The fastest way to connect a Samsung keyboard
Most Samsung keyboards connect to Samsung tablets through Bluetooth, which means turning on the keyboard's Bluetooth mode, then searching for it from your tablet's settings. The whole process takes about two minutes. If your keyboard came in the box with your tablet or is a Samsung-branded model, it may also support Samsung DeX mode, which gives you a desktop-like experience — but standard Bluetooth pairing works on any tablet and any compatible keyboard.
The keyboard needs to be in pairing mode (usually a button you hold for three seconds) before your tablet can find it. Once paired, the keyboard will reconnect automatically the next time you turn it on, as long as Bluetooth stays enabled on your tablet.
Key Takeaways
- Turn on the keyboard's Bluetooth mode by holding the power or pairing button for three seconds until a light blinks.
- Go to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth on your tablet, turn Bluetooth on, and select the keyboard from the list of available devices.
- Once paired, the keyboard reconnects automatically when you turn it on, as long as your tablet's Bluetooth is enabled.
- If your keyboard is a Samsung Book Cover Keyboard or similar model, you can also use Samsung DeX for a full desktop interface.
- If the keyboard does not appear in the Bluetooth list, restart both devices and try pairing again.
Step-by-step pairing on your tablet
Open Settings on your tablet and tap Connections (or Connected devices on some models). Then tap Bluetooth and toggle it on. Your tablet will begin searching for nearby Bluetooth devices.
Make sure your keyboard is in pairing mode — check the manual or look for a small button labeled "Pair" or a power button you can hold down. Most Samsung keyboards show a blinking light when they are ready to pair. Once the keyboard appears in the list under "Available devices," tap its name. Your tablet will confirm the connection within a few seconds, and the keyboard will move to the "Connected devices" section.
If nothing happens after you tap the keyboard name, wait a few seconds and try again. Sometimes the connection takes a moment to register.
What to do if the keyboard does not show up
If you do not see the keyboard in the Bluetooth list, the most common reason is that it is not actually in pairing mode. Check the keyboard's manual for the exact button combination — some models use a dedicated Pair button, while others require you to hold the power button for five to ten seconds. Look for a light that blinks or changes color when pairing mode is active.
If the light is on but the keyboard still does not appear, restart both devices. Turn off the keyboard completely, turn off Bluetooth on your tablet, wait ten seconds, then turn Bluetooth back on and put the keyboard in pairing mode again. This clears any stuck connection attempts and usually solves the problem.
If the keyboard has been paired to another device recently (a phone, laptop, or different tablet), it may still be trying to connect to that device instead. Check the other device's Bluetooth settings and disconnect the keyboard there first, then try pairing it to your tablet.
Using Samsung DeX with a Samsung keyboard
If your keyboard is a Samsung Book Cover Keyboard, Samsung Keyboard Trio, or similar official Samsung model, your tablet may support Samsung DeX — a mode that turns your tablet into a desktop-like workspace with a taskbar, windows, and a mouse cursor. DeX activates automatically when you connect certain keyboards, or you can turn it on manually from Settings > Advanced features > Samsung DeX.
In DeX mode, you get a larger display layout, the ability to run multiple apps side by side, and better use of keyboard shortcuts. Not all tablets support DeX, and not all keyboards trigger it automatically, so check your tablet's manual to see whether your model is compatible. Even if DeX is not available, the keyboard will still work as a standard Bluetooth input device.
Reconnecting after the first time
Once you have paired the keyboard, it will remember your tablet. The next time you turn on the keyboard, it will automatically search for your tablet and reconnect within a few seconds — you do not need to go back into Bluetooth settings. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your tablet's settings, or the keyboard will not be able to find it.
If the keyboard does not reconnect after a few seconds, toggle Bluetooth off and back on, or restart the keyboard. If it still will not connect, go back to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth and tap the keyboard name again to manually reconnect.
Troubleshooting common connection problems
If the keyboard connects but the keys do not work, restart your tablet. Sometimes the Bluetooth connection registers but the input driver does not load properly. If restarting does not help, go to Settings > Apps and look for a Bluetooth or keyboard-related app, then clear its cache (tap Storage > Clear cache). This forces the system to reload the keyboard driver.
If only some keys work, or if the keyboard types the wrong characters, the keyboard may be set to the wrong language layout. Check your tablet's Settings > General management > Language and input > On-screen keyboard, and make sure the language matches the keyboard's physical layout. Some Samsung keyboards also have a language-switching button on the device itself — check the manual for the key combination.
If the keyboard keeps disconnecting, move it closer to your tablet. Bluetooth has a range of about 30 feet, but walls, metal objects, and other wireless devices can interfere. Also check whether the keyboard's battery is low — a weak battery can cause connection drops. Replace the batteries or charge the keyboard if it is rechargeable.
Connecting multiple keyboards or switching devices
Your tablet can remember multiple keyboards in its Bluetooth settings, but it can only use one at a time. If you want to switch from one keyboard to another, go to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth, find the keyboard you want to use, and tap it to connect. The tablet will disconnect from the previous keyboard automatically.
If you want to remove a keyboard from your tablet's memory entirely (for example, if you are selling the keyboard or giving it to someone else), go to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth, find the keyboard in the list, tap the gear icon or the three-dot menu next to it, and select "Unpair" or "Forget." The keyboard will no longer appear in your tablet's Bluetooth list, and you will need to pair it again from scratch if you want to use it later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Samsung keyboard, or will any Bluetooth keyboard work?
Any Bluetooth keyboard will work with a Samsung tablet, not just Samsung-branded models. However, Samsung keyboards may offer extra features like Samsung DeX support or special function keys designed for Samsung devices. The pairing process is the same regardless of the keyboard brand.
Can I use a keyboard and a mouse at the same time?
Yes. Pair the mouse the same way you paired the keyboard — put it in Bluetooth pairing mode, then select it from your tablet's Bluetooth settings. Both devices will work together once connected. Some Samsung keyboards come with a trackpad built in, so you may not need a separate mouse.
Why does my keyboard keep asking me to pair again?
This usually means the keyboard is not staying in your tablet's Bluetooth memory. Check that you tapped "Pair" or "Connect" when the keyboard appeared in the list, not just selected it. If the problem continues, unpair the keyboard completely, restart both devices, and pair them again from scratch.
What if my keyboard has a USB-C cable instead of Bluetooth?
Some Samsung keyboards connect via USB-C cable rather than Bluetooth. Plug the cable into your tablet's USB-C port, and the keyboard should work when ready without any pairing steps. No Bluetooth is needed for wired keyboards.
Can I use a Samsung keyboard with a non-Samsung tablet?
Yes, Samsung keyboards work with any tablet that has Bluetooth, including iPads and other Android tablets. The pairing process is the same. However, Samsung-specific features like DeX will not work on non-Samsung devices.