How to use a Bluetooth keyboard with the iPad
It’s remarkably simple to use a Bluetooth keyboard with the iPad. First, you just need to ensure that your keyboard supports HID mode, that’s Human Interface Device Profile and is pretty much the closest thing to a universal Bluetooth keyboard interface out there these days.
You simply need to put your keyboard into pairing mode, go to Settings -> General -> Bluetooth on the iPad, and then tap the keyboard’s entry. Then the iPad will pop up a message with a pairing code you need to enter into the keyboard. Once that’s done, you’re all set. Now when you come to a text entry field, instead of the on-screen keyboard popping up on the iPad, you simply enter text on your Bluetooth keyboard.
I used the Freedom Universal Bluetooth Keyboard, which is available in the TiPb iPad Accessory Store for $99.95. If you order before April 14th, you can enter coupon code iPad10 to get 10% off.
Video after the break!
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Rene Ritchie, Editor
Chad Garrett, Writer
Jeremy Sikora, Writer
Leanna Lofte, Writer
Georgia, Writer
Allyson Kazmucha, Writer
Dieter Bohn, Editor in Chief, SPE
Do want.
Can I hook up a mouse and a monitor too? I want to destroy the iPad’s portability as much as I possibly can.
@fastlane shame haha !!!
What kind of watch is Dieter wearing. I want to know where I can get one.
Man thats fantastic! I like that folding keyboard. Brilliant! NOW it’s a pen and paper replacer for school for me!
And now that its been jailbroken, I imagine a whole bunch of other things will be possible. http://www.reuters.com/article/idUS339969080220100405
Wow, add some USB ports, a mouse, a real hard drive, a lot more memory, a file explorer, upgrade-ability, and a camera and you almost have a tablet. Sign me up!
That’s really cool to know though. Some of us have the Apple wireless keyboard and may want to take it with us to the library or on a vacation… cheers!
Dear Santa: please let Bluetooth keyboards work with the @$&! iPhone too so I can actually get real work done with it. Ipad…meh.
@2busy2blog same here, i wanted to know what watch it is, i ask him on twitter but no response.
It looks like a Phosphor watch.
http://www.phosphorwatches.com/
Your welcome.
The 4.0 OS update will give the iPhone’s Bluetooth keyboard support as well (we have yet to see how well it is implemented on the older iPhones but the 3g’s and above work well). We are currently developing drivers for our Freedom Pro Keyboard to give the added function keys (media controls, phone controls, shortcut keys, etc) but it will also work out the box just by pairing it up if you aren’t fussed about the functions.
The magic-mouse can be installed on the IPAD or iPhone?
http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/mmfixeds-magic-mouse-fix-hands-on-literally/
Thanks for the great article now i connect keyboard to my ipad.. Where can i buy accessories for ipad online?
Is there a way to emulate the iPad home key in a bluetooth keyboard?
The Apple Bluetooth keyboard is half the price…
Dieter (and others), do you have experience with pairing the old Palm bluetooth keyboard?
I just got the Freedom Pro Keyboard and can’t get it to connect via Bluetooth to my iPad. The keyboard is set for HID, is discovered by the iPad, and I get a pairing number. However, when I enter the 6 digit number from the Freedom, I get a message saying that my iPad can’t connect to it. Any suggestions?
Wow! I have a palm BT keyboard. Both devices are compatible with each other did not. But now, thanks to the posts found! (Sorry.. my english is very poor~)