How to Connect a Logitech Wireless Keyboard to Your Computer

The basic connection process

A Logitech wireless keyboard connects to your computer 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. Most Logitech wireless keyboards use the USB receiver method, which is simpler and more reliable. The keyboard will not work until you complete the pairing process, which takes about two minutes.

Before you start, locate the battery compartment on the back or bottom of your keyboard and make sure it has fresh batteries installed. A keyboard with dead batteries will not pair, no matter what you do on the computer side. Check that your computer has an available USB port if you are using a receiver, or that Bluetooth is turned on if you are pairing wirelessly.

Key Takeaways

USB receiver keyboards require you to plug the receiver into a USB port and press the pairing button on both the keyboard and receiver within a few seconds.
Bluetooth keyboards need your computer's Bluetooth to be on, then you hold the Bluetooth button on the keyboard until it appears in your computer's Bluetooth settings.
If pairing fails, the most common cause is dead batteries in the keyboard — replace them and try again.
A USB receiver can be plugged into any USB port on your computer, including a hub, and will work from up to 30 feet away in most cases.
Once paired, your keyboard will reconnect automatically when you turn it on, as long as the receiver stays plugged in or Bluetooth stays enabled.

Connecting with a USB receiver

If your keyboard came with a small USB receiver (usually about the size of a thumb drive), this is the fastest way to connect. Plug the receiver into any available USB port on your computer — a port on the back of a desktop tower, a side port on a laptop, or a USB hub all work equally well. Your computer may install a driver automatically, which takes a few seconds. You do not need to restart your computer.

Once the receiver is plugged in, look for a pairing button on the keyboard. This is usually a small button on the back or bottom, sometimes labeled with a wireless symbol or the word "Connect". Press and hold this button for about three seconds until a light on the keyboard starts blinking. Within a few seconds, press the pairing button on the receiver itself (usually on the bottom or side). The lights should stop blinking and stay steady, which means the pairing is complete. Your keyboard is now ready to use.

If the lights keep blinking after 30 seconds, the pairing did not work. The most common reason is that the keyboard batteries are low or dead. Open the battery compartment, remove the batteries, wait five seconds, and put in fresh ones. Then repeat the pairing process from the beginning.

Connecting with Bluetooth

Some Logitech keyboards, particularly newer models and those designed for tablets or phones, use Bluetooth instead of a USB receiver. To pair a Bluetooth keyboard, first make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your computer's settings. On Windows, open Settings, go to Devices, and click Bluetooth to turn it on. On Mac, open System Preferences, click Bluetooth, and make sure it is on.

Next, press and hold the Bluetooth button on your keyboard — usually on the back or bottom — until the light blinks rapidly. This puts the keyboard into pairing mode. Go back to your computer's Bluetooth settings and look for your keyboard in the list of available devices. It will usually appear with a name like "Logitech K380" or similar. Click on it to pair. Your computer may ask you to confirm the pairing; click Yes or Pair to complete it.

Once paired, your keyboard will reconnect automatically whenever you turn it on, as long as Bluetooth is enabled on your computer. If your keyboard does not appear in the Bluetooth list, make sure the batteries are fresh and the keyboard is in pairing mode (the light should be blinking). Wait 10 seconds and refresh the Bluetooth list by clicking the refresh button or closing and reopening the Bluetooth settings.

Troubleshooting when the keyboard will not connect

If your keyboard is not connecting after you have followed the pairing steps, start by checking the batteries. Remove them, wait five seconds, and reinstall them. This resets the keyboard's connection attempt. If you are using a USB receiver, unplug it from the computer, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. Then try the pairing process again.

For Bluetooth keyboards, make sure your computer's Bluetooth is actually on — it is easy to miss that it has been turned off. On Windows, check the taskbar for the Bluetooth icon; on Mac, check the menu bar. If Bluetooth is on but your keyboard still does not appear, restart your computer and try pairing again. Sometimes the Bluetooth radio needs a fresh start.

If you are using a USB receiver and the keyboard still will not pair after fresh batteries, try plugging the receiver into a different USB port. Occasionally a port is not providing enough power. If you have access to another computer, try pairing the keyboard there to confirm the keyboard itself is working. This tells you whether the problem is with the keyboard or with your computer's connection.

What to do after the keyboard is connected

Once your keyboard is paired and working, you do not need to do anything else. The keyboard will turn on and off automatically based on whether you are using it. If you are using a USB receiver, you can leave it plugged in permanently — it uses almost no power. If you are using Bluetooth, you can turn off the keyboard when you are not using it to save battery life, and it will reconnect the next time you press a key.

Some Logitech keyboards come with software that lets you customize keys or adjust settings. This software is optional — your keyboard will work without it. If you want to install it, visit the Logitech support website, search for your keyboard model, and download the software from there. The keyboard will function normally whether or not you install this software.

Moving your keyboard to a different computer

If you want to use the same keyboard on a different computer, the process depends on whether you are using a USB receiver or Bluetooth. For a USB receiver keyboard, simply unplug the receiver from the first computer and plug it into the second computer. The keyboard will work immediately — no re-pairing needed. You can move the receiver between computers as often as you want.

For a Bluetooth keyboard, you will need to unpair it from the first computer and pair it with the second. On the first computer, go to Bluetooth settings and click "Forget" or "Remove" next to your keyboard. Then go to the second computer, turn on Bluetooth, and pair the keyboard using the same process described earlier. The keyboard can only be connected to one computer at a time, but switching between computers takes less than a minute.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Only Bluetooth Logitech keyboards work with tablets and phones. USB receiver keyboards will not work because tablets and phones do not have USB ports. If you have a USB receiver keyboard and want to use it with a tablet, you would need a USB-to-tablet adapter, which is not recommended because most tablets do not support this setup well.

How far away can I use a wireless keyboard from my computer?

USB receiver keyboards typically work from up to 30 feet away in open space, though walls and metal objects can reduce this range. Bluetooth keyboards have a similar range, usually 30 feet or more depending on the model. Check your keyboard's manual for the exact range, as it varies by model.

Do I need to charge a Logitech wireless keyboard?

No. Logitech wireless keyboards use replaceable batteries, not rechargeable ones. Most models use two or four AA or AAA batteries. When the batteries run low, the keyboard will usually show a low-battery indicator on your computer. Simply replace the batteries and the keyboard will work again.

What if I lost the USB receiver for my keyboard?

You can purchase a replacement receiver from Logitech's website or from retailers that sell computer accessories. Search for your keyboard model and "replacement receiver" to find the correct part. The receiver will pair with your keyboard using the same process described above.

Can I use one USB receiver with multiple keyboards?

No. Each USB receiver is paired to one keyboard only. If you want to use multiple keyboards, you need a separate receiver for each one, or you need to use Bluetooth keyboards that can pair with your computer independently.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.