Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate and a B&H affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my full Ethics & Affiliate Relationship Disclaimer.
The Apple Magic Keyboard is built to pair over Bluetooth, but if it is already tied to your Mac, your iPhone will not see it. The fix is to unpair it from the computer and force it back into pairing mode. Here is the exact sequence that works for me.
Forget the keyboard on your computer first
If the Magic Keyboard is currently paired to your Mac, that connection blocks the iPhone from finding it. Open the Bluetooth settings on your computer and forget the Magic Keyboard so it is no longer claimed by that device.
Flip the power switch several times to force pairing mode
Once it is unpaired from the computer, flip the on and off switch on the keyboard several times. Toggling it back and forth like this is what actually kicks it into Bluetooth pairing mode so a new device can discover it.
Connect from your iPhone's Bluetooth settings
Now grab your iPhone and open Bluetooth:
- Swipe down to open Control Center, or go into Settings.
- Open your Bluetooth settings.
- Scroll to the bottom of the list. The Magic Keyboard should show up under the available devices.
- Tap it and give it a second to connect.
Once it links up, the keyboard is paired and ready to type on the iPhone.
A few extra tips
If you just need it working right now, you can plug the keyboard in with a USB-C cable and it will temporarily act as a wired keyboard. That is a quick workaround, but it is not a permanent Bluetooth pairing.
For a proper wireless connection that sticks, you have to do the trick: unpair it from your computer and flip the power switch several times to drop it back into pairing mode. Skip that step and the iPhone will never see it.
