The new Magic Keyboard has a lower profile, smaller footprint, and yet full-sized keys that, thanks to a re-engineered scissor mechanism, enjoy 33% more stability. It may not be the old-school selectric clickity-clacker some still enjoy, but the Magic Keyboard is slimmer and more portable than ever. And while it's sold with the Mac, it also works perfectly well with the iPad.
- How to pair the Magic Keyboard to your iPad
- How to check the battery charge level for the Magic Keyboard on your iPad.
- How to discover Magic Keyboard shortcuts on iPad
- How to quickly switch apps using the Magic Keyboard on the iPad
- How to disconnect or un-pair the Magic Keyboard from your iPad
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How to pair the Magic Keyboard to your iPad
The Magic Keyboard can automagically pair with a Mac the first time you plug it in via the Lightning cable charger. For the iPad, however, you have to go through Bluetooth.
- Turn the Magic Keyboard on if it isn't already. Otherwise, switch it off and then on to make it discoverable. (The switch is on the back left.)
- Launch the Settings app on your iPad.
- Tap on Bluetooth.
- Make sure Bluetooth is set to On, then let it search for devices.
- Tap on Magic Keyboard, when it appears, to pair.
That's it. You're done. No codes, no pins, no fuss, no muss.
Note: For that reason I'd suggest doing the pairing the first time you turn the Magic Keyboard on, and turning it on when you're not around any other devices that might try to grab it first.
How to check the battery charge level for the Magic Keyboard on your iPad.
There's no charge indicator on the Magic Keyboard itself, but you can easily check the power level on your iPad.
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to bring down Notification Center.
- Scroll down to the Batteries sections.
- Read the charge level for Magic Keyboard.
How to discover Magic Keyboard shortcuts on iPad
Once you're connected, iOS 9 lets you quickly and easily find all the available keyboard shortcuts in an app.
- Launch the app you want to use.
- Hold down the modifier key—shift, alt, or command keys— you want to see the shortcuts for.
How to quickly switch apps using the Magic Keyboard on the iPad
When using your iPad by itself, double-clicking the Home button is how you bring up the fast app switcher. Once you're connected to the Magic Keyboard, however, you can switch apps without your fingers ever leaving the keys.
- Hold down the command key and hit the tab key.
- Keep hitting the tab key until you get to the app you want to switch to.
- Let go of the command key.
If you're thinking that's exactly like command-tab on the Mac, and alt-tab on Windows, you're thinking right!
How to disconnect or un-pair the Magic Keyboard from your iPad
If you want to revert back to the virtual keyboard, you can simply turn your Magic Keyboard off. If you want to disconnect it, or have your iPad forget about it entirely, you can do that in Settings.
- Launch the Settings app on your iPad.
- Tap on Bluetooth.
- Tap on the Info button to the right of the Magic Keyboard entry.
- Tap on Disconnect to temporarily stop your iPad from detecting the Magic Keyboard. (You have to reconnect later to use it again.)
- Tap on Forget This Device to sever the pairing between your iPad and the Magic Keyboard. (You'll have to re-pair later to use it again.)
How to pair your Magic Keyboard with other devices
- How to pair your Magic Keyboard with your iPhone
- How to pair your Magic Keyboard with your Apple TV
- How to pair your Magic Keyboard with your Mac
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Luke Filipowicz
Staff Writer
Luke Filipowicz has been a writer at iMore, covering Apple for nearly a decade now. He writes a lot about Apple Watch and iPad but covers the iPhone and Mac as well. He often describes himself as an "Apple user on a budget" and firmly believes that great technology can be affordable if you know where to look. Luke also heads up the iMore Show — a weekly podcast focusing on Apple news, rumors, and products but likes to have some fun along the way.
Luke knows he spends more time on Twitter than he probably should, so feel free to follow him or give him a shout on social media @LukeFilipowicz.
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19 Comments
Nice! Very nice. Thanks Rene.
Thank you Rene. I was interested in the keyboard from my iPad Air 2. I am guessing it will also work with my iPhone--Yes?One last thing: To disconnect and use the virtual keyboard, shouldn't I just turn off the Magic Keyboard?Sent from the iMore App
It does indeed:How to pair your Magic Keyboard with your iPhoneApple TV as well:How to pair your Magic Keyboard with your Apple TVI've added links for both, above, as well.
