You can connect an iPad to another tablet using Bluetooth, AirDrop, or a shared Wi-Fi network, depending on what you want to do

An iPad is itself a tablet, so "connecting" one to another tablet usually means one of three things: transferring files between them, using them together to control the same app or service, or linking them so one can use the other's internet connection. The method you choose depends on what you're trying to accomplish and which tablets you own. Most connections happen wirelessly through Bluetooth or a local network, and setup takes just a few minutes.

Before you start, make sure both devices are powered on, close enough together (within 30 feet for Bluetooth), and that you know the Wi-Fi password if you're connecting over a network. If one tablet is an iPad and the other runs Android, your options are more limited than if both run the same operating system, but basic file transfer and shared apps still work.

Key Takeaways

  • AirDrop is the fastest way to send files between two iPads or between an iPad and a Mac, and requires only that both devices are on and unlocked.
  • Bluetooth pairing lets you use one tablet to control another or share an internet connection, and is the main option when connecting an iPad to an Android tablet.
  • Both tablets must be on the same Wi-Fi network to use shared apps, cloud services, or to stream content from one device to another.
  • Android tablets cannot receive AirDrop files from an iPad, but can receive files through Bluetooth file transfer or by using a shared cloud service like Google Drive or OneDrive.

Transferring files between two iPads using AirDrop

AirDrop is Apple's built-in wireless file transfer system, and it is the simplest way to move photos, documents, videos, or other files from one iPad to another. Both devices must be within about 30 feet of each other, and both must have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on (even if they are not connected to the same network). You do not need to pair them first.

Open the file or app you want to share on the sending iPad. Tap the Share button (usually a square with an arrow pointing out of it), then look for AirDrop in the menu. Tap the receiving iPad's name if it appears in the list. On the receiving device, a notification will pop up asking whether to accept the file. Tap Accept, and the file transfers in seconds. If the receiving iPad does not appear in the AirDrop menu, make sure Bluetooth is on and both devices are unlocked.

You can also open the Files app on the sending iPad, find the file you want to share, tap and hold it, then tap Share and select AirDrop. This method works for any file type the iPad can read.

Pairing an iPad and Android tablet over Bluetooth

Bluetooth pairing is the main way to connect an iPad to an Android tablet when you want to use one device to control the other, share an internet connection, or transfer files. The process is the same on both platforms: you make them "discoverable" to each other, then confirm the pairing on both devices.

On the iPad, go to Settings, tap Bluetooth, and turn it on. You will see a list of nearby Bluetooth devices. On the Android tablet, go to Settings, find Bluetooth (the exact path varies by manufacturer), and turn it on. Look for the iPad's name in the list of available devices and tap it. A pairing code may appear on one or both screens—confirm that the codes match, then tap Pair or Connect on both devices. Once paired, they will reconnect automatically when both are in range and Bluetooth is on.

After pairing, you can use apps designed to work across devices—for example, some remote control apps let you use one tablet to navigate another. File transfer over Bluetooth is slower than AirDrop and works best for small files like documents or photos.

Connecting both tablets to the same Wi-Fi network

If you want both tablets to access the same files, stream video from one to the other, or use shared apps and services, they need to be on the same Wi-Fi network. This is true whether both are iPads or one is an iPad and the other is Android.

On each tablet, go to Settings and look for Wi-Fi. Turn Wi-Fi on and select the same network name (SSID) from the list. Enter the Wi-Fi password if prompted. Once both devices are connected to the network, they can see each other and communicate. You can then use apps like Google Drive, OneDrive, or iCloud to access the same files from both devices, or use casting apps to send video or audio from one tablet to the other.

If you want to transfer files directly between tablets on the same network, you can use file-sharing apps like Syncthing (free, open-source) or Resilio Sync, which keep folders in sync across devices automatically. Both work on iPad and Android.

Using one tablet to share its internet connection with another

If one tablet has a cellular data plan and the other does not, you can use the cellular tablet as a mobile hotspot to give the other tablet internet access. This is called tethering or creating a personal hotspot.

