My Bluetooth Keyboard Won't Pair to My Computer
By Maxwell Payne
While some keyboards connect to a computer by way of a USB port or a pin connection, other keyboards connect wirelessly through the computer's Bluetooth connection. Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows capable devices to "pair" with other devices and interact with one another. While Bluetooth connections generally connect right away without any issues, hardware connections to devices that lack built-in software (such as a keyboard) can fail to connect properly from time to time.
Verify that the Bluetooth feature on your computer is enabled. On Windows PCs, right-click on the small "Bluetooth" icon in the lower right area of the screen. Select "Enable Bluetooth" or "Turn Bluetooth On." You may need to click the "arrow" icon once to reveal all active icons. On Macs, locate the "Bluetooth" icon on the upper right. Click it once and select "Turn Bluetooth On." Wait a few seconds for the keyboard to be detected. If it is not, proceed to Step 2.
Verify that the Bluetooth is turned on for the keyboard. The keyboard may have an actual Bluetooth key or button. Depending on the make of the keyboard, the key or button may be on the top and above the keys or on the back or sides of the keyboard. Some keyboards have a blue "Bluetooth status light" that indicates if Bluetooth is on or off. Proceed to Step 3 if the problem is still not resolved.
Remove the keyboard "device" from your computer's Bluetooth devices list: Right-click on the Bluetooth icon that you clicked in Step 1. Select "Bluetooth Settings or Preferences." Click once on the "keyboard" in the list and click on either "Remove" or the "minus" button near the list.
The Bluetooth must be enabled while doing this. Wait for a couple of minutes before clicking on "Add Devices" or "Scan for Devices." Allow the computer to scan for the keyboard. Click on the "keyboard name" in the displayed list. If prompted, add the device to the list and click "OK" or "Save." If the keyboard is still not recognized, proceed to Step 4.
Reinstall the drivers on the CD that came with the keyboard--if the keyboard came with this CD. If not, restart the computer. Once it is restarted, press the "Bluetooth" button on the keyboard to re-establish the connection.
References
Writer Bio
Maxwell Payne has been a freelance writer since 2007. His work has appeared in various print and online publications. He holds a Bachelor of Science in integrated science, business and technology.