I recently purchased a new (2025) iPad Air 11” M3, then purchased the compatible Magic Keyboard and case ( brand new as well) to go with it. I love both but have one issue that is driving me crazy, I cannot find how to turn on the keyboard backlighting. I do a lot of typing at night, I’m 70 years old and the light from the screen itself just doesn’t do it. Please can someone help with this… thank you.
iPhone 16 Pro, iOS 26
Presumably you have a Magic Keyboard for iPad - and not a the confusingly similarly named Magic Keyboard (unqualified - but designed for Mac).
The backlight for your Magic Keyboard for iPad is controlled from your iPad's Control Centre - to which you may need to add the appropriate control. You'll find instructions for customising the iPad Control Centre here:
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/ipad/ipade572ca56/ipados
In summary, to add the control, first expose the Control Centre by swiping-down from the top-right corner of the screen. Below the visible Control Centre panel, touch-and-hold the screen to reveal the "+ Add a Control" button. Next, tap the button and scroll down the list of available controls to the section entitled Utilities - and select the Keyboard Brightness control.
Presumably you have a Magic Keyboard for iPad - and not a the confusingly similarly named Magic Keyboard (unqualified - but designed for Mac).
The backlight for your Magic Keyboard for iPad is controlled from your iPad's Control Centre - to which you may need to add the appropriate control. You'll find instructions for customising the iPad Control Centre here:
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/ipad/ipade572ca56/ipados
In summary, to add the control, first expose the Control Centre by swiping-down from the top-right corner of the screen. Below the visible Control Centre panel, touch-and-hold the screen to reveal the "+ Add a Control" button. Next, tap the button and scroll down the list of available controls to the section entitled Utilities - and select the Keyboard Brightness control.
FYI… just talked with Apple.
There is no backlighting on the iPad Air Magic Keyboard.
Thanks for trying to help though .. appreciate it.
Please review this support page - in particular the section entitled "Adjust trackpad settings and keyboard brightness":
https://support.apple.com/108762
Key Details for Adjusting Backlight:
If you are unable to resolve the problem, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page.
Alternatively you can initiate and manage your support cases from Apple devices using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044
Thank you for your prompt reply. Yes, I have the Magic Keyboard for iPad, the compatible one for my iPad and not the Mac equivalent. Sadly, it appears there is no control for the backlighting of the keyboard. I did all the steps you suggested, found the keyboard lighting button in the Utilities section of the Control Center, added it but it does absolutely nothing. I am doing more reading on this issue on other sites, and it appears there is no keyboard backlighting as others have experienced the same issue. Cannot believe that Apple would omit such an important feature, a basic requirement for so many people. Have I just paid $400 plus ( CDN) for a keyboard with no backlighting capability???
How to turn on Magic Keyboard backlighting
