How do I connect my keyboard to my Android device?

First, make sure your device is running at least Android 11. You can either look in the device settings (Settings > About > Android version or similar) or visit whatismyandroidversion.com on your device.

Keyboard port

To connect your keyboard to your Android device, you first need to make sure your keyboard has either a USB port (most newer keyboards) or MIDI ports (older keyboards).

USB or MIDI cable

If you have a USB port, you will need a USB A to B cable. If you have MIDI ports, you'll need a MIDI to USB cable.

Check the back of the keyboard for ports labeled “USB” or “USB TO HOST,” or “MIDI In” and “MIDI Out.” If you're using a digital piano, the ports may be located underneath the keyboard.

Device connector

Now you need to determine the type of connector available on your Android device. Most recent devices feature USB-C, which is a symmetrical connector that allows a plug to be inserted either way. Older devices may have a Micro USB connector which is similar in size but asymmetrically shaped with angled sides.

Keyboard to device adapter

Depending on the keyboard ports and device connector, you'll need either a USB to USB-C OTG adapter or USB to Micro USB OTG adapter. If your keyboard has the older 5-pin MIDI ports, you'll also need a MIDI to USB-A adapter.

Connecting via USB

If your keyboard has a USB to Host port, you will need a USB A to USB B cable. This cable is also referred to as a “printer cable” since it is frequently used to connect printers to computers.

1. Plug the USB B end of the cable (with the square-ish connector) into the USB port on your keyboard. If your keyboard has two USB ports, make sure to plug into the USB to Host port.

2. Plug the USB A end of the cable into the OTG adapter.
3. Plug the OTG adapter into your device's USB C or Micro USB port.
4. In the Playground Sessions app, go to Settings > Keyboard & Volumes, then tap Start Keyboard Setup.

5. At the Connect your keyboard screen, select your MIDI device, then tap the Next button.

6. Press the key at the far left of your keyboard to set the lowest note.

7. Press the key at the far right of your keyboard to set the highest note.

8. You should see a screen informing you that keyboard setup is complete and the size of your keyboard (which may be a custom size for those with an irregular number of keys).

Connecting via MIDI

1. If your keyboard has MIDI In and MIDI Out ports, you will need a MIDI to USB adapter.

2. To connect the keyboard using a MIDI to USB adapter, plug the MIDI In end into the MIDI Out port on the keyboard. Plug the MIDI Out end into the MIDI In port on the keyboard. If plugging the cables in as described doesn't establish a connection, reverse the cables.

3. Plug the USB A end of the MIDI to USB cable into the USB to USB-C or Micro USB adapter. From here, refer to steps 4–8 above as they are identical for either type of connection.

By connecting your keyboard to your Android device, the Playground Sessions app will be able to recognize the keys you play on your keyboard and offer real-time feedback, scoring, and track your progress through lessons.