Set up and use Bluetooth accessories on iPad

Using a Bluetooth® connection, you can use third-party devices such as wireless keyboards, headphones, speakers, car kits, game controllers, and more with iPad.

Note: iPad must be within about 33 feet (10 meters) of the Bluetooth device.

Pair a Bluetooth headphone, keyboard, game controller, or other device

Follow the instructions that came with the device to put it in discovery mode.
Note: To pair AirPods, see the instructions for your model in the “Pair and connect” section in the AirPods User Guide.
On iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth, turn on Bluetooth, then tap the name of the device.

iPad must be within about 33 feet (10 meters) of the Bluetooth device.

Customize a wireless game controller

After you pair a compatible game controller, you can customize it for supported games from Apple Arcade and the App Store.

Go to Settings > General > Game Controller.
Tap the buttons you want to change.
To customize for a specific app, tap Add App.

Note: Apple Arcade availability varies by country or region.

Play audio from iPad on a Bluetooth audio device

On your iPad, open an audio app, such as Music, then choose an item to play.
Tap , then choose your Bluetooth device.
While audio is playing, you can change the playback destination on the Lock Screen or in Control Center.

The playback destination returns to iPad if you move the device out of Bluetooth range.

For information about protecting your hearing from loud volume while listening to headphones with iPad, see Use headphone audio-level features on iPad.

WARNING: For important information about avoiding hearing loss and avoiding distractions that could lead to dangerous situations, see Important safety information for iPad.

Improve the audio accuracy of third-party Bluetooth devices

You can improve the sound of third-party Bluetooth devices by specifying the device type (such as headphone, speaker, hearing aid, and more) on your iPad.

Go to Settings > Bluetooth, then tap next to the name of the device.
Tap Device Type, then choose the type of device.

Unpair a Bluetooth device

Go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the information button next to the name of the device, then tap Forget This Device.

If you don’t see the Devices list, make sure Bluetooth is turned on.

If you have AirPods and you tap Forget This Device, they’re automatically removed from other devices where you’re signed in with the same Apple ID.

Disconnect from Bluetooth devices

To quickly disconnect from all Bluetooth devices without turning Bluetooth off, open Control Center, then tap .

To learn about Bluetooth privacy settings on iPad, see the Apple Support article If an app would like to use Bluetooth on your device. If you have trouble connecting a Bluetooth device, see the Apple Support article If you can’t connect a Bluetooth accessory to your iPhone or iPad.

Note: The use of certain accessories with iPad may affect wireless performance. Not all iOS or iPadOS accessories are fully compatible with iPad. Turning on airplane mode may eliminate audio interference between iPad and an accessory. Reorienting or relocating iPad and the connected accessory may improve wireless performance.

Helpful?

iPad User Guide