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Published on: 31.03.2024 | updated on: 20.05.2024
iPads are the top choice for professionals and students who want to perform tasks on the go. With the option to connect an external keyboard, users can easily turn their iPads into computers anytime, anywhere. While they are a great utility, keyboards sometimes may fail to function correctly. If you are wondering ‘why my iPad keyboard is not working?’, worry not. ’In this article, we will discuss different reasons why the iPad keyboard is not working and what you can do to fix it.
An external keyboard is an excellent device that iPad users can use to turn their device into a computer anywhere they go. However, sometimes, an external keyboard may face issues and refuse to perform as usual. Some of the most common causes of the Apple iPad keyboard not working are software glitches, outdated iOS, or faults in the settings. While the issues may vary from device to device, the solutions remain similar. Some of the common fixes include restarting your iPad, disconnecting the keyboard and connecting again, updating iOS, or buying a new keyboard. If the issue still persists and your iPad keyboard doesn’t work, the problem might be in your iPad and it’s recommended to get it checked by a repair professional.
Here are the common reasons why the keyboard is not working on iPad:
Software glitches can sometimes prevent the external keyboard from making a connection.
An outdated iOS version may cause compatibility issues with the external keyboard.
Incorrectly configured settings, especially those related to keyboard layout or features, can disrupt the keyboard functionality.
Using an incompatible third-party keyboard may not work well with your specific iPad model.
Hardware issues, such as problems with the iPad's display or touch sensors, can impact the responsiveness of the keyboard.
Here are some of the solutions to fix your iPad keyboard not working:
Restarting your iPad can resolve temporary software glitches and make the keyboard work again.
Update your iPad to the latest version of iOS. This can improve your device's overall performance, including making a secure connection with the keyboard.
Check and update the external keyboard settings by going to Settings > General > Keyboard. Ensure all the settings are configured correctly.
Try connecting with a compatible keyboard and check if it works.
If none of the above solutions work, it might indicate a more serious hardware issue. In that case, professional assistance may be required.
Here is why your Bluetooth keyboard for iPad may not be working and what steps you can take to fix the issue;
The keyboard may not be paired with the iPad.
Their keyboard may not be compatible with the iPad model.
There may be a software glitch in the iPadOS that is failing to recognize the keyboard case.
The keyboard case may be damaged.
Restart your iPad to solve any software bugs by pressing and holding the power button and the volume up button (the restart process varies by model). Also toggle the keyboard case off and on if it has a power button.
Forget the keyboard and pair it again.
Ensure the keyboard is compatible with your iPad model.
Check for a software update by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
Look for visible signs of damage to the keyboard case.
If your iPad smart keyboard is not working, follow the steps listed below to understand why it is happening and what to do;
The keyboard could be incompatible with your iPad model.
A glitch in the iPadOS could be preventing the keyboard case from being recognized.
The iPad might not be connected to the keyboard.
The keyboard case might have sustained damage.
Restart your iPad by pressing and holding the power button along with the volume up button (note that the exact steps to restart may differ depending on your iPad model). Additionally, if your keyboard case has a power button, turn it off and then back on.
Update your iPad to the latest software version by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update.
Remove the keyboard from your iPad's Bluetooth settings and set it up again.
Verify keyboard compatibility with the iPad model.
If the keyboard is damaged, consider replacing it.
Logitech offers some of the best iPad keyboard cases. Here is why they might not be working and what you can do to fix it;
The Logitech keyboard may not be compatible with your specific iPad model or the current version of iPadOS it's running.
The Bluetooth connection between the keyboard and the iPad is disconnected.
There could be a bug or glitch in iPadOS affecting the keyboard's functionality.
The keyboard case may be damaged.
Restart your iPad by pressing and holding the power button and the volume up button.
Forget the keyboard from Bluetooth settings and pair again.
Check for a software update by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
Check for signs of damage.
Here is what to do if your iPad keyboard case is not working;
The Bluetooth may be disconnected.
The keyboard may not be fully compatible with your iPad model or the current version of iPadOS.
There is a software glitch in the iPadOS, causing connectivity issues with external devices.
There could be a hardware issue with the keyboard.