On an iPad with cellular service, go to Settings, tap Cellular, and look for Personal Hotspot (or Mobile Hotspot on some models). Turn it on. You will see a Wi-Fi password displayed. On the other tablet, go to Wi-Fi settings and select the iPad's hotspot name from the list. Enter the password, and the second tablet will now use the iPad's cellular connection for internet access.

On an Android tablet with cellular service, go to Settings, find Tethering or Hotspot (exact names vary), and turn on Mobile Hotspot or Wi-Fi Hotspot. The Android device will display a network name and password. On the iPad, go to Wi-Fi settings, select that network, and enter the password.

Be aware that using a hotspot drains the cellular tablet's battery faster and may use data from your plan, so check your carrier's terms if you have a limited data allowance.

Syncing apps and data across tablets

If both tablets are iPads signed into the same Apple ID, they can automatically sync certain data like contacts, calendars, reminders, and notes through iCloud. Go to Settings on each iPad, tap your name at the top, then tap iCloud. Turn on the types of data you want to sync. Changes you make on one iPad will appear on the other within a few minutes.

If one tablet is an iPad and the other is Android, you cannot use iCloud to sync. Instead, use a cross-platform service like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox. Create an account on both tablets, sign in with the same credentials, and upload files to the shared folder. Both tablets can then read and edit those files.

For apps themselves, you cannot install an app on one tablet and have it automatically appear on another. Each device has its own app store (Apple App Store for iPad, Google Play Store for Android). You must read and install apps separately on each tablet, though your purchases and subscriptions may carry over if you use the same account.

Troubleshooting connection problems

If two tablets will not connect, the most common causes are that Bluetooth or Wi-Fi is turned off on one or both devices, they are too far apart, or they are not on the same network. Start by checking that both devices have the relevant wireless feature turned on and that they are within 30 feet of each other.

"Forgetting" a device and re-pairing it often fixes Bluetooth problems. On the iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth, find the other device's name, tap the info icon next to it, and tap Forget This Device. Do the same on the other tablet. Then repeat the pairing process from the beginning.

If you are trying to use AirDrop and the other device does not appear, make sure both devices are unlocked and that AirDrop is set to receive from Everyone or Contacts (not just Contacts Only). Go to Settings > General > AirDrop on the iPad to check this setting.

If file transfer is very slow, you are probably using Bluetooth instead of Wi-Fi. Switch both tablets to the same Wi-Fi network for faster speeds, or use a cloud service to transfer large files instead of direct device-to-device transfer.

When to call a professional

For basic file transfer and connection between tablets, you should not need professional help. The steps above cover nearly all common scenarios. However, if you are trying to set up a complex system—for example, using tablets as part of a home automation setup or connecting them to a network printer—you may want to consult the device manufacturer's support site or a local tech support service.

If a tablet will not turn on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi at all, or if it keeps disconnecting when ready after connecting, the device may have a hardware problem. In that case, contact the manufacturer's support line or visit an authorized repair center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect an iPad to an Android tablet using AirDrop?

No. AirDrop only works between Apple devices. To transfer files between an iPad and an Android tablet, use Bluetooth file transfer, a shared cloud service like Google Drive or OneDrive, or connect both to the same Wi-Fi network and use a file-sharing app.

Do both tablets have to be on the same Wi-Fi network to use Bluetooth?

No. Bluetooth works independently of Wi-Fi. Both devices need Bluetooth turned on and must be within about 30 feet of each other, but they do not need to be on the same network. However, some apps that run over Bluetooth may require a network connection for other features.

What happens if I turn off Bluetooth after pairing two tablets?

The tablets remain paired in memory, but they will not communicate until you turn Bluetooth back on. When you do, they will reconnect automatically if they are in range. You do not need to pair them again.

Can I use one tablet to control another tablet remotely?

Yes, if you install a remote control app on both devices. Apps like TeamViewer, Chrome Remote Desktop, or AnyDesk let you view and control one tablet from another over the internet or a local network. Both tablets must have the app installed and be signed into the same account.

Is it safe to share files between tablets over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi?

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi transfers between your own devices are safe. If you are connecting to a public Wi-Fi network, avoid transferring sensitive files. For extra security, use a password-protected file-sharing app or a VPN when transferring data over public networks.