How to find the iPad Magic Keyboard hidden backlight

Some people complain that the Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad lacks a backlight for the keys. Turns out the accessory really has one but the controls aren’t where you might expect.

Here’s how to find the control for the Magic Keyboard in the Control Center. And how to adjust the backlight, too.

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Such a useful iPad accessory

Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad is brilliant. It sports a cool cantilever design, a slim form, trackpad, and even a USB-C port to charge the tablet. It also has a backlight for the keys. You just need to know how to activate it.

Really, a key backlight isn’t something Apple would leave out. This is the premier keyboard case for iPad. And it costs a mint. Basic features won’t be forgotten.

iPad Magic Keyboard actually has a backlight

Don’t beat yourself up because you don’t find the controls for the Magic Keyboard’s key backlight. You probably looked on the accessory itself for a button or switch to activate it. That search was in vain — as you already know.

There’s Keyboard Brightness control in the Control Center specifically for the Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad. With it, you can adjust the backlight in a second or so with a few taps.

But first you need to make sure it’s in the Control Center.

1. On your iPad, start by opening the Settings app and tapping Control Center.
2. In the list of Included Controls, look for Keyboard Brightness. If it’s there, good. You’re done with this part, though you have the options to move it up or down in the Control Center with a tap-hold-and-drag on the hamburger button to its right, if you wish.
3. If Keyboard Brightness is not in Included Controls, look down to More Controls to find it, then tap the green plus button next to it. That will bump it up into Included Controls. Repeat step 2.

Now you’re ready to start using the new control.

1. Open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of your screen.
2. Tap the Keyboard Brightness button. It looks a bit like the sun coming up over the horizon.
3. If your Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad isn’t connected to your tablet, the button will be greyed out and unresponsive. Attach it now.
4. Tap and hold on the Keyboard Brightness control. A slider will automatically appear under your finger — move it up or down to adjust the keyboard backlight.
5. Close the Control Center by tapping somewhere else on the iPad screen.

Add Magic Keyboard to your iPad

If you’ve skipped the iPad Magic Keyboard because you thought it lacked a backlight, you might now be interested in this accessory. Just be sure to get the right one for your specific tablet model.

The Apple Store is currently the only source for the one compatible with the 13-inch M4 iPad Pro. But you can turn to Amazon for one that fits older Pro and Air models, There’s a version for the iPad 10, too.