The Two Ways to Connect: Bluetooth and USB
Most tablets connect to keyboards through Bluetooth, a wireless connection that works from across a room. Some tablets also accept keyboards plugged directly into a USB port or charging port using a cable or adapter. Bluetooth is simpler because you do not need cables, but USB keyboards work when ready without pairing steps.
Before you buy a keyboard, check what your tablet has. Look at the ports on the bottom or sides—if you see a USB-C port or Lightning port, you can use either Bluetooth or wired. If your tablet only has a charging port and no other openings, Bluetooth is your only option. Most modern tablets support both methods.
Key Takeaways
- Bluetooth keyboards pair once and then connect automatically when turned on, with no cables needed.
- USB keyboards plug directly into your tablet's port and work when ready, but limit where you can position the tablet.
- To pair a Bluetooth keyboard, turn on the keyboard's pairing mode, then go to your tablet's Settings and select the keyboard from the Bluetooth list.
- If a keyboard does not appear in Bluetooth settings, restart both devices and try pairing again from a distance of three feet or less.
- Some keyboards are made specifically for tablets and come with a case or stand; others are universal and work with any device.
Pairing a Bluetooth Keyboard Step by Step
Turn on your Bluetooth keyboard and look for a power switch or pairing button. Most keyboards have a small button labeled "Pair" or a power button you hold down for three seconds until a light blinks. Check your keyboard's manual if you are unsure—the pairing method varies by brand.
On your tablet, open Settings and find the Bluetooth menu. On iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth. On Android tablets, go to Settings > Connected Devices > Bluetooth or Settings > Bluetooth (the exact path depends on your tablet brand). Turn Bluetooth on if it is not already on.
Your keyboard should appear in the list of available devices within 10 to 15 seconds. Tap the keyboard's name. Your tablet may ask you to confirm a code or straightforward show "Connected" after a moment. Once connected, the keyboard is paired—it will reconnect automatically the next time you turn it on near your tablet.
If the keyboard does not appear, make sure it is in pairing mode and within three feet of the tablet. Restart both devices and try again. If it still does not work, check that your tablet's Bluetooth is fully on and that you are not already connected to a different keyboard.
Connecting a Wired Keyboard with a Cable or Adapter
USB keyboards connect through your tablet's charging port using a cable or adapter. If your tablet has a USB-C port, you can plug in a USB-C keyboard directly or use a USB-C to USB-A adapter with a standard USB keyboard. If your tablet has a Lightning port (iPad), you need a Lightning to USB adapter.
Plug the keyboard into the adapter or port. Your tablet should recognize it within a few seconds—no settings menu is needed. The keyboard is ready to use when ready. If nothing happens, unplug and replug the cable, or restart your tablet.
The main drawback of wired keyboards is that the cable takes up space and limits how far the keyboard can sit from your tablet. If you plan to use the keyboard on your lap or at a distance, Bluetooth is more practical.
What to Do If Your Keyboard Is Not Working
If your Bluetooth keyboard was working and suddenly stopped, first check that it has battery. Most wireless keyboards show a low-battery light or will straightforward stop responding when the batteries are nearly dead. Replace the batteries and try again.
If the keyboard has power but is not connecting, forget the pairing and start over. On iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth, find the keyboard in the list, tap the information icon next to it, and select "Forget This Device." On Android, go to Settings > Connected Devices > Bluetooth, find the keyboard, and tap "Unpair" or the settings icon. Then put the keyboard back into pairing mode and pair it again.
For wired keyboards, try a different cable or adapter if you have one. The cable may be damaged. If the keyboard still does not work, restart your tablet completely—turn it off and back on. If it works on another device, the problem is with your tablet's port or Bluetooth radio, and you may need to contact the tablet's manufacturer.
Choosing Between Bluetooth and Wired
Bluetooth keyboards are better for most people because they are wireless, portable, and work from a distance. They do require batteries and a pairing step, but once set up, they reconnect automatically. Bluetooth keyboards range from small folding models to full-size keyboards with stands.
Wired keyboards are better if you want zero setup, when ready connection, and no batteries to replace. They work well if your tablet stays in one place, like on a desk. The trade-off is that the cable limits how you can position the tablet and keyboard together.
Some keyboards come with a tablet case or stand built in, which can be convenient if you travel. Others are universal and work with any tablet or computer. Check the product description to see what your tablet model supports—most modern keyboards work with any recent tablet, but older keyboards may not.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not assume your keyboard is broken if it does not pair on the first try. Most pairing failures happen because the keyboard is not actually in pairing mode, or because it is too far away. Keep the keyboard within three feet of your tablet during pairing.
Do not forget to turn off Bluetooth when you are done using the keyboard if you want to save battery on your tablet. Bluetooth uses power even when nothing is connected. If you use the keyboard every day, leaving Bluetooth on is fine, but if you use it rarely, turning it off between sessions extends your tablet's battery life.
Do not buy a keyboard without checking the port type on your tablet. A USB-A keyboard will not work on a tablet with only USB-C without an adapter. Read the product listing carefully to see what ports and devices the keyboard supports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a keyboard made for a computer on my tablet?
Yes, most keyboards work with any device that has Bluetooth or the right USB port. A keyboard made for a Windows computer will work on an iPad or Android tablet as long as it connects the same way. The only exception is keyboards with special software or drivers—those may not work on tablets.
Why does my keyboard keep disconnecting?
Low battery is the most common cause. Replace the batteries and see if the problem stops. If the keyboard has power, try forgetting the pairing and pairing again. If it disconnects only in certain locations, interference from other wireless devices may be the problem—move away from WiFi routers, microwaves, or other Bluetooth devices.
Do I need to charge a Bluetooth keyboard?
Most Bluetooth keyboards use replaceable AA or AAA batteries, not rechargeable batteries. Some newer keyboards have built-in rechargeable batteries that you charge with a USB cable. Check your keyboard's manual to see which type yours is.
Can I use more than one keyboard with my tablet?
Your tablet can pair with multiple keyboards, but only one can be connected at a time. If you have two Bluetooth keyboards paired, you can switch between them by turning one off and turning the other on. The tablet will connect to whichever one is on and in range.
What if my tablet does not have Bluetooth?
Older tablets may not have Bluetooth built in. If your tablet has a USB port, you can still use a wired keyboard with an adapter. If it has neither Bluetooth nor USB, a keyboard cannot connect. Check your tablet's specifications or manual to confirm what it supports.