Set up and use Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad (10th generation)

The Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad (10th generation) has a two-piece design, a large trackpad and a 14-key function row.  Find out how to connect and use your Magic Keyboard Folio.

Connect to your iPad

  1. Your Magic Keyboard Folio has a two-piece design. Magnetically attach the back panel to your iPad.* The side covered with microfibre should face the back of your iPad.

  2. Magnetically attach the keyboard to the Smart Connector, which is on one edge of your iPad. The Smart Connector provides power and data to the keyboard so you don't need to charge or pair it.

  3. Adjust the stand on the back to the viewing angle you want.

Image shows Magic Keyboard Folio in type position

When you don't need to type, you can use your Magic Keyboard Folio in other configurations.

Use function keys, keyboard shortcuts and the trackpad

Magic Keyboard Folio has a 14-key function row, including an escape key, 12 function keys and a key to lock the screen.  The function keys control many features on your iPad. For example, you can press the keys with speaker icons to adjust the volume.

You can use keyboard shortcuts to perform commands on your iPad. Most keyboard shortcuts use the Command ⌘ key, like a Mac. If you're more familiar with a PC keyboard, the Command ⌘ key does the same thing as the Control key on a PC.

Find out more about iPad keyboard shortcuts

You can use Multi-Touch gestures on the trackpad like you can on a Mac.

Find out about Multi-Touch gestures for iPad

More ways to configure your Magic Keyboard Folio

You can configure your Magic Keyboard Folio in several ways when you don't need to use the physical keyboard and trackpad.

Flip the keyboard behind your iPad

You can flip the keyboard around so that it's at the back, facing away from your iPad. Key presses won't register in this mode.

Flip the keyboard behind your iPad with keys protected

You can also flip the keyboard around so that the keys aren't exposed: 

  1. Detach the keyboard from your iPad.

  2. Flip the keyboard around 180 degrees so that it's facing away from you.

  3. Reattach the keyboard to your iPad with the Smart Connector.

  4. Flip the keyboard around to the back.

Detach the keyboard

If you don't need to use the keyboard for a while, you can detach it from your iPad.

You can still use the stand to prop up your iPad to watch a film or play a game. If you need to type, you can always use the software keyboard.

Switch to software keyboard

You may need to use the software keyboard that appears on your iPad display, instead of the physical keyboard, to do things such as type accented characters or use dictation.

To show the software keyboard, tap the keyboard buttonkeyboard button in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen. In the menu that appears, tap Show Keyboard. To hide the software keyboard, tap the dismiss buttondismiss button.

Get help

If your iPad won't detect your Magic Keyboard Folio or an "Accessory not supported" alert appears on your iPad, make sure there's no debris or plastic covering on the Smart Connector pins on the keyboard or the Smart Connector on your iPad. Also, try following these steps:

  1. Make sure your iPad and Magic Keyboard Folio are connected and you have the latest version of iPadOS.

  2. Remove the keyboard from your iPad and then reconnect it.

  3. If your iPad still isn't detecting your Magic Keyboard Folio, restart your iPad.

* Magic Keyboard Folio contains magnets that hold your iPad securely in place. Avoid placing cards that store information on a magnetic strip — such as credit cards or hotel key cards — on the inside of Magic Keyboard Folio or between your iPad and Magic Keyboard Folio. Such contact may demagnetise the card.

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