The basic steps to connect a wireless keyboard
A wireless keyboard connects to your computer through one of two methods: a USB receiver (a small dongle you plug into your computer) or Bluetooth (a built-in wireless connection that most modern devices have). The exact steps depend on which method your keyboard uses, but the process is straightforward once you know what to look for.
Most wireless keyboards come with a small instruction card or manual that tells you which method yours uses. If you have lost the manual, check the bottom or back of the keyboard — you will usually see either "USB receiver included" or "Bluetooth" printed there, or you can search the keyboard model number online.
Key Takeaways
- USB receiver keyboards require you to plug a small dongle into an available USB port on your computer, then turn on the keyboard and press a pairing button.
- Bluetooth keyboards need you to turn on the keyboard, then go to your computer's Bluetooth settings and select the keyboard from the list of available devices.
- If your keyboard does not appear in Bluetooth settings, hold down the pairing button (usually on the back or bottom) for three to five seconds until a light blinks.
- USB receiver keyboards work when ready after pairing; Bluetooth keyboards may take a few seconds to respond the first time you type.
Connecting a USB receiver keyboard
A USB receiver is a small rectangular device, usually about the size of a thumb drive, that comes in the box with your keyboard. Locate an available USB port on your computer — these are the rectangular slots on the sides or back of a laptop, or on the front or back of a desktop tower. Plug the receiver firmly into the port until you hear or feel a click.
Turn on the keyboard using the power switch, usually located on the back or bottom. Most keyboards have a small light that turns on when powered. Within a few seconds, the keyboard should be ready to use — you can test it by clicking in a text field and typing a few characters. If nothing happens, check that the receiver is fully inserted and the keyboard is switched on.
Some USB receiver keyboards have a pairing button you need to press to complete the connection. This button is usually on the back of the keyboard or underneath it. If the keyboard came with instructions, follow those; if not, try pressing and holding any button labeled "Connect," "Pair," or with a wireless symbol for three to five seconds. A light on the keyboard or receiver will blink to show pairing is happening.
Connecting a Bluetooth keyboard
Bluetooth keyboards do not use a receiver — instead, they connect directly to your computer's built-in Bluetooth radio. Turn on the keyboard using the power switch, then look for a button labeled "Connect," "Pair," or with a Bluetooth symbol (it looks like a stylized "B" made of dots). Press and hold this button for three to five seconds until a light on the keyboard starts blinking, which means it is ready to pair.
On your computer, open the Bluetooth settings. On Windows, click the Start menu, type "Bluetooth settings," and open the result. On a Mac, click the Apple menu in the top left, select "System Settings," then click "Bluetooth." Your computer will show a list of nearby Bluetooth devices. Look for your keyboard model name in that list and click it to connect.
Your computer may ask you to confirm the pairing or enter a code. If a code appears on your screen, type it on the keyboard and press Enter. Once the keyboard shows as "Connected" in your Bluetooth settings, it is ready to use. The first time you type, there may be a one or two second delay while the keyboard wakes up, but after that it should respond normally.
What to do if the keyboard does not appear or connect
If your keyboard does not show up in Bluetooth settings, the pairing button may not have been held long enough. Turn off the keyboard completely, wait five seconds, then turn it back on. Hold the pairing button for a full five seconds — longer than you think necessary — until the light blinks steadily. Then check Bluetooth settings again.
For USB receiver keyboards that do not work, try a different USB port. Some ports on older computers do not provide enough power, or a port may be damaged. If you have another USB device like a mouse or flash drive, test it in the same port to see if the port itself works. If the receiver works in a different port but not the original one, that port may need repair.
If you have tried multiple ports or re-pairing and the keyboard still does not work, the batteries may be dead. Most wireless keyboards use AA or AAA batteries. Open the battery compartment (usually on the back or bottom) and replace the batteries with fresh ones, making sure they are inserted in the correct direction — the + and − symbols inside the compartment show which way they go.
Understanding the difference between USB and Bluetooth
A USB receiver keyboard is simpler to set up because there is less to go wrong — you plug it in and it works. The receiver stays connected to your computer at all times. The downside is that you use up one USB port, which matters if your computer does not have many ports. USB receivers also cannot be used with devices that do not have USB ports, like some tablets or phones.
Bluetooth keyboards are more flexible because they can connect to any device with Bluetooth — your computer, tablet, phone, or even some smart TVs. You can pair one keyboard with multiple devices and switch between them. The tradeoff is that Bluetooth pairing takes a few extra steps the first time, and occasionally a keyboard will disconnect and need to be re-paired. Bluetooth also uses slightly more battery power than a USB receiver keyboard.
Checking that your keyboard is working correctly
Once your keyboard is connected, test it by opening a text editor or word processor and typing a few sentences. Every key should produce a character on screen with no delay. If some keys do not work, try cleaning underneath them — dust or debris can block the connection. Use a can of compressed air, holding it upright, and spray short bursts between the keys.
If the keyboard connects but types slowly or with delays, the batteries may be running low even if the keyboard still turns on. Replace them with fresh batteries. If you are using Bluetooth and the keyboard keeps disconnecting, move it closer to your computer — Bluetooth has a range of about 30 feet, but walls and other wireless devices can interfere. Moving the keyboard or computer a few feet can often fix the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a wireless keyboard with a desktop and a laptop at the same time?
A USB receiver keyboard can only connect to one computer at a time because the receiver is plugged into one device. A Bluetooth keyboard can be paired with multiple devices, but it can only actively connect to one at a time. To switch, you turn off the keyboard, turn it back on, and pair it with the other device.
What if my keyboard has both USB and Bluetooth?
Some keyboards offer both options. Use whichever method works best for your setup. If you use the USB receiver, the Bluetooth is not active. If you want to use Bluetooth instead, unplug the receiver and follow the Bluetooth pairing steps. You do not need to do anything special — just choose one method.
Do wireless keyboards work with older computers?
USB receiver keyboards work with almost any computer made in the last 15 years. Bluetooth keyboards require your computer to have Bluetooth built in, which is standard on laptops and newer desktops, but older desktop computers may not have it. Check your computer's manual or search the model number online to see if Bluetooth is included.
How long do wireless keyboard batteries last?
Battery life varies widely depending on the keyboard and how often you use it. Most wireless keyboards last between three and twelve months on a set of AA or AAA batteries. Some keyboards show a low battery warning on your computer screen before the batteries die completely.
Can I use a wireless keyboard without the receiver or Bluetooth?
No. A wireless keyboard must communicate with your computer somehow, and it does that through either a USB receiver or Bluetooth. There is no other way for a wireless keyboard to send keystrokes to your computer.