Apple Smart Keyboard

Hi! Welcome to Apple Support Communities. My name's Jeremy, and I'm more than happy to help answer your question.

The Smart Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio for iPad are not backlit. However, the Magic Keyboard (compatible with newer iPad Pro and iPad Air) and Magic Keyboard Folio (compatible with iPad 10th generation) are. Try checking that out to see if your iPad's compatible.

Hope this answers your question!

The only thing I can think of at the moment is that the environment may be too bright. Try covering the ambient light sensor on your iPad. Unfortunately I’m not entirely sure where the sensor is on your iPad, if you can’t find it, maybe try Googling it?

If that doesn’t work, I’m not sure what else is wrong, but I hope this helps!