PS5 supports keyboard and mouse, but not for every game

Your PS5 will recognize a wired or wireless keyboard and mouse the moment you plug them in or pair them via Bluetooth. The console treats them as input devices right away — you can use them to navigate menus, type messages, and browse the web. However, most games do not accept keyboard and mouse input. Only specific titles have been programmed to work with them, and the PS5 does not force support across all games the way a PC does.

This matters because you cannot assume a game you own will work with your keyboard and mouse just because the hardware is connected. You will need to check each game's settings or the game's support page to see whether it has keyboard and mouse support built in.

Key Takeaways

  • Wired keyboards and mice work when ready when plugged into a PS5 USB port; wireless devices need to be paired through the console's Bluetooth settings first.
  • You can use keyboard and mouse to navigate PS5 menus and type, but most games do not support them — only titles that have been specifically programmed to accept keyboard and mouse input will let you use them during gameplay.
  • Check a game's settings menu or official support page before assuming keyboard and mouse will work in that particular title.
  • If a game does support keyboard and mouse, you can usually switch between controller and keyboard input without restarting the game.

Connecting a wired keyboard or mouse

Plug the USB cable into any of the USB ports on the front or back of your PS5. The console will recognize the device within a few seconds. You do not need to install drivers or restart the console. Test the keyboard by pressing a key, or test the mouse by moving it — if the cursor moves on screen or a character appears in a text field, the connection is working.

If nothing happens, check that the USB cable is fully inserted and try a different USB port. Some third-party keyboards or mice may not work with PS5 even if they work with other devices; this is a hardware compatibility issue, not a setting you can fix. The official PlayStation support page lists keyboards and mice that have been tested with PS5 if you are shopping for new hardware.

Pairing a wireless keyboard or mouse via Bluetooth

Put your wireless keyboard or mouse into pairing mode. The method varies by device — usually you hold down a button labeled "Pair" or "Connect" for three to five seconds until a light blinks. Check your device's manual if you are unsure which button to press.

On your PS5, go to Settings (the gear icon on the home screen), then select Accessories, then General, then Bluetooth Accessories. The PS5 will scan for nearby devices. When your keyboard or mouse appears in the list, select it. The pairing is usually when ready. Once paired, the device will reconnect automatically the next time you turn on your PS5, as long as it is within range and in pairing mode or powered on.

If the device does not appear in the Bluetooth list, make sure it is in pairing mode and try again. If it still does not show up, restart your PS5 and repeat the process. Some older Bluetooth devices may not be compatible with PS5; if pairing fails after several attempts, the device may not be supported.

Using keyboard and mouse in PS5 menus and apps

Once connected, you can use the keyboard and mouse to navigate the PS5 home screen, access settings, and type in any text field. The mouse cursor appears on screen and works like it does on a computer. The keyboard lets you type your name, search for games, or compose messages without hunting for letters on the virtual keyboard.

This is useful for tasks like changing your profile name, searching the PlayStation Store, or typing in a web browser. You can still use your controller at the same time — the PS5 does not force you to choose one input method. Switch between them freely depending on what you are doing.

Checking whether a specific game supports keyboard and mouse

Open the game and go to its Settings menu. Look for a section labeled Controls, Input, or Accessibility. If the game has keyboard and mouse support, you will see an option to enable it there. Some games let you customize which keys do what; others have a fixed layout you cannot change.

If you do not see a keyboard and mouse option in the game's settings, the game does not support them. You will need to use your controller. Popular games that do support keyboard and mouse include Fortnite, Call of Duty (recent titles), Warframe, and Overcooked. If you are unsure about a specific game, search for its name plus "PS5 keyboard mouse support" to find user reports or official documentation.

Switching between controller and keyboard input during gameplay

In most games that support both, you can pick up your controller and put down your keyboard at any time without pausing or restarting. The game will detect which device you are using and switch automatically. Some games let you customize this behavior in their settings — for example, you might want the game to always use controller input even if you touch the keyboard.

If the game does not switch automatically, check the game's control settings to see whether you can change the input priority. A few games require you to manually select which input device you want to use before you start playing, but this is uncommon.

Troubleshooting connection problems

If your keyboard or mouse stops responding during gameplay, first check that it is still powered on (for wireless devices) and that the batteries are not dead. Disconnect and reconnect the device, or turn it off and back on. If it is a wired device, try unplugging it and plugging it into a different USB port.

If the device works in PS5 menus but not in a specific game, the game may not support that device or may have a bug. Restart the game and try again. If the problem persists, check the game's support page or community forums to see whether other players have reported the same issue. Some games receive updates that add or fix keyboard and mouse support, so make sure your game is fully updated.

If your wireless device keeps disconnecting, move it closer to the PS5 console. Bluetooth has a range of about 30 feet in open space, but walls and other electronics can reduce that. If you have multiple Bluetooth devices paired with your PS5, try unpairing the ones you are not using — too many paired devices can sometimes cause interference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any keyboard and mouse with PS5?

Most standard wired USB keyboards and mice work with PS5. Wireless devices need Bluetooth support. Some gaming keyboards with special features or older devices may not be compatible. If you are buying new hardware, look for products listed as PS5-compatible on the manufacturer's website.

Do I need keyboard and mouse to play PS5 games?

No. Your controller is the primary input device for PS5 games. Keyboard and mouse are optional and only work in games that have been programmed to support them. You can play every PS5 game with just a controller.

Why does my game not recognize my keyboard and mouse even though they are connected?

The game may not have keyboard and mouse support. Check the game's settings menu for an input or controls option. If you do not find one, that game does not support keyboard and mouse input. You will need to use your controller instead.

Can I use keyboard and mouse for online multiplayer games?

Yes, if the game supports keyboard and mouse. However, some competitive games may have restrictions or separate matchmaking for keyboard and mouse players versus controller players. Check the game's documentation to see how it handles mixed input types.

What should I do if my wireless keyboard keeps disconnecting?

Move the keyboard closer to your PS5 console and make sure it is fully charged or has fresh batteries. Restart the console and re-pair the device through Settings > Accessories > Bluetooth Accessories. If the problem continues, the device may have a hardware fault or may not be fully compatible with PS5.