iPad: Using Bluetooth headsets and keyboards

Summary

You can use iPad with many Bluetooth accessories1, including stereo headphones, headsets, and keyboards. Here are basic setup and troubleshooting suggestions for using Bluetooth accessories with iPad.

Products Affected

Apple WireLess Keyboard (2011), Apple Wireless Keyboard (2007), Apple Wireless Keyboard (2009), iPad, iPad Accessories

Before you can use a Bluetooth accessory, you must first pair it with your iPad.

About pairing a Bluetooth accessory

Pairing configures iPad to work with a specific Bluetooth accessory. You can configure and use multiple Bluetooth accessories simultaneously, allowing you to use a Bluetooth keyboard while listening to music on your Bluetooth headphones.

Pair iPad with a Bluetooth accessory

  1. Follow the instructions that came with the Bluetooth accessory to make it discoverable or to set it to search for other Bluetooth accessories. This may involve entering a passkey or PIN (Personal Identification Number).
  2. From the Home screen, choose Settings > Bluetooth2 and turn Bluetooth on. iPad searches for nearby Bluetooth accessories.
  3. Choose the Bluetooth accessory, and then enter a passkey or PIN if prompted.
    • Bluetooth headset: Refer to the documentation for the headset to determine the passkey.
    • Bluetooth keyboard: Type the passcode displayed on the iPad on the keyboard and then return.
  4. When pairing is complete, you can use the Bluetooth accessory with your iPad.

Bluetooth status

You can see whether Bluetooth is on or off, and whether a Bluetooth accessory is connected, by looking at the Bluetooth icon Bluetooth icon in the status bar at the top of the screen:

  • Bluetooth icon in blue or Bluetooth icon in white (white): Bluetooth is on and an accessory is connected.
  • Bluetooth icon in white (gray): Bluetooth is on but no accessory is connected. If you've paired an accessory it may be out of range or turned off.
  • No Bluetooth icon in status bar: Bluetooth is turned off or no accessory has yet been paired with your device.

How to stop using a Bluetooth accessory

You can stop using a Bluetooth accessory by either turning off the accessory, or turning off Bluetooth on iPad.

Unpairing a Bluetooth accessory

If you've paired iPad with an accessory that you no longer wish to use, you can unpair the accessory. 

  1. From the Home screen choose Settings > Bluetooth2. If Bluetooth isn't on, turn it on.
  2. Choose the accessory and tap Forget this Device.

Additional Information

Below are some simple steps you can take to troubleshoot Bluetooth connectivity.

Note: Certain features may not be available when using Bluetooth accessories. Accessories can offer custom features that are not supported on iPad, or use profiles that do not fully conform to industry-standard Bluetooth protocols. This is expected behavior and does not indicate an issue with your iPad or Bluetooth accessory.

Troubleshooting Bluetooth accessories

If you are unable to pair with or connect to an existing Bluetooth accessory, try the following steps:

  1. Ensure that the Bluetooth accessory is in range. Most accessories have a range of approximately thirty feet.
  2. If you are unable to see the accessory in Settings > Bluetooth2:
    • If a pairing record already exists, try to connect the accessory using that pairing record, or delete the record and pair again.
    • If you have not paired with the accessory, follow the manufacturer's instructions to place it in discovery mode and then pair the accessory.
  3. If you can see but are unable to pair with the accessory:
    • Verify the PIN for the accessory. You may need to refer to your manufacturer's documentation for this.
    • Verify that the Bluetooth accessory is using a profile that works with the iPad, such as Headset, A2DP, or HID.
  4. Ensure that the firmware or software on the Bluetooth accessory is up to date.
  5. Ensure that the Bluetooth accessory is charged or connected to power.
  6. Turn off both the iPad and the Bluetooth accessory, then turn both devices on again.
  7. If the issue persists, test Bluetooth with another accessory or consult the manufacturer's documentation.

Intermittent Bluetooth accessory connectivity

 

Notes:

  1. Bluetooth car kit functionality is limited to audio output. Additional car kit features are not supported on iPad.
  2. To access Bluetooth settings on iOS 5.1.1 and earlier choose Settings > General > Bluetooth.
Important: Information about products not manufactured by Apple is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute Apple’s recommendation or endorsement. Please contact the vendor for additional information.
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