You are probably used to swiping your tablet with your fingers, and the idea of using an external keyboard might not even cross your mind. However, if you want speedy typing and don’t have a laptop, an external wireless keyboard might come in handy. We prepared this simple guide to help you learn how to use a wireless keyboard with a tablet.
Can You Use a Wireless Keyboard with a Tablet?
Yes, you can use a wireless keyboard with a tablet. Just like with a laptop, you can connect the keyboard to the tablet using either Bluetooth or a USB receiver. USB dongles only work with a few tablets so using Bluetooth is the most efficient option.
For this reason, we will only focus on Bluetooth connection since it is the most common method. Read ahead to discover how to efficiently connect tablets using different operating systems with a wireless keyboard.
How to Connect a Wireless Keyboard to a Tablet
Tablets have different operating systems and the process of connecting them to wireless keyboards may vary. In particular, there are three common operating systems that we will focus on in this guide. These are:
- Android
- iOS
- Windows
Below, we will look at how to connect a wireless keyboard to Tablets using each of these operating systems via Bluetooth.
Keep in mind that unlike docked keyboards, you don’t have to worry about compatibility with wireless keyboards. This is because wireless keyboards are not designed for specific tablets so a single one can be used with different tablets.
How to Connect a Wireless Keyboard to an Android Tablet
Follow the steps below to quickly pair a wireless keyboard with an Android tablet:
- Make sure that the keyboard has new batteries and is within a close range from the tablet
- Turn the keyboard on using the power button beneath it
- Make sure discovery or connection mode is turned on. In some keyboards, there will be a blinking LED light to show that connection mode is on.
- Go to Settings on your tablet and then tap on Wireless and Network.
- Tab on Bluetooth Settings
- Tab the Bluetooth button to toggle it on
- Tab on Search for Devices
- If the keyboard you are trying to connect to is listed as one of the devices, tab on its name to start pairing
- Sometimes, you might be prompted to enter a passkey. If you are, type the PIN on the keyboard to establish a connection.
- That’s it! You are ready to start typing.
Note: You can follow a very similar process for hooking up your wireless mouse to an iPad!
How to Connect a Wireless Keyboard with an iPad
Keenly follow these steps to connect a wireless keyboard with an iPad:
- Install new or slightly used batteries into the keyboard
- Turn the keyboard on and place it within a close range from the iPad
- Turn on Discovery Mode so the Bluetooth signal can be picked up by the iPad
- On your iPad, tap the Settings icon then select General
- Tab on Bluetooth
- If Bluetooth is turned off, tap on the On/Off switch to toggle it on
- When the name of the keyboard appears under the list of nearby devices, tap it to start pairing.
- If a passkey is provided, type it on the iPad’s keyboard.
- If you enter the passkey correctly, your wireless keyboard should be immediately connected to the iPad
How to Connect a Wireless Keyboard with a Windows Tablet
To connect a Windows Tablet with a wireless keyboard, follow the steps below:
- Install fresh batteries into the keyboard, turn it on and ensure it is on a close range with the tablet
- Turn on discovery mode so that the keyboard can be discovered by the Tablet’s Bluetooth connection
- On your Tablet, go to Settings then tap on Devices
- Choose the Bluetooth option
- Tap the Bluetooth on/off switch to turn on if its turned off
- Under the list of Bluetooth devices, tap on the name of your wireless keyboard
- If you are prompted to enter a passkey, type it on the tablet to complete the connection
- You are ready to start typing on your wireless keyboard
Troubleshooting Options
If for some reason you cannot establish a connection between the keyboard and your Tablet, try the following troubleshooting options
- Ensure that Bluetooth is turned on in your tablet
- Insert new batteries into the keyboard
- Ensure that the keyboard is not too far from the tablet
- Ensure that discovery or connection mode is enabled on your keyboard
- Make sure that you correctly enter the passkey if you are prompted to do so
Conclusion
If you are looking for the flexibility of a full QWERTY keyboard for speedy typing on your tablet, using a wireless keyboard is the most ideal option. You can easily connect your tablet to a wireless keyboard using Bluetooth. The procedure will vary based on the tablet’s operating system so make sure to follow instructions for your specific OS.
