How to connect Smart Keyboard to iPad

If you have an iPad and a Smart Keyboard, you can use the Smart Keyboard to type on the iPad. The Smart Keyboard has a built-in keyboard and a trackpad. The trackpad lets you move the cursor around the screen.

To connect the Smart Keyboard to your iPad, follow these steps:

1. Open the Smart Keyboard app on your iPad.

2. Tap the keyboard icon in the top left corner of the app.

3. Tap the Connect button.

4. Enter your iPad's IP address.

5. Tap the Connect button.

6. The Smart Keyboard will start connecting to your iPad.

7. When the connection is complete, the keyboard will show a green light.

8. Tap the keyboard to open it.

9. Type on the keyboard.

10. To exit the keyboard, tap the X in the top right corner.

Touchscreens are great, but sometimes you just want the convenience of a physical keyboard, which for Apple users usually means pairing an iPad with a Magic Keyboard.

The Magic Keyboard is an Apple portable and easy-to-connect keyboard that comes in two varieties: the regular Magic Keyboard, which is designed for Macs, iPads, and iPhones, and the Magic Keyboard for iPad, which is only compatible with certain iPad models.

Here's how to connect both versions of the Magic Keyboard to your iPad, as well as some additional options if you want a different keyboard and suggestions for what to do if the keyboard doesn't work.

How to Connect an Ordinary Magic Keyboard to an iPad

There are two methods for connecting the standard Magic Keyboard to your iPad: Bluetooth and charging cable.

To connect it wirelessly via Bluetooth, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPad and select Bluetooth.

2. Ensure that both the Bluetooth switch on the iPad's screen and the Bluetooth switch on the Magic Keyboard's back are turned on.

3.nbsp;Select the Magic Keyboard option when it appears under Other Devices on your iPad's screen.

If your keyboard is already paired with another device, you must unpair it before proceeding; you can disconnect by turning off the keyboard or by going to the Bluetooth section on your iPad.

If you have an iPad with a USB-C charging port, you can simply plug in the Magic Keyboard with a Lightning to USB-C charging cable and it should pair immediately.

How to Connect Your iPad to the Magic Keyboard for iPad

The process is accelerated if you have the iPad-specific Magic Keyboard.

Quick note: Despite its name, the Magic Keyboard for iPad only works with a few iPad models, including the iPad Pro 11-inch and iPad Air (fourth and fifth generations).

1. Fold the keyboard into place after opening it.

2. Place the iPad on the magnetic surface.

Remember that if you close your keyboard over the iPad while on a phone or video call, the call will continue to be active.

How to Connect a Different Keyboard to Your iPad

The iPad can use a variety of keyboards, not just Apple's.

If the keyboard is wireless, you should be able to pair it in the same way you would a regular Magic Keyboard: put the keyboard in pairing mode and open the Settings app on your iPad.

And, if your keyboard has a wired USB connection, you can connect it to your iPad via the charging port; however, depending on the keyboard and the iPad, you may need an adapter to convert the USB wire to a Lightning or USB-C cable.

What should you do if your iPad keyboard stops working?

Don't panic if you've followed all of the instructions but your iPad still won't respond or recognize the new keyboard; there are a few quick troubleshooting steps you should go through before assuming something is broken.

• Restart the iPad and try pairing again; your iPad may simply require a software refresh.
• If you're using a wireless keyboard, make sure the batteries are charged or replaced.

• Check that both the iPad and the keyboard have Bluetooth turned on.
• If you're using the magnetic Magic Keyboard for iPad, remove it for a few seconds before reattaching it.
• Check that your iPad is up to date.

If you're using a Magic Keyboard, make sure your iPad is compatible; the regular Magic Keyboard is compatible with almost every iPad released in the last five years, but the Magic Keyboard for iPad only works with the iPad Pro 11-inch and iPad Air (fourth and fifth generations).

Devon Delfino assisted with an earlier version of this article.