The basic steps to connect a wireless keyboard

A wireless keyboard connects to your computer through one of two methods: a USB receiver (also called a dongle) that plugs into your computer, or Bluetooth, which is built into most modern laptops and some desktops. The USB receiver method is simpler and more reliable for most people. The Bluetooth method uses less desk space and works without an extra cable, but requires your computer to have Bluetooth built in.

Before you start, check what your keyboard came with. Look in the box for a small USB receiver about the size of a thumb drive, or check the keyboard's manual to see if it uses Bluetooth. You will also need batteries — most wireless keyboards use two or four AA or AAA batteries. Install these first, before you try to connect anything to your computer.

Key Takeaways

  • USB receiver keyboards are faster to set up and work with almost any computer, while Bluetooth keyboards need your computer to have Bluetooth built in.
  • Install batteries in your keyboard before connecting it, and make sure the power switch on the keyboard is turned on.
  • For USB receivers, plug the dongle into an open USB port and wait 10 to 30 seconds for your computer to recognize the keyboard.
  • For Bluetooth keyboards, turn on pairing mode on the keyboard (usually by holding a button for three seconds), then search for it in your computer's Bluetooth settings.
  • If your keyboard does not connect, restart your computer and try again, or move the keyboard closer to the receiver or Bluetooth antenna.

Connecting a USB receiver keyboard

Plug the USB receiver into any open USB port on your computer. On a desktop, this is usually on the back or front of the tower. On a laptop, it is on the side. Wait 10 to 30 seconds — your computer is installing the driver, which is the software that lets your computer talk to the keyboard. You should not need to read anything or restart your computer.

Once the light on the receiver stops blinking (or turns solid), try typing. If the keyboard works, you are done. If it does not, unplug the receiver, wait five seconds, and plug it back in. If it still does not work after that, restart your computer with the receiver plugged in, and try again.

Some keyboards have a pairing button on the receiver or keyboard itself. If your keyboard came with instructions that mention pairing, press and hold that button for three seconds before plugging in the receiver. This tells the keyboard and receiver to find each other. Most keyboards pair automatically without this step.

Connecting a Bluetooth keyboard

First, check that your computer has Bluetooth. On Windows, open Settings, go to Bluetooth & devices, and look for a toggle that says Bluetooth. On Mac, open System Settings, click Bluetooth, and check that it is turned on. If you do not see a Bluetooth option, your computer does not have it built in, and you will need a USB receiver keyboard instead.

Turn on your keyboard and look for a Bluetooth button or pairing button — this is usually marked with a Bluetooth symbol (two triangles pointing up) or labeled "Connect" or "Pair". Hold this button for three to five seconds until you see a light blink on the keyboard. This puts the keyboard into pairing mode, which means it is looking for your computer.

On your computer, go back to the Bluetooth settings. You should see your keyboard's name appear in the list of available devices within 10 seconds. Click on it to connect. Your computer may ask you to confirm the connection — if so, click yes or connect. Once the keyboard appears in your Bluetooth settings with a status of "Connected", you can start typing.

What to do if the keyboard does not connect

The most common problem is that the keyboard is too far from the receiver or Bluetooth antenna. Move the keyboard to within three feet of your computer and try again. For USB receivers, the receiver itself is the antenna, so keep it in an open area on your desk rather than behind other equipment.

If you are using a USB receiver and the keyboard still does not work, try a different USB port. Some ports on older computers do not work well with wireless devices. Avoid USB hubs (devices that split one port into many) — plug the receiver directly into your computer instead.

If you are using Bluetooth and the keyboard does not appear in your settings, restart your computer and try pairing again. Also check that the keyboard's power switch is on — many wireless keyboards have a small switch on the bottom or back. If the light on the keyboard is not on, the batteries may be dead. Replace them and try again.

Replacing batteries and keeping your keyboard working

Wireless keyboards use batteries slowly, but they do run out. Most keyboards will last two to six months on a set of batteries, depending on how much you type. When the keyboard stops responding or types slowly, it is time to replace the batteries.

Open the battery compartment — this is usually on the back or bottom of the keyboard, and slides or pops open. Remove the old batteries and note which way they were facing (the + and − ends). Insert new batteries the same way, close the compartment, and try typing. You do not need to re-pair the keyboard or reconnect the receiver.

Keep the area around your keyboard and receiver clean and dry. Dust and moisture can interfere with the wireless signal. If you use your keyboard near a microwave, cordless phone, or WiFi router, these devices can sometimes cause interference. Move the keyboard or receiver a few feet away if you notice typing delays or missed keystrokes.

When to use a wired keyboard instead

Wireless keyboards are convenient, but they are not the best choice for every situation. If you work in an environment where you cannot replace batteries regularly, or if you are on a very tight budget, a wired keyboard costs less and never needs batteries. Wired keyboards also have no wireless interference and no pairing steps.

If you move your keyboard between different computers frequently, a wired keyboard is simpler — you just plug it in. Wireless keyboards can usually pair with only one computer at a time, though some newer models can switch between two or three devices. Check your keyboard's manual to see if it supports multiple devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to install software or drivers for a wireless keyboard?

For USB receiver keyboards, Windows and Mac usually install the driver automatically when you plug in the receiver. You should not need to read anything. For Bluetooth keyboards, your computer's built-in Bluetooth software handles the connection — no extra software needed.

Can I use a wireless keyboard with a tablet or phone?

Yes, but only Bluetooth keyboards work with tablets and phones. USB receiver keyboards do not work because tablets and phones do not have USB ports. Pair the Bluetooth keyboard the same way you would with a computer — turn on pairing mode and search for it in your device's Bluetooth settings.

What if my keyboard pairs but the keys do not work?

First, check that the keyboard's power switch is on and the batteries are not dead. If the light on the keyboard is on, restart your computer. If that does not work, unpair the keyboard from your Bluetooth settings (or unplug the USB receiver), wait 10 seconds, and pair or plug it in again.

Can I use multiple wireless keyboards with one computer?

Yes. You can pair or plug in as many keyboards as you have USB ports or Bluetooth slots for, though most people only use one. If you want to switch between keyboards, unpair or unplug the first one before pairing or plugging in the second.

How far away can a wireless keyboard be from my computer?

USB receiver keyboards typically work within 30 feet, though walls and metal objects reduce this range. Bluetooth keyboards usually work within 30 feet as well, but again, obstacles reduce the range. For reliable typing, keep your keyboard within 10 feet of your computer.