Use your Smart Keyboard Folio or Smart Keyboard with your iPad

Learn how to connect and use your Smart Keyboard Folio or Smart Keyboard.

iPad 7th generation with Smart Keyboard folio

What you need

To use a Smart Keyboard Folio, you need one of these models:

  • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th generation)

  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th generation)

  • iPad Air (4th or 5th generation)

To use a Smart Keyboard, you need one of these models:

  • iPad (7th, 8th, or 9th generation)

  • iPad Air (3rd generation)

  • iPad Pro 9.7-inch

  • iPad Pro 10.5-inch

  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st or 2nd generation)

Have a Magic Keyboard or Magic Keyboard Folio?

Learn how to set up and use Magic Keyboard for iPad Air and iPad Pro

Learn how to set up and use Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad (10th generation)

Connect to your iPad

Unlike Bluetooth keyboards, you don't need to pair or turn on your Smart Keyboard Folio or Smart Keyboard.

Close-up of smart keyboard connection

Connect your Smart Keyboard Folio to your compatible iPad with the Smart Connector. The Smart Connector is on the back of your iPad, and has three small, magnetic contacts. Then put your iPad into the type position.

Enlarged photo of iPad Pro smart keyboard connection

Connect your Smart Keyboard to your compatible iPad with the Smart Connector, which has three small, magnetic contacts. The Smart Connector is on the top edge of your Smart Keyboard and on the side of your iPad. Then put your iPad into the type position.

Learn what to do if you can't connect your iPad to your keyboard.

Stand your iPad

Fold the Smart Keyboard Folio into the type position:

iPad Pro smart keyboard folio image in profile

Fold the Smart Keyboard into a triangle with the keyboard in front of your iPad:

iPad 7th generation in smart keyboard image in profile

To use the keyboard, your iPad needs to be in the groove above the number keys and folded in the type position.

Switch to software keyboard

You might need to use the software keyboard that appears on your iPad display, instead of the Smart Keyboard Folio or Smart Keyboard, to do things like type accented characters or use dictation.

To show the software keyboard, tap the keyboard button in the lower-right corner of the screen. In the menu that appears, tap the show keyboard button . To hide the software keyboard, tap the dismiss button .

Learn more

Find out what to do if you can't connect your iPad to your Smart Keyboard Folio or Smart Keyboard.

Most keyboard shortcuts use the Command ⌘ key, like a Mac. If you're more familiar with a PC keyboard, the Command ⌘ key is similar to the Ctrl key on a PC. Learn more about performing commands with iPad keyboard shortcuts.

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