Restart your iPad by pressing and holding the power button and the volume up button to solve any software glitches (the restart process varies by model). Similarly if your iPad keyboard case has a power button, also toggle it off and on.
Forget the keyboard in your iPad’s Bluetooth settings and pair it again.
Ensure the keyboard is compatible.
Look for a software update by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
Check for any damage to the keyboard.
If you rely on your iPad external keyboard for writing or other tasks, understanding why it is not working can help you troubleshoot common problems;
The iPadOS glitch is causing connectivity issues with external keyboards.
The external keyboard is incompatible with your iPad model or the current iPadOS.
The Bluetooth may be disconnected.
The external keyboard is damaged.
Firstly, restart your iPad by pressing and holding the power button and the volume up button to solve any software glitches (the restart process varies by model).
Toggle the external keyboard power button off and on if it has one.
Look for a software update by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
Ensure the keyboard is compatible.
Pair the keyboard again.
If the issue persists, the keyboard may be damaged.
Here is why it’s not working and what to do about it;
The battery may be depleted.
The keyboard is not compatible with your iPad model.
Software glitch causing the iPad to not connect to the keyboard.
There is an issue with Bluetooth connectivity.
The keyboard is damaged.
Recharge the keyboard using an Apple lightning cable.
Ensure your iPad model is compatible with the keyboard.
Update iPadOS by Settings > General > Software Update.
Forget your device and reconnect.
Check for any signs of damage.
Here is why your Zagg iPad Keyboard may be malfunctioning;
Your iPad model might not work with this keyboard.
The battery may be empty.
Problems with Bluetooth connection could be occurring.
A software issue might prevent the iPad from connecting to the keyboard.
The keyboard could have sustained damage.
Use an Apple lightning cable to charge the keyboard.
Verify that the keyboard is designed to work with your specific iPad model.
Go to Settings > General > Software Update to update your iPadOS.
Remove the keyboard from your iPad's Bluetooth devices and pair them again.
Inspect the keyboard for any physical damage.
iPad Folio keyboards simply attach without requiring any cables or even Bluetooth, but if it’s not working, here are some ways you can fix it;
There is a software glitch causing the iPad to not function with the iPad Folio keyboard.
The Folio keyboard may not be compatible with your device.
There may be signs of hardware damage to the Folio keyboard.
Restart your iPad to solve any software glitches by pressing and holding the power button and the volume up button (the process varies by model).
Check for a software update by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
Ensure that the keyboard is compatible with the iPad model.
Look for any signs of damage and get in touch with the manufacturer.
Here is why the iPad swipe keyboard may not be working;
There is a software bug causing the iPad swipe keyboard to not function.
The swipe-to-type feature may not be enabled.
There may be a hardware issue with the device.
Most software bugs can be fixed by simply restarting your device by pressing and holding the power button and the volume up button simultaneously (process varies by method).
Check for a software update by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
Enable the swipe-to-type feature by going to Settings > General > Keyboard > Enable Slide on Floating Keyboard to Type.
Here is why it is happening and what you can do to fix it;
Individual keys on the Bluetooth keyboard might be damaged or stuck by debris.
A low battery can sometimes cause the keyboard to malfunction.
The keyboard might have compatibility issues with the iPadOS version, or there might be a software glitch causing the problem.
Thoroughly clean the keyboard by using compressed air to blow out debris from under the keys. You can also use a slightly damp cloth to clean around the keys carefully, but avoid letting the liquid seep under the keys.
Look for any visible signs of damage to the keyboard or specific keys.
Ensure the keyboard is fully charged, and try repairing the keyboard with the iPad.
Ensure that the keyboard is compatible with your specific iPad model, and check for software updates by going to Settings > General > Update Software.
If the iPad is new and under warranty, the issue may be due to a manufacturing fault, so try to get in touch with the manufacturer for a possible replacement.
Listed below are some reasons why the Apple iPad keyboard trackpad may not be working, along with simple fixes;
The trackpad on the keyboard may be damaged.
There may be a software glitch causing the trackpad not to function.
The physical connection between the iPad and the keyboard through the Smart Connector may not be secure.
Look for a software update by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
If there are signs of damage or the Smart Connector is properly attaching to the keyboard, get in touch with Apple.
Here is why it is happening and what you can do about it;
The iPadOS might be experiencing a software glitch that is affecting the keyboard.