Rene, as ever, the problem with all external keyboards on the iPad is that autocorrect features are disabled. I fear the same will be true with the iPad Pro and Smart Keyboard. Having used it briefly, can you confirm this? Also, do you know why Apple insists on disabling autocorrect when using external keyboards?
I neglected to ask but I'll try to find out!
I'm slightly disappointed that Apple didn't make the new keyboard backlit. It's rechargeable now, you don't have to worry about eating through batteries. There doesn't really seem to be any downsides to having a backlit keyboard. And it would have given people that already have the old keyboard more incentive to buy the new one.
It would reduce battery life by an amount that was likely greater than they were willing to accept this generation.My guess is when it can do over a month with backlight, we'll get it.
I have one more 'how to' for you to include Rene, 'how to' win a new keyboard and track pad for you Mac from imore. Hahaha I would be grateful for such a gift, wink wink.Sent from the iMore App
Thank you Rene! I was pouring over Apple's site last night trying to find any mention of this but to no avail.
This is just the excuse I need to get one of these. Now I just need to find a carry case to protect the keys when I'm mobile.(Video) How to Connect the Magic Keyboard to your iPad, iMac or any Mobile Phone?I'm looking for one as well; hopefully Origami will update soon!
Hi Rene,
Does the magic keyboard work with the iPad via th Lightning port like Jason Snell reported it does with older macs? In other words, could I use the plugged in keyboard while my iPad Air 2 is in airplane mode via a lightning cables and the USB adapter?Until Apple finally releases the Lightning to lightning charger cable for charging the Apple pencil that is.I was wondering this too. Can you plug the keyboard into the iPad via a lighting to USB adapter and standard lightning cable? Seems a great way to keep it charged when necessary.
How does the new Apple keyboard stack up against the Typo keyboard?Sent from the iMore App
Rene, which iPad stand is the one in the header??
If this keyboard is magical, a mouse that actually connects to iPad would be Jesus juggling chainsaws.
Please introduce a keyboard which can be easily viewed in low light.Really? This long and nothing for the thousands of artists who use Apple products?Sent from the iMore App
Hi! I hold down the modifier keys but the shortcuts don't come up as per your example, any tips? Also, do you know how to trigger the keyboard on screen to go down when you're using the wireless keyboard? Would be great to gain back half the screen! Thanks for any tips you can share! Great article!
I have exactly same the question.. some features don't respond such as command + tab . Does my software have to be US to work out?because it is not.
Ι will now reply to my previews reply because as it seems my problem is solved. I didn't do anything special but after 4 hours of usage right now my keyboard is starting to respond on the pc features...it just needed time to '' unlock'' them on ipar air 2 :)
FAQs
Why is my Magic Keyboard not connecting to my iPad? ›
If you can't connect your iPad to your Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard, or Smart Keyboard Folio. Update your iPad to the latest version of iPadOS. Go to Settings and tap the Software Update Available notification. If you don't see a notification, go to General > Software Update to see if an update is available.
How do I connect my Magic Keyboard? ›Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Bluetooth. When your device appears in Bluetooth preferences, click Connect (or Pair). If you're asked to enter a passcode, enter the passcode on the keyboard that you're setting up. Then press Return on the same keyboard.
Why is my Magic Keyboard not connecting? ›Make sure Bluetooth is turned on
Make sure that Bluetooth is turned on. If the Bluetooth icon doesn't appear, or if the menu bar status continues to indicate that Bluetooth is off, restart your computer and then try to turn Bluetooth on again.
Go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboards, tap Full Keyboard Access, then turn on Full Keyboard Access. Control your iPad using keyboard shortcuts. To customize the keyboard shortcuts, tap Commands.
How do I get my iPad Pro to recognize my keyboard? ›- Make sure that your iPad and Smart Keyboard Folio or Smart Keyboard are in the type position and that you have the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.
- Remove the Smart Keyboard Folio or Smart Keyboard from your iPad.
- Restart your iPad.
- Reconnect the Smart Keyboard Folio or Smart Keyboard.
Hold down the Shift and Option keys ('Alt' on some keyboards) and at the same time click on the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar. Once the menu is showing, release the keys. From the Bluetooth menu, choose Debug > Remove All Devices. Reboot your Mac, then setup your keyboard and/or mouse as normal.
Where is the pairing button on Apple keyboard? ›How To Pair And Connect Apple Wireless Keyboard To Mac and ...
