← Back to Keyboard not working

Likely fix

Fix: Bluetooth keyboard not working

A Bluetooth keyboard usually will not work because of low battery, pairing mode problems, a corrupted saved pairing, wrong device slot, or Bluetooth being stuck.

Quick answer

Charge or replace the batteries, forget the keyboard from Bluetooth settings, restart both devices, then pair the keyboard again.

Important warning

Some Bluetooth keyboards have multiple device slots. The keyboard may be trying to connect to a different phone, tablet, or computer.

Try this

  1. 1 Charge the keyboard or replace the batteries.
  2. 2 Turn the keyboard off and on.
  3. 3 Make sure the keyboard is in Bluetooth mode, not USB receiver mode.
  4. 4 If it has multi-device buttons, choose the correct device slot.
  5. 5 Forget or remove the keyboard from Bluetooth settings.
  6. 6 Restart the computer, tablet, or phone.
  7. 7 Put the keyboard into pairing mode.
  8. 8 Pair it again from Bluetooth settings.

Common causes

Low battery.

Keyboard is not in pairing mode.

Keyboard is connected to another device.

Wrong multi-device slot is selected.

Saved Bluetooth pairing is corrupted.

Bluetooth is disabled or stuck.

What to check next

  • Check whether the keyboard has a Bluetooth/receiver mode switch.
  • Check whether it has Easy-Switch or numbered device buttons.
  • Check whether it appears on another device.
  • Check whether Bluetooth is enabled.
  • Check whether removing and pairing again fixes it.

FAQ

Why won’t my Bluetooth keyboard connect?

The keyboard may have low battery, may not be in pairing mode, may be connected to another device, or may need to be forgotten and paired again.

What are device slots on a Bluetooth keyboard?

Some keyboards can remember multiple devices. You may need to press the correct device slot before pairing or connecting.

Should I remove the keyboard from Bluetooth settings?

Yes. Forgetting and pairing again often fixes a Bluetooth keyboard that appears but does not work.

Related fixes

Fix: Wireless keyboard not working

A wireless keyboard with a USB receiver usually fails because of low batteries, a loose receiver, USB port problems, interference, or the keyboard losing its connection.

Fix: Keyboard works only sometimes

An intermittent keyboard usually points to low battery, wireless interference, a loose cable, USB receiver problems, liquid damage, or a failing keyboard.

Fix: USB keyboard not working

A USB keyboard usually stops working because of a loose cable, bad USB port, stuck driver, disabled device, or the keyboard itself failing.

Fix: Laptop keyboard not working

A laptop keyboard can stop working because of a frozen system, keyboard lock setting, driver issue, spilled liquid, loose internal cable, or hardware failure.

Fix: Keyboard typing wrong characters

A keyboard usually types the wrong characters when the keyboard layout, language, Num Lock, Fn Lock, or input method has changed.

Fix: Some keyboard keys not working

Some keys usually stop working because of dirt, liquid damage, worn switches, keyboard layout settings, software remapping, or laptop keyboard hardware failure.