How to connect a keyboard to a tablet
The tablet is a very convenient device. Due to its compactness, it is mobile and can be used on trips, business trips, on vacation and in other situations where a PC is needed, but there is no way to use it.
Like all mobile gadgets, the tablet has hardware and software that expand its functions by connecting peripheral devices.
The content of the article
Can I connect a keyboard to my tablet?
The thoughts of IT specialists do not stand still. From quarter to quarter, from month to month, new utilities, drivers, operating system updates appear, new models of gadgets and peripheral equipment are improved and appear.
Today, an external keyboard, mouse, joystick, or cyberboard is connected in three ways:
- cable;
- via Wi-Fi;
- using Bluetooth;
- via infrared port (outdated method).
Ways to connect a keyboard to a tablet
Connection via cable:
The tablet, along with other connectors and sockets, has a USB port to which you can connect any peripheral device equipped with the same port. The interaction of the pair of devices in question is carried out under the control of the Operating System installed in the tablet’s memory.
Connecting peripherals to the tablet is carried out in accordance with the instructions:
Check if the required driver is available.
Connect devices using a USB cable.If necessary, you can use a USB to Micro USB adapter cable.
If the required driver is missing, install it manually.
This is done like this:
- Install the rekeyboard application.
- Go through the tabs until you open “rekeyboard”.
- Open “Switch layout” and configure the desired key combination.
- Inform the system about the need to work with an “External Keyboard”.
- Restart the program.
Important! The advantages of a cable connection are visual control, ensuring high throughput and reliable data transmission, and economical consumption of battery energy.
Connection via Wi-Fi adapter.
Connecting using the Wi-Fi protocol requires that certain conditions be met to ensure data transfer synchronization:
- Wi-fi modules, masks and IP addresses in both devices must match.
- Processing and transfer of data between devices must occur autonomously and reliably.
The disadvantage of this method of data transfer is the difficulty in performing synchronization.
Reference! This method is more suitable for working with a tablet with slow printers or MFPs.
Infrared port and Bluetooth:
Mobility, the absence of wires that are often tangled and require storage space, and the ease of combining devices into one system make the use of bluetooth very attractive.
Connecting devices using the Bluetooth protocol requires following the following instructions:
- Turn on the equipment and make sure it is working.
- Click “Settings”.
- Click on the Bluetooth tab.
- In the window that opens, click “Search for device.”
- Find “Your Keyboard” on the screen, click on it, and then on “Pairing”.
Important! Sometimes you need to enter the keyboard connection code shown on the screen in the prompt window.
The infrared port is first activated on the peripheral, then the tablet turns on and syncs with the peripheral device.
Reference! It should be noted that gadgets produced in recent years do not support IR protocols, while Bluetooth technology is being improved and is becoming increasingly used.
Advantages and disadvantages wireless protocols:
The advantages of a wireless connection are obvious:
— mobility and autonomy of existence of each device, and the ability to work with them at a remote distance;
— easily installed synchronization of data exchange;
— the ability of the tablet to work with several peripheral devices with the appropriate operating system.
Attention! Disadvantages of wireless data transfer include poor tablet functionality and latency in data transfer, which is inconvenient for gamers.
Connecting a keyboard to a tablet on Android OS
The keyboard is produced in three types:
- a case with keys on one side, which serves not only as a keyboard, but also as a means of preserving the tablet;
- stand supporting the tablet;
- standalone keyboard.
Produced using various software products.
Russian Keyboard application.
Connection via USB-port happens according to the instructions:
- Make sure you have the necessary drivers;
- Pair devices;
- Download and install the “Russian Keyboard” application from the Play Market;
- Select “Input language” and “Input methods”;
- Open the application and click sequentially “Hardware keyboard” - “Layout” - “External”;
- Enter text into the text field of any browser;
- If the result is negative, restart the program and, if necessary, repeat all operations.
Keyboard - Bluetooth, paired according to instructions:
- make sure it is compatible with Android OS;
- turn on and activate connected devices;
- activate Bluetooth;
- click “Search for device” and select the keyboard;
- click “Pairing”;
- enter the system code using the Enter key.
Reference! Check the correct operation of the system in the same way as in steps 6 and 7 with a USB connection. If pairing is unsatisfactory, you need to use the “Russian Keyboard” utility.
Wi—Fi - not a very reliable system for switching purposes. It may fail, and if the devices are paired, they will work with a long delay, which is inconvenient. However, let's consider the pairing method.
- Turn on devices and activate Wi-Fi.
- Click “Settings”, turn on Wi-Fi, press the Wi-Fi Direct button.
- The system will start searching for devices. Keyboard detection will indicate a successful completion of the compatibility test.
- Confirm synchronization by clicking on the name of the keyboard.
- Make sure the system is working correctly by entering information into the tablet.
Application of "ruKeyboard":
- Enter "Settings".
- Click “Language and Settings”, check Russion Keyboard.
- Enable "Hardware Keyboard".
- Then "External Keyboard".
- Long click on any text field.
- In the “Input Method” menu, select “ruKeyboard”.
Reference! The presence of Bluetooth makes it possible to connect the corresponding peripherals via “ruKeyboard”.
The ease of connecting any device to the tablet expands the possibilities of enjoying life and increases the user’s workspace.
Multiply your fleet of gadgets and be happy!