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To set up a rechargeable Mac Magic Keyboard, connect it to your Mac with a cable that fits both devices, switch it on, and let the cable pair it; afterward, use it wirelessly over Bluetooth. Charge it through its USB-C or Lightning port, and check its battery level from the Mac. Firmware updates install automatically in the background while the keyboard is paired—there is no standard manual update button. These steps do not apply to Magic Keyboard models for iPad, which attach through the Smart Connector.
First, identify which Magic Keyboard you have
Apple uses the Magic Keyboard name for more than one product. This guide’s pairing, charging, and firmware instructions are for rechargeable keyboards designed to connect to a Mac over Bluetooth. Mac models may have a USB-C or Lightning charging port, and may also differ by layout or Touch ID. iPad Magic Keyboard models attach to an iPad through its Smart Connector and do not use the Mac Bluetooth setup described below.
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Check the port on the back edge of a Mac keyboard before choosing a cable. Match the cable’s keyboard end to that port and its other end to the Mac or power adapter. Apple’s setup instructions list USB-C, USB-C-to-Lightning, and Lightning-to-USB cables depending on the keyboard and Mac; no single cable fits every model. See Apple’s Magic Keyboard setup guidance and the USB-C Magic Keyboard specifications.
Pair a Mac Magic Keyboard
If it came with your Mac
Turn the keyboard on using the switch on its back edge. If green is visible at the switch, it is on. Apple says a keyboard supplied with a new Mac should already be paired and connect automatically.
#1 Best Overall
- Magic Keyboard delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience.
- It’s also wireless and rechargeable, with an incredibly long-lasting internal battery that’ll power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges.
- It pairs automatically with your Mac, so you can get to work straightaway.
- It features a USB-C port and includes a woven USB-C Charge Cable that lets you pair and charge by connecting to a USB-C port on your Mac.
If it was bought separately or needs pairing again
- Connect the keyboard to the Mac with a cable that fits the keyboard’s port and a port on the Mac.
- Switch the keyboard on; check for green at the power switch.
- Wait for the cable connection to pair the keyboard and charge its battery.
- Confirm the keyboard appears in Bluetooth settings. On current macOS, open Apple menu > System Settings > Bluetooth; on older releases, open System Preferences > Bluetooth.
- Disconnect the cable to use the keyboard wirelessly.
Apple’s setup instructions describe pairing by cable. This process is for rechargeable Mac Bluetooth keyboards, not an iPad Magic Keyboard or Magic Keyboard Folio.
Charge the keyboard and check its battery
Connect a cable matching the port on the keyboard’s back to a Mac or a power adapter. Apple says to leave the device on while charging for the fastest charging performance; you can continue using the keyboard while it is connected. Its charging guidance covers rechargeable USB-C and Lightning models.
Rank #2
- WIRELESS, RECHARGEABLE CONVENIENCE — Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad connects wirelessly to your Mac, iPad, or iPhone via Bluetooth. And the rechargeable internal battery means no loose batteries to replace.
- WORKS WITH MAC, IPAD, OR IPHONE — It pairs quickly with your device so you can get to work right away.
- ENHANCED TYPING EXPERIENCE — Magic Keyboard delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience. Its extended layout features document navigation controls for quick scrolling and full-size arrow keys. The numeric keypad is ideal for spreadsheets and finance applications.
- GO WEEKS WITHOUT CHARGING — The incredibly long-lasting internal battery will power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges. (Battery life varies by use.) Comes with a Lightning to USB Cable that lets you pair and charge by connecting to a USB port on your Mac.
- SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS — Requires a Bluetooth-enabled Mac with macOS 10.12.4 or later, an iPad with iPadOS 13.4 or later, or an iPhone or iPod touch with iOS 10.3 or later.
The keyboard has no built-in battery percentage display. On a Mac, check the Bluetooth control in Control Centre or open Bluetooth in System Settings (System Preferences on older macOS) to see the keyboard’s charge level, as described by Apple Support.
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Rank #3
- Magic Keyboard is available with Touch ID, providing fast, easy and secure authentication for logins and to unlock your Mac.
- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience.
- It features an extended layout, with document navigation controls for quick scrolling and full-size arrow keys, which are great for gaming.
- The numeric keypad is also ideal for spreadsheets and finance applications.
- It’s wireless and features a rechargeable battery that will power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges.
How Magic Keyboard firmware updates work
Firmware updates are delivered automatically in the background while the keyboard is actively paired with an Apple device running macOS, iOS, iPadOS, or tvOS. Apple’s page for Magic Keyboard Firmware Update 2.0.6 lists the Magic Keyboard, Magic Keyboard (2021), Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad, Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, and Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad. Apple records that update as released January 9, 2024, and its support page as published June 24, 2024. The page does not offer a standard manual firmware-download button. See Apple’s Magic Keyboard firmware update notice.
Mac-specific conditions Apple documents
Apple’s Mac guidance for a documented Spatial Audio compatibility case says to check the firmware version in System Information, enable “Install system data and security updates” (or the corresponding system-files option), connect the rechargeable keyboard to the Mac, and leave the Mac idle but awake. The update runs automatically in the background and may not happen immediately; Apple suggests leaving the keyboard connected overnight if convenient. This is not an installer with an on-screen progress bar. See Apple’s firmware guidance for Spatial Audio troubleshooting.
Rank #4
- Magic Keyboard is available with Touch ID, providing fast, easy and secure authentication for logins and to unlock your Mac.
- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience.
- It features an extended layout, with document navigation controls for quick scrolling and full-size arrow keys, which are great for gaming.
- The numeric keypad is also ideal for spreadsheets and finance applications.
- It’s wireless and features a rechargeable battery that will power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges.
Apple’s 2.0.6 security notice says that release addressed a Bluetooth session-management issue. Apple described a potential impact involving an attacker with physical access extracting the accessory’s Bluetooth pairing key and monitoring Bluetooth traffic. That dated notice does not establish that a current keyboard is vulnerable or that the issue remains unpatched; consult the security notice for its exact scope.
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If a Mac Magic Keyboard will not connect
Try Apple’s basic Bluetooth checks in order:
- Switch the keyboard off and on using the switch on its back edge.
- Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on the Mac.
- Connect the keyboard to the Mac with a supported cable, wait one minute, then disconnect it. Apple says this can pair the accessory and charge its battery.
- If the connection still drops, check for wireless interference.
These steps come from Apple’s Bluetooth accessory troubleshooting guidance.
Best Value
- WHY MAGIC KEYBOARD FOR IPAD — The incredibly thin and portable Magic Keyboard features a glass trackpad with haptic feedback, a great typing experience with a function row, USB-C pass-through charging, front and back protection, and magnetic attachability. No pairing or charging required.
- COMPATIBILITY — Magic Keyboard works with iPad Pro 13-inch (M4 and M5).
- DESIGNED FOR COMFORT — Magic Keyboard features a two-cantilever hinge design for smooth, adjustable viewing angles. Backlit keys with a scissor mechanism and a 10-key function row give you more versatility than ever. The built-in glass trackpad features haptic feedback and support for Multi-Touch gestures using the cursor.
- PROTECTIVE KEYBOARD AND CASE — Folds to provide front and back protection wherever you go and features a USB-C connector for pass-through charging. Available in black or white.
- Accessories are sold separately and subject to availability. Compatibility varies by generation.
If an iPad Magic Keyboard will not respond
Do not use the Mac Bluetooth steps for an iPad model. First confirm that the keyboard is compatible with the specific iPad. Apple says Magic Keyboard for iPad Air requires iPadOS 18.3 or later; other Magic Keyboard devices require iPadOS 14.5 or later. These minimums apply to the model groups Apple names, not necessarily every historic keyboard and iPad combination.
- Update the iPad to a compatible iPadOS version.
- Disconnect the keyboard and clean both Smart Connector surfaces with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Remove other cases or covers where applicable, then reconnect the keyboard.
- If it still does not respond, restart the iPad.
Check Apple’s iPad Magic Keyboard troubleshooting steps and the compatible-device list for your exact keyboard and iPad before assuming they work together.
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