How to Pair a Bluetooth Keyboard with iPad

Difficulty
Beginner
Tested on
iPadOS 17.5 - iPad Pro M4
You will need
iPad, Bluetooth-compatible keyboard, charged batteries

Step by step

  1. 30 sec

    Enter pairing mode on your keyboard

    Power on your keyboard and trigger its discovery mode. This is typically achieved by holding the dedicated Bluetooth button or a specific key combination, often indicated by a blinking status light.

    Note: Consult your specific keyboard manual if the discovery light does not blink.
  2. 15 sec

    Open iPad Settings

    Unlock your iPad and tap the Settings app icon. Ensure your iPad is on the home screen or in the App Library to locate the grey gear icon.

  3. 15 sec

    Enable Bluetooth

    Select Bluetooth from the left-hand sidebar menu. Toggle the switch to the ON position if it is currently disabled.

    Note: The toggle turns green when active.
  4. 30 sec

    Select your device

    Wait for the iPad to scan for nearby devices. Locate your keyboard name under the Other Devices list and tap on it to initiate the pairing request.

  5. 30 sec

    Enter the verification code

    If prompted by the iPad, type the numeric code displayed on your screen using the external keyboard. Press the Return or Enter key immediately after typing the final digit to finalize the connection.

    Note: Not all keyboards require a verification code.
  6. 15 sec

    Confirm connection status

    Verify that your keyboard is listed under My Devices with the status Connected. The iPad will now automatically route all keystrokes through the external keyboard.