We may earn compensation from reviewed products. Learn about our editorial policies.
So you’ve purchased a new M4 iPad Pro and you’ve forked out for the latest magic keyboard.
Now it’s time to set it up.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of connecting your Magic Keyboard to your 2024 iPad Pro and some valuable tips and tricks.
So, let’s get started.
Compatibility and System Requirements
Before we start, the Magic Keyboard is designed to integrate with the 2024 iPad Pro models, as well as select iPad Air devices.
To use the Magic Keyboard with your 2024 iPad Pro, you’ll need to be running iPadOS 14.5 or a later version. This ensures that your tablet’s operating system is equipped with the latest features and bug fixes to provide a reliable experience with the keyboard accessory.
It’s also worth noting that the first generation of the Magic Keyboard (model A1998) does not fit with the 2024 iPad Pro 12.9-inch model, especially if you have a screen protector installed. If you encounter any issues with the fit, you may want to consider upgrading to the latest version of the Magic Keyboard for the best compatibility.
Connecting the Magic Keyboard to Your iPad
Now that you’ve confirmed your devices are compatible, let’s dive into the process of physically connecting the Magic Keyboard to your 2024 iPad Pro. This is a straightforward task that only takes a few moments to complete.
- Prepare the Keyboard: Place the Magic Keyboard on a flat surface with the hinge facing away from you and the Apple logo on top.
- Open the Lid: Gently lift the lid of the Magic Keyboard, allowing it to tilt away from you. Continue tilting the lid until it reaches the desired viewing angle or until it stops opening further.
- Attach the iPad: Carefully place your 2024 iPad Pro onto the Magic Keyboard, ensuring that the rear camera lenses are positioned in the top-left corner, aligning with the cutout in the keyboard.
Unlike Bluetooth keyboards, the Magic Keyboard doesn’t require any additional pairing or setup – it automatically connects to your iPad as soon as you place it on the keyboard.
Waking Your iPad with the Magic Keyboard
You can wake your Magic Keyboard up from sleep by pressing any key on the keyboard, and your tablet will spring to life, ready for you to unlock it.
If your iPad is locked, a single additional keypress will bring up the Lock Screen, allowing you to unlock it using Face ID, Touch ID, or by entering your passcode directly on the keyboard.
Adjusting the Viewing Angle
The Magic Keyboard’s hinge design allows you to tilt your device angle.
To adjust the viewing angle, simply tilt the lid of the Magic Keyboard up or down until you reach the desired position. The hinge will hold the iPad securely in place.
Customizing Trackpad Settings
The Magic Keyboard’s built-in trackpad can be fine-tuned to your liking. Just follow these steps:
- Access Trackpad Settings: Go to Settings > General > Trackpad on your iPad.
- Adjust Tracking Speed: Customize the speed at which the pointer moves across the screen, finding the perfect balance between responsiveness and control.
- Toggle Tap to Click: Enable or disable the Tap to Click feature, which allows you to click by tapping the trackpad surface instead of physically pressing down.
- Enable Two-Finger Secondary Click: Activate the Two-Finger Secondary Click option to access contextual menus and other right-click-like functions.
- Configure Haptic Feedback: For Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4) models, you can also set up haptic feedback under Settings > General > Trackpad > System Haptics.
Keyboard Brightness Adjustment
Just like your iPad’s display, the Magic Keyboard’s backlit keys automatically adjust their brightness based on the ambient lighting conditions.
However, if you’d like to manually control the keyboard’s brightness, you can do so by navigating to:
Settings > General > Keyboard > Hardware Keyboard.
Here, you’ll find a slider that allows you to fine-tune the brightness of the keys.
Charging Your iPad
The Magic Keyboard can also provide a charging solution for your 2024 iPad Pro. You have two options when it comes to powering up your tablet:
- Charge Through the iPad’s USB-C Port: Connect your iPad’s USB-C cable directly to the USB-C port on your iPad to charge it as you normally would.
- Charge Through the Magic Keyboard’s USB-C Port: Alternatively, you can plug the USB-C cable into the port on the Magic Keyboard, and your iPad will charge through the keyboard. This can be a helpful option if your iPad’s port is obstructed or if you want to free up the iPad’s port for other accessories.
It’s important to note that the USB-C port on the Magic Keyboard is solely for power delivery and does not support data transfer. This means you cannot use this port to connect other USB-C devices, such as mice or external storage drives, to your iPad.
Switching to the Onscreen Keyboard
There may be times when you need to use the iPad’s onscreen keyboard, such as when typing accented characters or using dictation features.
To access the onscreen keyboard:
- Tap on any text field, and you’ll see the on-screen keyboard appear in the lower-right corner of your iPad’s display.
- Tap the keyboard icon in the bottom-right.
- Toggle between the on-screen and physical keyboards as needed.
When you’re ready to return to the Magic Keyboard, simply start typing, and the on-screen keyboard will automatically disappear.
Keyboard Shortcuts
The Magic Keyboard also has keyboard shortcuts.
The Magic Keyboard utilizes the Command (⌘) key as the primary modifier, similar to how a Mac keyboard functions. This means that many of the shortcuts you may already be familiar with from your desktop computer will work with iPad Pro and Air 2024 as well.
Some of the most useful keyboard shortcuts to remember include:
- ⌘ + C: Copy selected text
- ⌘ + V: Paste text
- ⌘ + Z: Undo the last action
- ⌘ + A: Select all content
- ⌘ + S: Save the current document
- ⌘ + Tab: Switch between open apps
- ⌘ + Space: Invoke the Spotlight search
Cleaning and Maintenance
It’s important to regularly clean and maintain your keyboard.
Start by gently wiping down the exterior of the keyboard with a soft, dry cloth to remove any dust or fingerprints. Avoid using any liquids or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the keyboard’s delicate components.
For a more thorough cleaning, you can use a can of compressed air to gently blow out any debris that may have accumulated between the keys.
Take care not to hold the can too close to the keyboard, as the pressurized air can potentially damage the internal mechanisms.
It’s also a good idea to periodically check the hinge and connection points between the Magic Keyboard and your iPad Pro to ensure they are functioning properly and free of any obstructions.
FAQs
Q: What should I do if I can’t connect my Magic Keyboard to my iPad?
A: If you’re having trouble connecting your Magic Keyboard to your iPad, first ensure that your devices are compatible and that you’re running the latest version of iPadOS. Check the physical connection points on both the keyboard and the iPad for any debris or obstructions. If the issue persists, you may need to contact Apple Support for further assistance.
Q: Why won’t my iPad charge when connected to the Magic Keyboard’s USB-C port?
A: The USB-C port on the Magic Keyboard is designed solely for power delivery, not data transfer. This means you can use it to charge your iPad, but you cannot connect other USB-C devices, such as mice or external storage drives, to this port. If you’re having issues with charging, try using the iPad’s dedicated USB-C port instead.
Q: Can I use the Magic Keyboard with other iPad models?
A: The Magic Keyboard is compatible with a range of iPad Pro and iPad Air models, including the 2024 iPad Pro, iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation or later), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation or later), and iPad Air (4th or 5th generation). However, it’s important to ensure your specific iPad model is supported before purchasing the Magic Keyboard.
Q: How do I prevent my credit cards from being demagnetized by the Magic Keyboard?
A: The Magic Keyboard contains magnets that help secure your iPad in place. To avoid demagnetizing credit cards or other magnetic stripe cards, it’s best to avoid placing them on the inside of the keyboard or between the iPad and the keyboard. Store these cards separately to ensure they maintain their magnetic properties.
