How to Connect Your iPad or iPhone to your Digital Piano or Keyboard

To connect your digital piano or keyboard to your iPad or iPhone and use it with the Playground Sessions app, you’ll need two things: the correct adapter for your iPad/iPhone and the correct cable for your keyboard.

1. Adapter needed for iPad / iPhone

Your iPad or iPhone has either a USB-C port (newer models) or Lightning port (older models). This is the same port where you plug your charger into.

You’ll need the adapter that matches your iPad port:

• Buy an Apple USB-C Adapter on Amazon →
• Buy an Apple Lightning (USB 3 Camera) Adapter on Amazon →

2. Cable needed for iPad / iPhone

Your digital piano or keyboard has one of the following ports typically located on the back of the keyboard.  You’ll need the cable that corresponds to your digital piano / keyboard port:

Option 1: USB-B cable (see picture below - most common and popular)

• Buy a USB-B cable on Amazon →
•                     

Option 2: MIDI In & Out cable (see picture below)

• Buy a MIDI cable on Amazon →

Option 3: Micro USB (less common but some keyboards have Micro USB instead of USB-B)

• Buy a Micro USB cable on Amazon →

3. Steps for Connecting

1. Connect the Adapter directly to your iPad or iPhone. Insert the USB-C or Lightning end of the adapter into your iPad or iPhone. 

2. Cable connection:

• USB-B cable: Plug the square (USB-B) end of your cable into your keyboard’s USB to Host port.  Connect the other end to your Adapter.
• MIDI cable: Plug the MIDI cable into your keyboard.  Make sure you connect the MIDI OUT cable to the MIDI IN port on the keyboard, and the MIDI IN cable to the MIDI OUT port on the keyboard. Connect the other end to your Adapter.
• Micro USB cable: Plug the small micro end of your cable into your keyboard’s micro USB port.  Connect the other end to your Adapter.

3. Turn on your keyboard.

4. Open the Playground Sessions app.  Go to Settings → Keyboard & Volumes, then tap Start Keyboard Setup to begin pairing your keyboard.

5. Select your keyboard when prompted, then play your lowest and highest notes.

💡 Tip: If your keyboard isn’t recognized or loses connection, try connecting your adapter’s charging port to your iPad’s / iPhone’s charger to provide additional power.

✅ That’s it — your iPad should now recognize your keyboard!

If your keyboard doesn’t appear during setup, contact our support team and we’ll help you get connected quickly: playgroundsessions.com/support/contact-us