This article will show you how to pair your iPad with a Bluetooth device such as a car radio or speaker. The process of connecting two devices via Bluetooth is called pairing.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: How to Connect iPad
Step 1. Launch the Settings app
Click on the gear-shaped icon on a gray background.
Step 2. Tap Bluetooth
It's at the top of the Settings section in the left pane. The Bluetooth page will open.
Step 3. Tap on the gray "Bluetooth" slider
You will find it to the right of the Bluetooth option; the slider turns green
- this means Bluetooth is activated.
If the slider is green, Bluetooth is already activated on the iPad
Step 4. Turn on your Bluetooth device
Make sure the Bluetooth device is turned on, connected (if necessary), and within 1 meter of the iPad.
The maximum Bluetooth range on iPad is 1 meter, but it's best to have iPad and device as close together as possible when pairing for the first time
Step 5. Press the Bluetooth pairing button
It could be a power button or a button with a Bluetooth logo
, and some Bluetooth devices automatically enter pairing mode when turned on.
- On many Bluetooth devices, you need to press and hold the pairing button or the power button until the device LED blinks a certain number of times.
- iPad can only be paired with devices such as headphones / headsets (iPad 2 and newer), speakers, keyboards, and remotes. iPad cannot be directly connected to another iOS device (such as another iPad or iPhone) or Android device via Bluetooth.
Step 6. Wait for the Bluetooth device name to appear on the iPad screen
The device name, model, or similar designation should appear under the Bluetooth slider. This may take a few seconds.
- If the name does not appear within a minute, disable and re-enable Bluetooth on your tablet.
- In many cases, the Bluetooth device name is a combination of the manufacturer's name and the device's model number.
Step 7. Tap the name of the Bluetooth device to connect to it
Do this as soon as the device name appears on the iPad screen.
You may be prompted for a password or PIN to complete pairing. The code or password can be found in the instructions for the Bluetooth device
Step 8. Wait for the pairing process to complete
“Connected ⓘ” should appear to the right of the Bluetooth device name.
If you're having trouble pairing your Bluetooth device with your iPad, try troubleshooting
Part 2 of 2: How to troubleshoot
Step 1. Remember iPad limitations
You can connect speakers, car stereos, headphones, instruments, keyboards, and printers to your tablet, but not Windows or Android devices - this requires special software.
- Technically, it is possible to exchange data (such as photos and contacts) between iPad and iPhone or Mac, but this requires AirDrop technology.
- We recommend that you connect only speakers, headphones, keyboards, or instruments to your iPad via Bluetooth.
Step 2. Read the instructions for the Bluetooth device
If you can't connect your device to your tablet, read the Bluetooth section (or similar) in the instructions to find out what you are doing wrong.
Step 3. Make sure you are within Bluetooth range
Bluetooth devices have different specifications, but Bluetooth on iPad works within a 1 meter radius. If the Bluetooth device is more than 1 meter away from the iPad, it will most likely fail to pair.
- Keep iPad and Bluetooth device as close together as possible when pairing for the first time.
- It will be easier to connect devices if you can draw a visual line between them.
Step 4. Connect iPad to charger during pairing
If the iPad's battery is less than 20%, the tablet may automatically enter power saving mode. This mode does not turn off Bluetooth, but it can negatively affect the tablet's ability to connect to Bluetooth devices. Therefore, when pairing for the first time, connect your iPad to the charger.
- This also applies to Bluetooth devices. For example, if you are using a wireless Bluetooth speaker, connect it to a power source during pairing.
- If you're using a Bluetooth wireless device that runs out of battery quickly, it may automatically disconnect from iPad.
Step 5. Restart iPad
We recommend that you restart your iPad and iPhone regularly. If you haven't done this for a long time:
- Press and hold the power button.
- Swipe the Shutdown slider from left to right.
- Wait one minute.
- Press the power button again.
Step 6. Reconnect the device
On your tablet, open the Bluetooth menu, tap the Bluetooth device that cannot be paired, tap Forget This Device, and then tap the device name again to reconnect to it.
- You may need to enter a PIN.
- Do this in cases where the iPad is connected to the device but it does not work as expected (for example, if the iPad is connected to a Bluetooth speaker but audio is still playing through the iPad).
Step 7. Update iPad software
This sometimes fixes connectivity issues with Bluetooth devices. Try updating to the latest version.
Do this when an older iPad needs to be connected to a new device (such as a MacBook)
Advice
- If the iPad is significantly newer than the Bluetooth device (or vice versa), the pairing may not work.
- It is possible to connect to multiple Bluetooth devices at the same time, although trying to connect to similar devices (for example, two speakers or a speaker and headphones) will most likely fail.