This wikiHow teaches you how to connect iPad to a Bluetooth device, such as a car stereo or speakers. The process of connecting these two devices is called "pairing".
Step
Part 1 of 2: Connecting iPad
Step 1. Open the iPad Settings app
Settings.
Tap the Settings app icon, which resembles a gray box with gears.
Step 2. Tap Bluetooth
It's at the top of the "Settings" column, which is on the left side of the screen. This will open the Bluetooth page in the main part of the screen.
Step 3. Tap the gray "Bluetooth" button
You'll find it right next to the "Bluetooth" heading; this button will turn green
which indicates Bluetooth is on.
If this button is green, it means that Bluetooth is active on the iPad
Step 4. Turn on the Bluetooth device
Make sure the Bluetooth device is on, and connect (if needed). Make sure that the device is only a few centimeters from the iPad.
Although the maximum range of the iPad to be able to connect to Bluetooth is about 9 meters. Try to keep the two devices as close as possible the first time they are connected
Step 5. Press the "Pairing" button on the Bluetooth device
This button can be a power button or a button with the Bluetooth logo
although some Bluetooth devices enter pairing mode immediately when they are turned on.
- For most Bluetooth devices, you will need to press and hold the Power or Connect button until the light flashes a few times.
- iPad can only connect to devices such as headphones (headsets / headphones) for iPad 2 and later, speakers, keyboards and remote controllers (remote). iPad cannot connect directly with other iOS devices (such as another iPad or iPhone) or Android via Bluetooth.
Step 6. Wait until the Bluetooth device name appears
The device name, model number or other similar name will appear below the "Bluetooth" slider on iPad. Usually the name appears after a few seconds.
- If your name doesn't appear after a minute or so, try turning Bluetooth off on iPad, then turning it back on.
- In most cases, the Bluetooth device name is a combination of the manufacturer's name and the device model number.
Step 7. Select the Bluetooth device name
Once you see the Bluetooth device name appear on the iPad's Bluetooth screen, tap the name to start connecting to it.
You may be asked to enter your PIN or password before the pairing process is complete. This information can usually be found in the user manual of the Bluetooth device
Step 8. Wait until the pairing process is complete
After the pairing process is successful, you will see the words "Connected " to the right of the Bluetooth device name.
If you can't connect a Bluetooth device to your iPad, try reading how to troubleshoot
Part 2 of 2: Troubleshooting
Step 1. Understand the limitations of the iPad
While you can connect to various devices such as loudspeakers, car stereos, instruments, keyboards, and printers, you cannot connect to Windows or Android platforms without using special software.
- You can technically transfer things like photos and contacts between your iPad and iPhone or Max, but you'll need AirDrop.
- In general, Bluetooth is best (and reliably) used to play audio from an iPad to a speaker or speakerphone, or to connect hardware such as a keyboard or instrument.
Step 2. Read the Bluetooth user manual
Most Bluetooth devices should have some kind of documentation. If you're having trouble pairing with a device that's supposed to be compatible with iPad, consult the Bluetooth section of the device's user manual to see if you missed a step.
Step 3. Make sure you are within range
Although the specifications of Bluetooth devices may vary, the Bluetooth range of the iPad is only about 9 meters. Bluetooth devices will not be able to connect if the distance from the iPad is more than 9 meters.
- This problem can be easily solved by holding the iPad a few meters away from the Bluetooth device the first time you connect the two.
- If you can see the Bluetooth device clearly while holding the iPad, it will be easier for the two to connect.
Step 4. Connect the iPad to its charger while it is paired
If the power is less than 20 percent, the iPad will automatically enter Low Power Mode (low power mode). This mode can affect iPad's ability to connect with Bluetooth devices. To work around this, charge iPad while it's connected to a Bluetooth device.
- The same is true for Bluetooth devices. For example, if you are using Bluetooth wireless speakers, make sure the device is charging during the pairing process.
- If you're using a wireless Bluetooth device and it loses too much power, it automatically disconnects from iPad.
Step 5. Restart iPad
iPads and iPhones need to be restarted every now and then so do this if the device hasn't been restarted for a long time.
- Press and hold the Power button.
- Swipe button slide to power off (slide to turn off the power) to the right.
- Wait for a minute.
- Press the Power button again.
Step 6. Reset the device
Open the Bluetooth menu on iPad, tap the unconnected Bluetooth device, then tap Forget this Device (forget this device), then tap the device name again to reconnect it.
- You will need to re-enter the PIN number if needed.
- You can try this method when the iPad is connected to the device but not using it (e.g. the iPad shows that the device is connected to a Bluetooth speaker, but audio is still coming out of the iPad).
Step 7. Update iPad software
Sometimes system software will fix this problem with Bluetooth devices. Try updating the device program to the latest version, if available.
This step is especially helpful if an iPad whose system is very out of date is trying to connect to an updated Apple device (such as a MacBook)
Tips
- If the iPad is much newer than the Bluetooth device (or vice versa), the two may not be able to connect.
- You can connect iPad to multiple Bluetooth devices at once, but you can't connect iPad to two Bluetooth devices of the same type (such as a loudspeaker and speakerphone, both of which output audio).
