As a new iPad owner I am eager to find out everything I can do with it – including how to make best use of an external keyboard.
Sadly the keyboard dock isn’t out just yet, and I’d rather not buy a separate Bluetooth keyboard as well as a dock in order to type and have a charging stand at the same time.
It turns out it’s possible to “share” a Bluetooth keyboard!
Pairing
1. On your Mac (where the keyboard is already paired), click the Bluetooth menu and select the name of your keyboard, then Disconnect.
3. Tun the keyboard off by holding the power button, then switch it back on. (This step may not be strictly necessary, but it didn’t work for me until I did this.)
4. On your iPad open the Settings app, then select General, then Bluetooth.
5. After a few seconds your Bluetooth keyboard should appear. Touch its name.
6. You will be prompted to enter a numeric code on your keyboard, followed by the Return key.
7. Your keyboard should now be connected.
Switching
• To connect your keyboard to your computer, switch off Bluetooth on the iPad. Then go to your Mac’s Bluetooth menu, select the name of your keyboard, then Connect.
• To connect your keyboard to your iPad: Go to the Mac’s Bluetooth menu, select the name of your keyboard, then disconnect. Open the iPad’s settings app, then Bluetooth, and touch the name of your keyboard to connect.
Caveat
No, it’s not ideal to do this frequently. But if you’re waiting on the release of the keyboard dock, or just reeling from the purchase price of your iPad, it will save you from un-pairing and re-pairing repeatedly.
Note On White Apple Keyboards
So far I have tried two of the older white Apple keyboards and neither one would pair successfully. If anyone has info on this, please share it!