How do I connect my wireless keyboard? ›- Plug in the keyboard's Bluetooth receiver if required.
- Put the keyboard into pairing mode.
- Open your Windows Bluetooth settings.
- Turn on Bluetooth.
- Click the name of the keyboard.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
- If you're setting up a mouse or trackpad, follow the onscreen instructions. ...
- If you're setting up a keyboard, click Set Up Bluetooth Keyboard, then follow the onscreen instructions to connect with your keyboard.
If your wireless Apple keyboard isn't turning on, try replacing the batteries, if possible. But if you're using something like the newer Apple Magic keyboard, which has a built-in battery, check it's charged. Also, try using a different charging cable and a different USB port on your Mac.
How do I know when my Magic Keyboard is charged? ›
How do I know my Magic Keyboard is charging? Go to the Bluetooth settings on your computer and look for your device. You will see a percentage next to your keyboard if it is charging.
How do I reset Apple keyboard on iPad? ›- From a Home screen on your Apple® iPad®, navigate: Settings. General. Transfer or Reset iPad. Reset. . If unavailable, navigate: Settings. General. Reset. .
- Tap. Reset Keyboard Dictionary. .
- If prompted, enter your passcode.
- Tap. Reset. to confirm.
The iPad Magic Keyboard has no battery, therefore it does not need to be charged. You can connect a USB-C power cable to the power port on the Magic Keyboard, which will charge the iPad through passthrough, however.
Does Apple Magic keyboard work with iPad? ›The Magic Keyboard is an amazing companion for iPad Pro and iPad Air. It features a great typing experience, a trackpad that opens up new ways to work with iPadOS, a USB‑C port for pass‑through charging, and front and back protection.
How does the Magic Keyboard work? ›The Magic Keyboard works across iPadOS, with the cursor transforming when there are elements on the display that can be interacted with. The experience of using the trackpad is similar to using a trackpad on Mac, and it feels just as natural as it does on a Mac.
How do I reset Magic Keyboard on iPad pro? ›...
7. Reset All Settings to Fix Magic Keyboard for iPad That's Not Working.
- First, head over to the Settings app.
- Choose General.
- Then, scroll down a bit to find and tap Reset.
- Select Reset All Settings.
Your device drivers could be malfunctioning for several reasons, including third-party software or a power issue. Uninstall and reinstall the drivers to see if it fixes your keyboard.
How do you fix iPad keyboard not working? ›Restart or Force-Restart iPad
Restarting your iPad can also fix a glitchy keyboard. Just go to Settings > General > Shutdown to turn off your iPad. Then, wait for 30 seconds and hold down the Side button to reboot it.
On a Mac, open System Preferences, choose "Keyboard" and click "Set Up Bluetooth Keyboard." In iOS or Android, turn on "Bluetooth" in Settings, and in Windows, open Control Panel and select "Add a Device." Your device shows a pass code and a countdown timer, and you must type the numeric code on the keyboard and, to ...
How do I put my Bluetooth keyboard in pairing mode? ›Hold down the (FN) key and the INS or EJECT key for a few seconds until the keyboard backlight goes from a quick flash to a slow continuous flash. The keyboard is now in Pairing Mode.
Can Apple Magic keyboard connect to multiple devices? ›
Use the keyboard, mouse, or trackpad of your Mac to control up to two other nearby Mac or iPad devices, and work seamlessly between them.
How do you charge a Magic Keyboard? ›When you connect your Apple Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse 2, or Magic Trackpad 2 to your Mac, it automatically charges. Connect one end of a Lightning to USB Cable to your Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse 2, or Magic Trackpad 2 and the other end to the USB port on your Mac.
Can I connect Magic Keyboard to iPhone? ›You can use Magic Keyboard, including Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad, to enter text on iPhone. Magic Keyboard connects to iPhone using Bluetooth.
How do I connect my wireless keyboard to my tablet? ›How to pair your Logitech Tablet Keyboard for Android - YouTube
Why is my wireless keyboard not working? ›The batteries that you are using are low in power. The receiver is plugged into a port that is not working. The wireless device that you are using has trouble synchronizing with the receiver. There may be interference from other wireless devices.
Where is reconnect button on wireless keyboard? ›There is usually a Connect button somewhere on the USB receiver. Press that, and a light on the receiver should start flashing. Then press the Connect button on the keyboard and/or mouse and the flashing light on the USB receiver should stop.
