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Magic keyboard not responding, how can I troubleshoot the problem?

Can someone explain how to troubleshoot a Magic Keyboard that isn’t responding? I’m using a new ipad pro max replacement machine. Original machine died.

iPad, iOS 10

Posted on Aug 10, 2023 2:01 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 31, 2024 9:47 PM

I have a 12.9in IPad Pro (M1) and after the most recent update, my Magic Keyboard doesn’t connect anymore. Wondering if anyone is having a similar problem and if there’s a fix for it.

22 replies

Aug 10, 2023 2:33 AM in response to Happydales

Clearly boilerplate and/or AI-generated responses (potentially generated using ChatGPT or similar), with a list of potential actions that are entirely inappropriate for your issue, aren’t going to get to the bottom of your issue.


Addressing your specific problem, remove the iPad from the Magic Keyboard - and carefully/gently clean the smart connector contacts on both the iPad and keyboard with a soft pencil eraser (a drafting-film eraser is ideal). Ensure that the contacts on both iPad and keyboard are dirt and dust free - and all debris from the eraser have been removed - before reconnecting the two.


If you can't connect your iPad to your Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard, or Smart Keyboard Folio - Apple Support


If you are unable to resolve the problem, you may be best advised to visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPad and Magic Keyboard:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Jul 8, 2024 7:11 AM in response to Happydales

If your Magic Keyboard isn’t responding with your new iPad Pro, try these troubleshooting steps:


  1. Check Battery: Ensure the Magic Keyboard has enough charge. Connect it to a power source if needed.
  2. Restart Your iPad: Sometimes a simple restart can fix connectivity issues.
  3. Test Your Keyboard: Use to check if the keys are responsive.
  4. Reconnect Keyboard: Go to Settings > Bluetooth, forget the Magic Keyboard, then reconnect it.
  5. Update iPadOS: Make sure your iPad is running the latest software.
  6. Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This can help with Bluetooth connectivity issues.


If these steps don’t work, it might be a hardware issue.


[Edited by Moderator]

Sep 26, 2024 5:26 AM in response to Happydales

Hi,


I had this problem after not using the keyboard part of the iPad for a few months. The connection points in mine are slightly corroded from a good spillage in my bag and I thought this was the issue. Today I did a search on the iPad for keyboards and in the accessibility section for keyboards it had an option to select to control iPad with external keyboard. I clicked on and now I have my keyboard working after I had assumed it was a points connection issue. I’ve no idea how it came to disconnect. Delighted now 😁

Apr 12, 2024 9:23 AM in response to jonelle16

jonelle16 wrote:

My Magic Keyboard is not working and it doesn’t connect by Bluetooth it is a magnet
does anyone have any idea of how to fix it or had anyone experienced this ?


Remove the iPad from the Keyboard - and carefully/gently clean the smart connector contacts on both the iPad and keyboard with a soft pencil eraser (a drafting-film eraser is ideal). Ensure that the contacts on both iPad and keyboard are dirt and dust free - and all debris from the eraser have been removed - before reconnecting the two.


If you can't connect your iPad to your Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard, or Smart Keyboard Folio - Apple Support


Apr 29, 2024 9:07 PM in response to LotusPilot

Another potential problem (happened to mine) is if the backboard with the three connectors to the iPad has bent or warped at the connector. This could happen with age, moisture or sun exposure. Mine seems to have warped slightly concave horizontally towards the back of the iPad. After the other measures mentioned seemed to work initially (but not for long), I found that a gentle counter bend of the back board every now and then when the connection becomes unstable is enough to fix it for a month or two.

Sep 5, 2024 7:25 AM in response to LloydGarmadon

LloydGarmadon wrote:

Hello I have a Magic Keyboard folio 10.9 it only became 2years and now it’s not working at all


Remove the iPad from the Keyboard - and carefully/gently clean the smart connector contacts on both the iPad and keyboard with a soft pencil eraser (a drafting-film eraser is ideal). Ensure that the contacts on both iPad and keyboard are dirt and dust free - and all debris from the eraser have been removed - before reconnecting the two.


If you can't connect your iPad to your Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard, or Smart Keyboard Folio - Apple Support


Nov 9, 2024 7:30 AM in response to gerhard219

gerhard219 wrote:

My Magic Keyboard is not working m


Remove the iPad from the Keyboard - and carefully/gently clean the smart connector contacts on both the iPad and keyboard with a soft pencil eraser (a drafting-film eraser is ideal). Ensure that the contacts on both iPad and keyboard are dirt and dust free - and all debris from the eraser have been removed - before reconnecting the two.


If you can't connect your iPad to your Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard, or Smart Keyboard Folio - Apple Support



Magic keyboard not responding, how can I troubleshoot the problem?

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