad keyboard cover
Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro or iPad Air
Check that the keyboard matches your exact iPad model, then attach it at the Smart Connector. Apple specifies different minimum software versions for these products: Magic Keyboard for iPad Air requires iPadOS 18.3 or later; other iPad Magic Keyboard devices require iPadOS 14.5 or later. See Apple’s Magic Keyboard setup and troubleshooting instructions for model-specific details.
Magic Keyboard Folio
Attach the keyboard magnetically so its contacts meet the iPad’s Smart Connector. The connector provides power and data, so this keyboard does not need charging or Bluetooth pairing. Apple lists setup and troubleshooting details in its Magic Keyboard Folio guide.
Rank #2
- WHY MAGIC KEYBOARD FOR IPAD — The incredibly thin and portable Magic Keyboard features a glass trackpad with haptic feedback, a great typing experience with a function row, USB-C pass-through charging, front and back protection, and magnetic attachability. No pairing or charging required.
- COMPATIBILITY — Magic Keyboard works with iPad Pro 13-inch (M4 and M5).
- DESIGNED FOR COMFORT — Magic Keyboard features a two-cantilever hinge design for smooth, adjustable viewing angles. Backlit keys with a scissor mechanism and a 10-key function row give you more versatility than ever. The built-in glass trackpad features haptic feedback and support for Multi-Touch gestures using the cursor.
- PROTECTIVE KEYBOARD AND CASE — Folds to provide front and back protection wherever you go and features a USB-C connector for pass-through charging. Available in black or white.
- Accessories are sold separately and subject to availability. Compatibility varies by generation.
Smart Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio
After confirming compatibility, align the keyboard with the Smart Connector. On Smart Keyboard Folio, the three contacts are on the iPad’s back; on Smart Keyboard, the connector is on the iPad’s edge and side. Apple says neither model needs pairing or a separate power-on step. As Apple puts it, “Unlike Bluetooth keyboards, you don’t need to pair or turn on your Smart Keyboard Folio or Smart Keyboard.” See the Smart Keyboard setup guide.
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If the Bluetooth keyboard does not appear or connect
- Check power and Bluetooth: make sure the keyboard is switched on and charged, and Bluetooth is enabled on the iPad.
- Check for another active connection: if the keyboard is paired with a Mac or another device, disconnect or forget it there, then try selecting it on the iPad again. Apple specifically advises removing an existing Magic Keyboard pairing when connecting it to an iPhone; this is useful troubleshooting guidance, though behavior can vary by keyboard.
- Try discovery again: return to the iPad’s Bluetooth screen and wait for the keyboard to show in the available devices list before selecting it.
Apple’s Magic Keyboard Bluetooth pairing guidance documents the power, selection, and existing-pairing steps for iPhone.
Rank #3
- WHY MAGIC KEYBOARD FOR IPAD — The incredibly thin and portable Magic Keyboard for iPad Air delivers an amazing typing experience, with a full 14-key function row, built-in trackpad, USB-C pass-through charging, and a floating cantilever design. No pairing or charging required.
- DESIGNED FOR COMFORT — Magic Keyboard for iPad Air attaches magnetically and features a two-cantilever hinge design for smooth, adjustable viewing angles; physical keycaps with a scissor mechanism; and a 14-key function row for comfort and versatility.
- COMPATIBILITY — Magic Keyboard works with iPad Air 11-inch (M2, M3, and M4) and iPad Air (4th and 5th generation).
- PROTECTIVE KEYBOARD AND CASE — Folds to provide front and back protection wherever you go and features a USB-C connector for pass-through charging. Available in white.
If an iPad keyboard cover is not responding
- Verify compatibility. Use Apple’s compatibility list to confirm the keyboard supports your exact iPad.
- Check iPadOS. Install an update if your keyboard has a minimum software requirement.
- Inspect and clean the contacts. Disconnect the keyboard, then wipe the Smart Connector contacts on both devices with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Reconnect without interference. Remove another case or cover if applicable, then attach the keyboard again. For Magic Keyboard Folio, also check that there is no debris or plastic covering the contacts.
- Restart the iPad. If the keyboard still does not respond after reconnecting, restart the iPad and test again.
Apple provides model-specific steps in its Magic Keyboard troubleshooting guide and Magic Keyboard Folio guide.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- WHY MAGIC KEYBOARD FOR IPAD — The incredibly thin and portable Magic Keyboard features a glass trackpad with haptic feedback, a great typing experience with a function row, USB-C pass-through charging, front and back protection, and magnetic attachability. No pairing or charging required.
- COMPATIBILITY — Magic Keyboard works with iPad Pro 11-inch (M4 and M5).
- DESIGNED FOR COMFORT — Magic Keyboard features a two-cantilever hinge design for smooth, adjustable viewing angles. Backlit keys with a scissor mechanism and a 10-key function row give you more versatility than ever. The built-in glass trackpad features haptic feedback and support for Multi-Touch gestures using the cursor.
- PROTECTIVE KEYBOARD AND CASE — Folds to provide front and back protection wherever you go and features a USB-C connector for pass-through charging. Available in black or white.
- Accessories are sold separately and subject to availability. Compatibility varies by generation.
Rank #4
- WHY MAGIC KEYBOARD FOR IPAD — The incredibly thin and portable Magic Keyboard for iPad Air delivers an amazing typing experience, with a full 14-key function row, built-in trackpad, USB-C pass-through charging, and a floating cantilever design. No pairing or charging required.
- DESIGNED FOR COMFORT — Magic Keyboard for iPad Air attaches magnetically and features a two-cantilever hinge design for smooth, adjustable viewing angles; physical keycaps with a scissor mechanism; and a 14-key function row for comfort and versatility.
- COMPATIBILITY — Magic Keyboard works with iPad Air 11-inch (M2, M3, and M4) and iPad Air (4th and 5th generation).
- PROTECTIVE KEYBOARD AND CASE — Folds to provide front and back protection wherever you go and features a USB-C connector for pass-through charging. Available in white.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
