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You don’t need to look up a universal PIN for an older Apple Wireless Keyboard. When your Mac displays a passcode during Bluetooth pairing, type that code on the keyboard you’re setting up, then press Return on that same keyboard.
Enter the passcode shown by your Mac
Apple’s current setup instructions don’t list a single passcode to find in advance. The code comes from the active pairing flow, and you enter it on the keyboard being paired—not in a Mac text field or on another keyboard. Apple’s setup instructions say to enter the requested passcode on the keyboard being set up and then press Return on that keyboard.
- Turn on the earlier Apple Wireless Keyboard. A blinking LED indicates that it is discoverable and ready to pair.
- On your Mac, open the Apple menu and choose System Settings or System Preferences, then open Bluetooth.
- Select Connect when the keyboard appears.
- If the Mac asks for a passcode, type the code shown in the pairing flow on the Apple Wireless Keyboard, then press Return on that keyboard.
Check that these instructions fit your keyboard
Apple distinguishes earlier wireless input devices from newer Magic Keyboard models. The older Apple Wireless Keyboard has no Lightning port, uses a blinking LED to indicate pairing readiness, and may ask for a passcode during Bluetooth setup. Some newer Magic Keyboard models pair automatically when connected to a Mac with a supported cable. If your keyboard has a Lightning port or does not show the described pairing behavior, check its model and follow the instructions for that generation rather than looking for an older keyboard’s passcode prompt. Apple’s setup article covers this distinction.
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If the keyboard doesn’t appear in Bluetooth
Use the keyboard’s LED as a first clue, then check its existing connections and the Mac’s setup requirements.
#1 Best Overall
- Magic Keyboard delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience.
- It’s also wireless and rechargeable, with an incredibly long-lasting internal battery that’ll power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges.
- It pairs automatically with your Mac, so you can get to work straightaway.
- It features a USB-C port and includes a woven USB-C Charge Cable that lets you pair and charge by connecting to a USB-C port on your Mac.
- The LED stays dark: Apple says the batteries may need replacing.
- The LED lights briefly but doesn’t blink: The keyboard may already be connected to another nearby Mac. In that Mac’s Bluetooth settings, forget or remove the keyboard, then turn it off and back on.
- The keyboard has a right-side power button: For earlier models, Apple’s troubleshooting instructions say to hold the button until the green LED turns off, then press it again until the LED comes on.
- Bluetooth is unavailable or the connection won’t stay established: Check that Bluetooth is on. If the connection still drops, Apple advises checking for wireless interference.
- You can’t complete setup: Earlier wireless input devices require a mouse or trackpad already connected to the Mac. On a Mac laptop, you can use its built-in trackpad.
For the power-button, Bluetooth, and interference steps, see Apple’s connection troubleshooting instructions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Magic Keyboard is available with Touch ID, providing fast, easy and secure authentication for logins and to unlock your Mac.
- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience.
- It’s also wireless and rechargeable, with an incredibly long-lasting internal battery that will power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges.
- It pairs automatically with your Mac, so you can get to work right away.
- It features a USB-C port and includes a woven USB-C Charge Cable that lets you pair and charge by connecting to a USB-C port on your Mac.
Rank #4
- Magic Keyboard is available with Touch ID, providing fast, easy and secure authentication for logins and to unlock your Mac.
- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience.
- It features an extended layout, with document navigation controls for quick scrolling and full-size arrow keys, which are great for gaming.
- The numeric keypad is also ideal for spreadsheets and finance applications.
- It’s wireless and features a rechargeable battery that will power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges.
Rank #3
- Magic Keyboard is available with Touch ID, providing fast, easy and secure authentication for logins and to unlock your Mac.
- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience.
- It features an extended layout, with document navigation controls for quick scrolling and full-size arrow keys, which are great for gaming.
- The numeric keypad is also ideal for spreadsheets and finance applications.
- It’s wireless and features a rechargeable battery that will power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges.
Rank #2
- WIRELESS, RECHARGEABLE CONVENIENCE — Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad connects wirelessly to your Mac, iPad, or iPhone via Bluetooth. And the rechargeable internal battery means no loose batteries to replace.
- WORKS WITH MAC, IPAD, OR IPHONE — It pairs quickly with your device so you can get to work right away.
- ENHANCED TYPING EXPERIENCE — Magic Keyboard delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience. Its extended layout features document navigation controls for quick scrolling and full-size arrow keys. The numeric keypad is ideal for spreadsheets and finance applications.
- GO WEEKS WITHOUT CHARGING — The incredibly long-lasting internal battery will power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges. (Battery life varies by use.) Comes with a Lightning to USB Cable that lets you pair and charge by connecting to a USB port on your Mac.
- SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS — Requires a Bluetooth-enabled Mac with macOS 10.12.4 or later, an iPad with iPadOS 13.4 or later, or an iPhone or iPod touch with iOS 10.3 or later.
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