Will magnetic rings on iPad Pro (as sidecar to a Mac) affect Magic Keyboard re-attaching?

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Level 1

8 points

Will magnetic rings on iPad Pro (as sidecar to a Mac) affect Magic Keyboard re-attaching?

Hi, I want to use my iPad Pro as a second screen for my Mac. I usually use my iPad with a Mac Keyboard but want to detach it for use as a second screen when working on spreadsheets. I've got it working to the side, using wired and wireless means, but I want to fix the iPad to my Mac. I am looking at buying two Rolling Square Edge hinged magnets to do this (2 needed for the weight), attaching them to the back of my Mac and then attaching 2 magnetic rings to the back of my iPad.

My question is, once I attach those 2 magnetic rings to the back of my iPad, will it attach properly to the Magic Keyboard again, when I finish the spreadsheet stuff and want my iPad as a standalone portable thing?

Thanks.

iPad Pro, iPadOS 18

Posted on Nov 27, 2025 8:59 AM

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Answer 1

Phil0124

Level 10

216,692 points

Nov 27, 2025 9:36 AM in response to Couchy007

Impossible to answer that, as we have no idea how the magnetic rings attach or if they in some way would block the keyboard connector on the iPad or life the iPad away from the keyboard connects enough to cause connection issues.

If they are thin enough and don't block the connector they may not interfere, bot otherwise, its possible the thickness of the rings would prevent the iPad from sitting flush with the keyboard and cause issues with the connection.

Only you can know if they would or would not interfere by actually attempting to connect it with the rings on.

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Answer 2

Couchy007 Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 30, 2025 7:24 AM in response to LotusPilot

Thanks for replies, in the end I went with a heavy duty G clamp for tablets instead of magnetic hinges, and it’s a great solution - best of both worlds and I think the magnets would have gotten in the way of the Magic Keyboard. Cheers!

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Answer 3

Nov 30, 2025 6:43 AM in response to Couchy007

Regardless of any other considerations, be aware that attaching magnets externally to your iPad will definitely interfere with (and de-calibrate) your iPad's internal fluxgate (compass) sensor.

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