You must make sure that the iPad's Bluetooth is turned on in Settings before you turn on the keyboard; you should see the red power light on the keyboard light up for about a second when you turn it on (if it doesn't do that, you need a charge). You should then see the Zagg keyboard listed as Connected. You can also turn on Bluetooth by swiping up from the bottom of the screen & selecting the Bluetooth icon so it's white. When the keyboard's connected the onscreen keyboard disappears. The keyboard does require a separate charge, using the cable that's included with it.