Start with the receiver or Bluetooth

Logitech wireless keyboards connect in one of two ways: through a small USB receiver that plugs into your computer, or through Bluetooth if your keyboard and computer both support it. The receiver method is more common and works on almost any computer. Bluetooth is faster to set up if your device has it built in, but the receiver works even on older machines.

Check the bottom or back of your keyboard for a label that tells you which method it uses. If you see "Unifying Receiver" or a USB symbol, you need the receiver. If the label mentions Bluetooth or shows a Bluetooth symbol, you can use either method depending on what your computer has.

Key Takeaways

  • USB receiver keyboards need batteries installed first, then the receiver plugged into any USB port on your computer.
  • Bluetooth keyboards require you to hold the power button until a light blinks, then search for the keyboard in your computer's Bluetooth settings.
  • If the keyboard does not appear after pairing, restart both the keyboard and computer, then try again.
  • Most Logitech keyboards use AA or AAA batteries, which you insert into the battery compartment on the back or underside.

Installing batteries and turning on the keyboard

Open the battery compartment on the back or underside of your keyboard. You will see slots for either two AA batteries or two AAA batteries depending on the model. Insert new batteries with the positive end facing the direction shown inside the compartment, usually marked with a plus sign.

Close the battery compartment and flip the keyboard over. Look for a power switch, usually a small slider or button on the underside. Slide it to the On position. You should see a light on the keyboard turn on or blink, which means the keyboard is ready to connect.

Connecting with a USB receiver

Locate the USB receiver. It is a small dongle, usually about the size of a thumb drive, and often comes in a compartment on the bottom of the keyboard or in the box. Plug it into any available USB port on your computer — the back of a desktop tower, the side of a laptop, or a USB hub all work equally well.

Your computer will recognize the receiver automatically. Within a few seconds, you should be able to type on the keyboard. If nothing happens, restart your computer and try again. Some older computers need a moment to install the driver software, which happens in the background without any action from you.

Connecting with Bluetooth

Turn on your keyboard and hold down the power button or a dedicated Bluetooth button (check your manual for which one) for about three seconds. A light on the keyboard will blink or turn blue, which means it is in pairing mode and searching for your computer.

On your computer, open the Bluetooth settings. On Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth and other devices, then click Add device. On Mac, go to System Settings > Bluetooth, then click the plus button. Your keyboard should appear in the list within 10 seconds. Click on it to pair.

Once paired, your keyboard will connect automatically whenever both devices are turned on and in range. If the keyboard does not appear in the list, make sure it is still in pairing mode (the light should still be blinking), and try again.

What to do if the keyboard will not connect

If you plugged in the receiver but the keyboard still will not type, first check that the batteries are installed correctly and the keyboard is turned on. The light on the keyboard should be on or blinking. If the light is off, the batteries may be dead or installed backwards.

For Bluetooth keyboards, restart both the keyboard and your computer. Turn off the keyboard, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on and hold the Bluetooth button again. On your computer, forget the keyboard in Bluetooth settings and pair it again from scratch. This fixes most connection problems.

If you are using a receiver and the keyboard still will not work after restarting, try plugging the receiver into a different USB port. Some ports on older computers do not provide enough power. If you have another USB device nearby, unplug it temporarily to see if the keyboard works when it is the only device on that port.

Moving the keyboard between computers

A receiver-based keyboard can switch between computers by straightforward unplugging the receiver from one and plugging it into another. The keyboard will work when ready on the new computer with no setup needed.

A Bluetooth keyboard can pair with multiple computers, but it will only connect to one at a time. To switch, turn off the keyboard, then turn it back on near the new computer. It will reconnect to whichever device it was last paired with. If it connects to the wrong computer, go into Bluetooth settings on the new computer and select the keyboard to connect.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do the batteries last in a Logitech wireless keyboard?

Most Logitech keyboards run for one to three years on a set of AA or AAA batteries, depending on how much you use the keyboard. Heavy users may need to replace batteries yearly. The keyboard will usually give you a warning light or on-screen notification when the battery is running low.

Can I use a Logitech receiver with a different Logitech keyboard?

Most Logitech receivers work with any Logitech keyboard made for that receiver type, but some older models are paired to a single keyboard. Check the label on the receiver or keyboard to see if it says "Unifying" — those receivers work with multiple devices. If it does not say Unifying, the receiver may only work with that specific keyboard.

What if my computer does not have Bluetooth?

If your computer does not have Bluetooth built in, you must use the USB receiver. You cannot add Bluetooth to most computers without buying a separate Bluetooth adapter, which plugs into a USB port. A receiver is simpler and usually comes with the keyboard anyway.

Why does my keyboard keep disconnecting?

For receiver keyboards, try a different USB port or move the receiver closer to the keyboard. For Bluetooth keyboards, other wireless devices nearby (like a microwave or cordless phone) can cause interference. Move away from those devices or restart the keyboard. If disconnections keep happening, the batteries may be dying even if the light is still on.

Do I need to install software to use a Logitech wireless keyboard?

No. The keyboard works when ready without any software. However, Logitech makes optional software called Logi Options that lets you customize keys and adjust settings. You can read it from Logitech's website if you want those features, but the keyboard types normally without it.