Set Up Your iPad Accessories

Questions

  • What accessories come with my Bowdoin iPad?
  • How do I attach the Magic Keyboard to my iPad?
  • How do I pair the Apple Pencil with my iPad?
  • How do I connect my Apple Pencil Pro to my iPad?
  • How do I charge my iPad for the first time?
  • How do I put my iPad in the STM case?
  • My Apple Pencil didn't pair automatically — what should I do?

Environment

This article applies to Bowdoin College students and faculty who have received a college-issued iPad kit. Accessory contents vary depending on the year the iPad was issued — see the relevant section below for your kit.

Resolution

Not sure which kit you have? Current kits (issued to most students) include an iPad mini, Apple Pencil Pro, STM case, and USB-C charger. Older kits (issued prior to the current academic year) include an iPad Pro, Apple Pencil 2, Magic Keyboard, and USB-C charger. If you are unsure, check the model name on the back of your iPad or contact the Service Desk.

USB-C charger and cable

All kits include an 18W USB-C power adapter and a USB-C cable. To charge your iPad, plug one end of the USB-C cable into the bottom of the iPad and the other end into the power adapter, then plug the adapter into a wall outlet. The iPad does not need to be fully charged before first use.

STM case (current iPad mini kits)

To install your iPad in the STM case, open the case fully and press the iPad firmly into the four corner clips until it snaps securely into place. The case provides drop protection and can be folded to prop the iPad up for typing or viewing.

Apple Pencil Pro (current iPad mini and faculty kits)

The Apple Pencil Pro attaches and charges magnetically along the flat side of the iPad mini.

  1. Hold the Apple Pencil Pro near the top flat edge of the iPad mini. The magnets will pull it into place.
  2. A pairing confirmation will appear on screen showing the pencil's battery level. Tap Pair if prompted.
  3. Once paired, the Apple Pencil Pro charges automatically whenever it is attached to the iPad.

Apple Pencil 2 (older iPad Pro kits)

Apple Pencil 2 attached magnetically to the side of an iPad Pro

The Apple Pencil 2 also attaches and charges magnetically along the flat side of the iPad Pro.

  1. Hold the Apple Pencil 2 near the top flat edge of the iPad Pro. It will snap into place magnetically.
  2. A pairing confirmation window will appear on screen showing the battery level. This confirms the pencil is paired and charging.
  3. The Apple Pencil 2 charges automatically whenever it is magnetically attached to the iPad.

Magic Keyboard (iPad Pro kits for faculty)

iPad Pro attaching to Apple Magic Keyboard

The Magic Keyboard attaches to the back of the iPad Pro using a magnetic connector.

  1. Open the Magic Keyboard so the keyboard surface is facing up.
  2. Hold the iPad Pro above the keyboard with the screen facing away from the keyboard hinge and lower it onto the magnetic connector. The iPad will click into place and the connection will power the keyboard automatically — no Bluetooth pairing or battery charging is needed.
  3. Adjust the viewing angle by bending the keyboard at the hinge.
Note: The Magic Keyboard draws power from the iPad through the magnetic connector. It does not have its own battery.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
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