This article shows you how to connect an iPad to a Bluetooth device, such as a speaker or a vehicle stereo. The procedure that allows you to connect two Bluetooth devices is called "pairing".
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Connect
Step 1. Launch the iPad Settings app by clicking the icon
It is characterized by a gray colored gear.
Step 2. Choose the Bluetooth option
It is one of the items listed at the top of the "Settings" menu. It's located inside the left pane of the Settings app. The "Bluetooth" menu will appear within the main menu frame.
Step 3. Activate the gray "Bluetooth" slider
It is located to the right of the "Bluetooth" entry. It will take on a green color
to indicate that Bluetooth connectivity has been successfully activated.
If the indicated cursor is already green, it means that Bluetooth connectivity is already active
Step 4. Turn on the Bluetooth device to pair with iPad
Make sure it is running and plug it into a power outlet if necessary. Also check that it is located less than a couple of meters from the iPad.
Even if the maximum range of the Bluetooth signal of an iPad is about 9 meters, when carrying out the pairing procedure (i.e. when making the first connection) it is good to keep the two devices as close as possible
Step 5. Press the pairing button on the Bluetooth device
Normally this is the same power button, but in other cases it may be a separate button marked with the Bluetooth symbol
. Some Bluetooth devices automatically activate "pairing" mode as soon as they are put into operation.
- In most cases, you will need to press and hold the "Power" or "Connect" button until the device light flashes a set number of times or in a predetermined sequence.
- The iPad can only connect to Bluetooth devices, such as headphones or earphones (iPad 2 or later), speakers, keyboards, and remote controls. It cannot be connected directly to another iOS or Android device via Bluetooth (for example another iPad or iPhone).
Step 6. Wait for the name of the Bluetooth device you want to connect the iPad to appears on the screen
Normally the Bluetooth device will be characterized by the name or model that will be displayed in the "Devices" section located at the bottom of the main pane of the iPad screen. It may take several seconds for the latter to detect the Bluetooth device to be paired.
- If after a minute the Bluetooth device in question has not yet been detected by the iPad, try deactivating and reactivating the "Bluetooth" slider of the latter.
- In many cases the default Bluetooth device name is based on a combination of the manufacturer and model name.
Step 7. Select the device name
After the iPad has detected the Bluetooth device to be paired, tap its name in the "Devices" section to start the connection process.
You may be prompted to enter a PIN or password in order to complete the pairing of the devices. Normally this information is contained directly in the instruction manual of the Bluetooth device
Step 8. Wait for the pairing process to finish
When the two devices are connected, you will see "Connected ⓘ" appear to the right of the Bluetooth device name.
If you are unable to connect the Bluetooth device to the iPad by following these steps, try to solve the problem by reading this section of the article
Part 2 of 2: Troubleshooting
Step 1. Understand the hardware limitations of the iPad
Although the iOS tablet can be connected to devices such as speakers, vehicle stereos, headsets, keyboards, printers and other Bluetooth devices, it cannot be connected to computers, smartphones or tablets that use the Windows or Android operating system. In this case, specific software must be used to act as an intermediary.
- It is technically possible to transfer data such as photos and contacts between an iPad and an iPhone or Mac, but the AirDrop functionality must be used.
- Generally speaking, Bluetooth connectivity is recommended for connecting the iPad to speakers or headphones to play music or to connect it to hardware peripherals, such as keyboards or other instruments.
Step 2. Read the instruction manual of the Bluetooth device you want to pair with iPad
Most Bluetooth peripherals are sold with all necessary documentation. If you are having problems with the pairing procedure between the iPad and the device, read the instruction manual to find out if you are doing something wrong.
Step 3. Make sure you respect the maximum range limit of the Bluetooth connection
While this limit varies from device to device, an iPad's Bluetooth signal covers a maximum distance of about 30 feet. If the Bluetooth device you want to pair with is further away from the iPad, it is very likely that you will not be able to establish a connection.
- The simplest solution to this type of problem is to keep the two devices at a distance of less than a couple of meters, especially during the initial pairing phase.
- If you can keep the iPad and the Bluetooth device within a short distance and without any physical obstacles between them, the connection procedure will be easier and faster.
Step 4. Connect the iPad to the mains during the pairing phase
If the remaining battery charge of the iOS tablet is below 20%, it may automatically enter the power saving mode. This mode of operation does not disable the Bluetooth connection, but it may have a negative impact on the iPad's ability to connect to other devices. To avoid problems, during the initial pairing phase, connect the iPad to the charger.
- This rule also applies to Bluetooth devices. For example if you are using an external loudspeaker, make sure it is plugged into the mains during the initial pairing phase.
- If you're using a battery-powered Bluetooth device and the remaining charge is too low, it may automatically disconnect from the iPad.
Step 5. Restart the iPad
All iOS devices (iPads and iPhones) need to be restarted from time to time to restore optimal functioning, so restart your iPad if it's been a long time since you last did this.
- Press and hold the "Power" button;
- Slide the slider slide to turn off to the right;
- Wait about a minute;
- Press the "Power" button again to turn on the device.
Step 6. Run the pairing procedure again
Access the "Bluetooth" menu of the iPad, select the name of the Bluetooth device and tap on the item Forget this device. At this point repeat the initial pairing procedure.
- If prompted, you will need to re-enter your security PIN or password to be able to pair.
- This solution is useful in those situations where the iPad is able to establish a connection with the Bluetooth device, but is not able to take advantage of its features (for example when it is connected to a Bluetooth speaker but the audio signal continues to be reproduced. from the iPad).
Step 7. Update the iPad operating system
In some cases, updating the iOS operating system can solve problems related to Bluetooth connectivity. If possible, try to install the latest iOS version available for your iPad.
This step is very effective especially if you are trying to connect an older iPad to a latest generation Apple device (for example a MacBook)
Advice
- If the iPad and the Bluetooth device you want to connect to are from different generations (for example a modern iPad and an older device or vice versa) you may have problems connecting or worse, you may not be able to pair.
- It is possible to connect the iPad to multiple Bluetooth devices, however it is not possible to connect the tablet to two devices belonging to the same type at the same time (for example two different Bluetooth speakers or a speaker and earphones).