Where is power button on Apple keyboard? ›If your Mac's keyboard has a row of physical function keys (F1-F12) running along the top of the keyboard, you'll find the power key at the far-right end of this row. The key has a "Power" icon, which is an open circle that contains a vertical line at its center.
Is the magic keyboard Bluetooth? ›The keyboard will also pair with iPads, iPhones, and even Windows PCs or Android devices – virtually any device that can pair with a Bluetooth keyboard.
How do I reset my wireless keyboard? ›- Turn off your keyboard.
- With the keyboard turned off, hold down the ESC key.
- While holding down the ESC key, turn on your keyboard.
- After about 5 seconds, release the ESC key. You will see the keyboard lighting flash if the reset is successful.
Answer: A: No, you can leave them on.
Does the Magic Keyboard use a lot of battery? ›
But not everyone is happy. Several users now say that the Magic Keyboard drains their iPad Pro's battery excessively, reports 9to5Mac. The problem seems most common when the iPad and keyboard are in use and the backlight is turned on, but it's even been reported in cases where the iPad is idle.
How do I know if my Apple keyboard is on? ›Make Sure Your Keyboard Is On
On the latest Magic Keyboards, slide the switch on the back edge of the device so that the green color becomes visible. For older Apple Wireless Keyboards, press the Power button on the right edge and you should see the green LED light up on the top.
If your Bluetooth keyboard will not pair with your computer, even though the keyboard normally connects, the first thing to do is replace the batteries in the keyboard. If your keyboard uses another power source, ensure the power source is providing power to the device.
How do I reset my Magic Keyboard on my iPad? ›...
7. Reset All Settings to Fix Magic Keyboard for iPad That's Not Working.
- First, head over to the Settings app.
- Choose General.
- Then, scroll down a bit to find and tap Reset.
- Select Reset All Settings.
Disconnect and reconnect the keyboard. Make sure the connector is completely inserted into the port. Connect your keyboard to a different USB port or to a different Mac. If this solves the problem, your Mac may need to be repaired.
How do I reset my iPad keyboard? ›- From a Home screen on your Apple® iPad®, navigate: Settings. General. Transfer or Reset iPad. Reset. . If unavailable, navigate: Settings. General. Reset. .
- Tap. Reset Keyboard Dictionary. .
- If prompted, enter your passcode.
- Tap. Reset. to confirm.
The iPad Magic Keyboard has no battery, therefore it does not need to be charged. You can connect a USB-C power cable to the power port on the Magic Keyboard, which will charge the iPad through passthrough, however.
How do I know when my Magic Keyboard is charged? ›How do I know my Magic Keyboard is charging? Go to the Bluetooth settings on your computer and look for your device. You will see a percentage next to your keyboard if it is charging.
How do I turn on my Apple wireless keyboard? ›- If you're setting up a mouse or trackpad, follow the onscreen instructions. ...
- If you're setting up a keyboard, click Set Up Bluetooth Keyboard, then follow the onscreen instructions to connect with your keyboard.
All other MacBook Air and Pro models have the power button which is the key in the upper right corner of the keyboard. The power key also contains a power or an eject icon.
How do you know if Apple keyboard is on? ›
Make Sure Your Keyboard Is On
On the latest Magic Keyboards, slide the switch on the back edge of the device so that the green color becomes visible. For older Apple Wireless Keyboards, press the Power button on the right edge and you should see the green LED light up on the top.
If your wireless Apple keyboard isn't turning on, try replacing the batteries, if possible. But if you're using something like the newer Apple Magic keyboard, which has a built-in battery, check it's charged. Also, try using a different charging cable and a different USB port on your Mac.
Why is my Bluetooth keyboard not pairing? ›If your Bluetooth keyboard will not pair with your computer, even though the keyboard normally connects, the first thing to do is replace the batteries in the keyboard. If your keyboard uses another power source, ensure the power source is providing power to the device.
How do you fix iPad keyboard not working? ›- Make sure you're using a compatible iPad model. ...
- Check for software updates.
- Examine the keyboard connection port. ...
- Disconnect and reconnect the keyboard. ...
- Restart your iPad. ...
- Restore your iPad to its factory settings.
Go to Start , then select Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard, and turn on the toggle under Use the On-Screen Keyboard. A keyboard that can be used to move around the screen and enter text will appear on the screen. The keyboard will remain on the screen until you close it.