Skip to main content

Connect your instrument to your iPad

Connecting your iPad to your instrument greatly helps with accurate note recognition. You can do this via Bluetooth or a cable. Here's how.

Updated over a year ago

Does your iPad have trouble properly hearing you play piano? In some instances, your iPad microphone won't reliably detect the notes you’re playing. Connecting your instrument directly to your iPad will help it detect your playing more reliably.

There are 2 ways to connect your instrument to your iPad:

A) MIDI via cable

B) MIDI via Bluetooth

A) MIDI via cable

Here’s what you’ll need:

Your setup will look something like this:

iPad connected to digital piano via USB-C to USB adapter and USB to USB-B cable

  1. If you have a USB-C to USB-B cable, you can plug it directly into the USB-C port of your iPad.

    USB-C to USB adapter connecting to iPad Pro with USB C port

  2. For devices with a Lightning port:

    1. Connect the Lightning to USB adapter to your iPad's Lightning port.

    2. Plug the USB or MIDI cable into the adapter.

    USB cable connecting to iPad Pro with USB C port via USB-C to USB adapter

  3. If your piano has a USB-B output (often labeled To Host), plug the USB-B end of the cable into it. You need a USB 2.0 cable for this. If your piano has a 5-pin MIDI output, plug the In and Out ends of the cable into it.

    USB to USB-B cable connecting to digital piano USB TO HOST (USB-B) port

That's it! Open flowkey and enjoy playing with flawless note recognition!

B) MIDI via Bluetooth

Note: Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth audio are becoming more common in digital pianos and keyboards. If your instrument has Bluetooth MIDI, you can connect it directly to your device and the flowkey app—no adapter needed. Just open the MIDI/Bluetooth Setup in your app settings. This option is currently only available on our mobile app for iOS, not on Android or the browser app.

If your instrument doesn’t have Bluetooth MIDI built in, please follow the steps below.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Your setup will look something like this:

iPad connected to digital piano via MIDI Bluetooth adapter

  1. Connect your MIDI Bluetooth adapter to your keyboard. Depending on the outputs of your keyboard, you may need a 5-pin MIDI adapter.

    MIDI Bluetooth adapter connecting to keyboard's MIDI ports

  2. Ensure your iPad’s Bluetooth is on. To check, swipe down from the top right corner of your iPad screen to open the Control Center. If the Bluetooth icon is white, tap it to turn on your Bluetooth. You can also turn on/off your Bluetooth via Settings > Bluetooth.

    iPad turning on Bluetooth functionality

  3. Open the flowkey app.

  4. Open a song so that you’re in the player section of the app.

  5. Tap the gear icon in the top right corner to open Settings.

  6. Select MIDI/Bluetooth Setup.

    flowkey app connecting to MIDI instrument via Bluetooth

  7. Tap Configure Bluetooth MIDI to find your MIDI device. You also have the option to enable MIDI sounds here if your instrument doesn't produce sound.

Your device will connect and start communicating with your instrument via MIDI. You’ll now enjoy smoother note recognition. Happy playing!

Did this answer your question?