2 Ways to Use Your Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 with a Keyboard

PDF download Download Article
Attach a keyboard to your Galaxy 2 tablet with ease
PDF download Download Article

Want to turn your Samsung Galaxy Tab into a laptop? By attaching a keyboard, you can get a lot of the same functionality that you would from a netbook or laptop, with the added benefit of still being able to use your touchscreen. Connecting a keyboard is simple, whether you're using Bluetooth or a USB connection.

Things You Should Know

  • For a Bluetooth keyboard, place the keyboard into pairing mode, then select it on your tablet in Settings > Bluetooth.
  • For a USB keyboard or dock, just plug the device into your Galaxy Tab's USB port.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using a Bluetooth Keyboard

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The process for this varies from keyboard to keyboard, but generally you'll need to turn it on. Some keyboards will also require you to press a "Connect" button.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":288,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":455,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a3\/Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a3\/Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":288,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":455,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":288,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":455,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your Samsung Galaxy Tab will attempt to connect to the keyboard.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":288,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":455,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You may be prompted to enter a PIN in order for the Samsung Galaxy Tab to connect to the keyboard. Type the PIN on the keyboard to make the connection.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7b\/Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7b\/Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once you make the connection, you should be able to begin using your keyboard immediately.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":288,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":455,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You may need to manually select your keyboard.
    • Select "Language & input"
    • Ensure that your keyboard is checked in the list of input methods.
    8. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using a USB Keyboard or Dock

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    • You can use any USB keyboard if you get a USB OTG host cable. This adapter lets you connect a standard-sized USB plug to your Samsung Galaxy Tab. OTG is only supported on higher-end Galaxy Tabs.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    As soon as you plug the keyboard in or set it in the dock, it should begin working immediately.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e6\/Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e6\/Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":288,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":455,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You may need to manually select your keyboard.
    • Select "Language & input"
    • Ensure that your keyboard is checked in the list of input methods.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-a-Keyboard-to-Galaxy-Tab-2-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":288,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":455,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    There's a known error with some versions of the Samsung Galaxy Tab and the official dock. The quickest way to fix it is to follow this procedure:
    • Power down the Samsung Galaxy Tab completely by holding the Power button and then selecting Power Off.
    • Insert the powered-down Tab into the dock.
    • Power the Samsung Galaxy Tab back on. Check the "Language & inputs" menu to ensure that your dock is enabled.
    • Charge your dock. If it's still not working, give your dock some time to charge. It may not have enough power to work.
    5. Advertisement


Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Check the Battery Health of Your iPad: Step-by-Step Guide
      How to
      Connect a Tablet to a Computer
      How to
      Use Your Cell Phone Plan on Your Tablet
      How to
      Screenshot on a Samsung Tablet
      How to
      Flash an Android Tablet
      How to
      Use an Android Tablet
      How to
      Detach Your Surface Book
      2 Easy Ways to Connect Microsoft Surface to a TV or Display
      How to
      Disable Secure Boot on Surface 4, 3, and More
      iPad Air White Spots: What Causes Them and What You Can Do About It
      How to
      Root Your Kindle Fire
      How to
      Use a Drawing Graphic Tablet on a Computer
      How to
      Calibrate a Huion Pen Tablet & Fix Cursor Distance
      What to Do When Your Samsung Tablet Won’t Power On
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 122,922 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement