Using a MIDI keyboard with iPhone and iPad

What MIDI is, in plain words

MIDI is a way for a keyboard to tell another device which notes you play: which key, when you pressed it, when you let go and how firmly. It does not send sound. It sends instructions, and the device receiving them decides what to do. That is why a MIDI keyboard can be tiny and quiet, yet drive an app that reads every note.

This matters because PlayPiano can check your playing against the score only when it knows which keys you pressed. A MIDI keyboard gives it that information. The app does not hear an acoustic piano. If you play an acoustic instrument, you can still use PlayPiano to read, learn and plan, but your playing will not be checked.

You do not need a MIDI keyboard to start. The on-screen keys let you explore and practise without connecting anything.

Connect a keyboard to iPhone or iPad

1. Check your keyboard. Look in its manual for USB MIDI or Bluetooth MIDI. Many digital pianos and keyboard controllers have one or both.
2. Choose a connection. USB uses a cable. Bluetooth is wireless. Either is supported on iPhone and iPad.
3. For USB, get the right cable and adapter. You need a data cable, since a charge-only cable cannot carry MIDI. An adapter may be needed, USB-C or Lightning depending on your iPhone or iPad. Check the port on your device and on your keyboard.
4. For Bluetooth, turn on pairing mode. Follow your keyboard's instructions, then open the keyboard sheet from the header in PlayPiano and tap Pair Bluetooth.
5. Play a few notes. Open a piece in Play and check that your notes appear. If they do, you are ready.

The connect a MIDI keyboard guide goes through each connection step by step, with fixes for the common snags.

After you connect

The first time you use a keyboard, PlayPiano measures its delay once, so timing is judged fairly. Every keyboard and connection has a small delay between the key going down and the message arriving, and wireless connections can add a little more. Measuring it once means your playing is compared with the score fairly, rather than a little late.

Put the keyboard on a steady stand or table, so it does not slide while you play. Then choose something short to play, and keep the first session to a few minutes while you get used to the setup.

MIDI in the browser

The online piano on this site can use a MIDI keyboard through Web MIDI, a feature of the browser. Web MIDI is available in desktop Chrome and Edge. It is not available in Safari on iOS, or in any other browser on iPhone and iPad. On an iPhone or iPad, use the PlayPiano app instead, which supports USB and Bluetooth MIDI directly.

On a computer, plug the keyboard in, open the page in Chrome or Edge, and allow access to MIDI devices when the browser asks. Playing a few notes shows them on the keyboard.

If your keyboard does not appear

• Check the cable. A charge-only cable is the most common reason a USB keyboard does not show up.
• Check the adapter. Make sure it matches the port on your iPhone or iPad and that it passes data.
• Check power. Some keyboards need their own power supply, or a powered hub.
• Check Bluetooth. Pairing mode usually switches off after a short time. Try again, stay close, and make sure no other device is connected to the keyboard.
• Restart the connection. Disconnect, reconnect and reopen PlayPiano's keyboard sheet.
• Check the browser. On the web piano, use desktop Chrome or Edge.

Once your keyboard is working, pick something to play. If you are not sure where to start, the guide to choosing a first piece lists what to look for, and the Music Room has pieces to try.

Specific keyboards and devices differ. If you are stuck, contact support with your keyboard model, device model, system version and how you are connecting.

Questions

Does PlayPiano work with a USB MIDI keyboard on iPhone and iPad?

Yes. PlayPiano supports USB and Bluetooth MIDI keyboards on iPhone and iPad. An adapter may be needed, USB-C or Lightning depending on your device.

Can I use my MIDI keyboard with the web piano on my iPhone?

No. Web MIDI is not available in Safari on iOS, or in any other browser on iPhone and iPad. The web piano can use a MIDI keyboard in desktop Chrome and Edge, and the PlayPiano app supports MIDI keyboards directly.

Do I need a MIDI keyboard to use PlayPiano?

No. You can use the on-screen keys. A MIDI keyboard is needed for Grade runs and for some games.

Explore PlayPiano’s feedback, practice plans and reports, or read the compatibility and practice FAQs.

Put it into practice.

Open PlayPiano on your iPhone or iPad and take one small next step.