How to connect a Magic Keyboard to your iPad

Since its debut in 2010, the iPad has been trying to find its place in the Apple ecosystem. By offering a sort of middle ground between iPhones and Macs, the tablet definitely meets the needs of certain niches, especially in the creative field where users require touchscreen capabilities that aren’t yet present on even the most advanced Mac models. Although many still argue that an iPad can’t yet be a full laptop replacement, the reality is that it can already work for many people. Additionally, the latest models of the iPad Pro address many concerns that made it difficult to use as a primary work or school device, such as software limitations and processing power. However, one important advantage that Macs still have over iPads is the built-in keyboard. Thankfully, Apple solves this problem by using the Magic Keyboard.

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Today, Apple offers several versions of the Magic Keyboard, from the standard Magic Keyboard ($99), the Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad ($129), and even a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID ($149). In addition, Apple also offers versions of the Magic Keyboard that come with built-in cases specifically for your iPad: the Magic Keyboard Folio ($249), the Magic Keyboard for iPad Air ($299), and the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro ($299). So if you have one of those handy, here’s how to connect it to your iPad.

If you’re using a Magic Keyboard model for iPad, pairing your iPad is easy. On a flat surface, open the lid of your iPad Magic Keyboard. Next, align your iPad with the camera hole in the top left corner of the lid and use magnets to attach it to the cover. Then, make sure the contact points on your iPad are properly aligned with the three circular contact points on your Magic Keyboard case. For example, on the iPad (10th generation) in landscape mode, the contact points are located on the lower part of your iPad screen, which you need to connect to the upper part of the keyboard on the Magic Keyboard Folio. While on the iPad Pro, the contact points are located on the back and should connect directly to the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro case.

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Since it uses your iPad battery, you don’t have to worry about charging your Magic Keyboard for iPad separately. However, you do need to monitor your iPad battery to make sure it’s enough to power the Magic Keyboard as well. So, unlike other wireless keyboards, you don’t have to worry about checking battery life and constantly charging another device. However, while the iPad Magic Keyboards have a USB-C port that you can use to charge your iPad, you can’t use the port for inputs like a mouse or memory stick.

It’s also possible to connect your iPad to a regular Magic Keyboard designed for Mac. For example, the Magic Keyboard for Numeric Keypad works with several iPad models, such as the iPad mini (4, 5th to 6th generation), iPad (5th to 10th generation), iPad Air (2, 3rd to 5th generation, 11-inch M2, 13-inch M2), and iPad Pro (9.7-inch, 10.5-inch, 11-inch 1st to 4th generation, M4, 12.9-inch 3rd to 6th generation, M4). However, it requires some additional settings.

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Quina Baterna/SlashGear

1. Charge your Magic Keyboard using a charging cable.

2. Turn on the Magic Keyboard. The power button is located on the top right of your Magic Keyboard. To know if it is turned on, you should be able to see the green sticker.

3. On your iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth.

4. Activate the button next to Bluetooth.

5. Under “Other devices,” select “Magic Keyboard.”

Note that the regular Magic Keyboard will not appear in the Other Devices section if it is still paired with another device. To proceed, you will need to unpair it first before repeating the above steps again. Alternatively, you can also use your regular Magic Keyboard’s charging cable to plug it directly into the iPad port and create a wired connection, but you may need an adapter to do this. Aside from the regular Magic Keyboard, you can also use these steps for keyboards from other manufacturers.

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If you’re using a Magic Keyboard that’s not designed for iPad, the first thing you should do is check that the battery is charged. Unlike the iPad keyboards, you still have to charge these separately. On the other hand, getting your iPad to work with your Magic Keyboard again can be quite easy by turning both devices on and off, or unpairing and re-pairing your devices.

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Depending on your iPad model, you may need to update your operating system to use certain Magic Keyboard models. For example, the Magic Keyboard for iPad Air 11-inch (M2) is only compatible with certain generations of 11-inch iPad models that run at least iPadOS 14.5. However, the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) requires your device to run iPadOS 17.4 or later. If you’re not sure about your specific Magic Keyboard and iPad combination, you can update your iPad to the latest operating system to be on the safe side.

As with all uses of Bluetooth technology, the range is limited to 10 meters before connection problems arise. Also, there is always the possibility of interference that can cause devices to behave erratically. To prevent this, Apple recommends staying away from devices such as wireless video cameras, power cables, and microwave ovens. Since Bluetooth connections use 2.4 GHz bands, you can also switch some devices to 5 GHz to reduce the load.

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