As time goes by and you learn more about your iPad you’ll find yourself using the device for longer periods and maybe even as an alternative to your laptop. Sooner or later you may start missing your laptop’s or desktop’s keyboard. Specially if writing long emails or texts.
There is an alternative to using the touch screen keyboard. On The new iPad you can use the Dictation feature (but you need to be connected to the Internet).

In this case, I’m referring to the possibility to connect a Bluetooth keyboard to your iPad. Bluetooth is a wireless technology.

If you already have a Bluetooth keyboard you can follow the steps below. If you don’t have a Bluetooth keyboard yet, I’ll be posting more information about them on a future post.

Applicable to:
iPad versions: iPad, iPad 2, The new iPad
iOS versions: iOS 5, iOS 6 and up

Connecting a Bluetooth keyboard to your iPad

Before you can connect your Bluetooth keyboard to your iPad, you need to make your iPad visible or discoverable to other devices.

From the Home Screen, tap on settings

iPad Settings icon

Then tap on General

Tap on Bluetooth

And tap on the Bluetooth button to set it to “ON”. You will see the Bluetooth symbol appear on the top right of the iPad screen.

Now we are ready to connect (pair) your iPad with the keyboard.

Note: If you have a Bluetooth keyboard that is already connected to your Mac or PC, you will need to disconnect the keyboard from your computer first and maybe even turn off the Bluetooth signal on your computer so that it does not interfere with the one on the iPad.

Connecting your keyboard

Turn on your Bluetooth keyboard. You should see your keyboard showing up on the Devices section.

Tap on your keyboard on the list of devices. A popup dialog box appears requesting to enter a PIN code on your keyboard. Enter the PIN on your Bluetooth keyboard and press enter.

After a few seconds, your keyboard will be listed on the Devices section as Connected.

You can now switch to any App (i.e. Mail) and start using your Bluetooth keyboard to write your text on the iPad.

Disconnecting your Bluetooth keyboard from your iPad

When you are done using your Bluetooth keyboard, you can disconnect it following these steps below.

From the Home Screen, tap on settings

iPad Settings icon

Then tap on General

Tap on Bluetooth

On the Devices list, tap on the arrow next to “Connected”

Then tap on the button that says “Forget this Device”.

A confirmation popup will appear. Tap on Ok to confirm. Your keyboard will be disconnected.

If you wish to turn off Bluetooth, tap on the “Bluetooth” arrow to go to the previous screen and tap on the Bluetooth button to turn it off.

It is recommended to turn off the Bluetooth signal on your iPad to preserve battery power.Let me know how this steps are working for you by commenting on the form below :)