If you're using a Bluetooth keyboard, there might be a connectivity problem causing certain keys to not register.
There may be dirt or debris stuck under the spacebar, affecting its function.
The keyboard may not be compatible with the iPad model.
The spacebar key may be damaged.
Restart Your iPad: This can resolve many minor software glitches. Press and hold the side button and either volume button until the power off slider appears (the process varies by method). After turning it off, wait a few seconds and turn it back on.
Ensure your iPad is running the latest version by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
If you are using a Bluetooth keyboard, go to Settings > Bluetooth, find the keyboard, tap the "i" next to it, and select "Forget This Device." Then, reconnect the keyboard.
Clean the keyboard to get rid of any dust or debris stuck inside the key.
Make sure the keyboard is compatible with your iPad.
If the issue persists, then there may be signs of physical damage, so get in touch with the manufacturer.
Here is what to do if your Belkin keyboard for iPad is not working;
The connecting cable may be damaged or malfunctioning.
There is a software glitch that does not recognize the Belkin Keyboard for iPad.
There is hardware damage to the keyboard.
Restart your iPad by holding the power button and the volume up button together (the restart process varies by method)
Check for any signs of damage to the cable.
Check the software by going to Settings > General > Update Software.
Here is why it is happening and what to do about it;
There may be a temporary bug causing the cursor to not work.
The keyboard may not be compatible with the iPad.
There could be hardware damage either to the keyboard or trackpad.
Restart your iPad by pressing and holding the power button and the volume up button (the process varies by model).
Disconnect and reconnect the keyboard. If the keyboard is Bluetooth enabled, try to pair it again with the iPad.
Inspect the keyboard for any signs of damage.
If your iPad Pro keyboard stops responding, it might be due to a damaged keyboard, software glitch, or compatibility issue. To solve the issue, make sure the keyboard is properly connected. Restart your iPad Pro by pressing and holding the power button and the volume up button at the same time.
One of the major reasons for the iPad Air keyboard not working is due to Bluetooth connectivity problems and damaged keyboard. Luckily you can easily solve this issue by re-pairing the Bluetooth device, charging the keyboard and ensuring the keyboard is compatible with your current iPad model.
The iPad mini keyboard may fail to function if the keyboard is damaged or if it is facing an issue with connectivity. Other than that, the keyboard may also not function if it is physically damaged.
Follow these measures to prevent the Apple iPad keyboard from not working in the future:
Keep your iPad updated with the latest iOS version. Updates sometimes include security patches and fixes that might prevent software glitches and bugs.
Only buy a high-quality iPad keyboard to minimize compatibility issues.
Handle your iPad and keyboard with care. Sometimes, impact or drop can damage the keyboard, resulting in connection issues.
If, even after trying all the steps mentioned above, your iPad keyboard doesn't work, consider getting professional help. Two reliable repair services are:
Getting your iPad repaired at the Apple store guarantees high-quality repair with authentic parts. However, the repair may be costly. However, you can overcome this if your iPad is still covered under warranty or you have AppleCare+ covering accidental damages.
Simply Fixable offers professional repair services for a wide range of devices, including iPads. Their technicians are experienced in handling various types of damages at affordable costs. They also provide a 90-day warranty post-repair, offering peace of mind in case any issue happens after repair.
Keyboards for iPad are a great convenience whether they are Bluetooth, wired or wireless. However, these keyboards may sometimes fail to connect and function as intended due to issues like Bluetooth connectivity, bugs and hardware issues. You can solve the majority of these problems by restarting your iPad but if the issue remains it is best recommended to reconnect the keyboard or inspect for any signs of damage.
Tech Writer | Photographer
LinkedIn: Madiha Khadim
Madi is a dynamic tech writer with a passion for simplifying complex concepts. Her expertise lies in creating clear and concise guides, blogs, manuals, and tutorials that empower users to navigate the technological landscape with ease. Throughout her career, Madi has worked with numerous leading tech companies, collaborating with engineers, developers, designers and marketers to create user manuals, FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and tech articles, on the websites such as "Technology Castle" and "Bilzimo". She can transform intricate technical jargon into user-friendly language, empowering users to understand and utilize products effectively.
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