How Can I Tell What Wireless Technology My Mouse or Keyboard Uses?
Wireless mice and keyboards usually use either proprietary 2.4GHz wireless with a dedicated USB receiver or Bluetooth. Check whether the device came with a USB receiver, has a Bluetooth logo or pairing button, and review the manufacturer's specifications to determine which wireless technology it uses.
How Wireless Mouse and Keyboard Technologies Differ
There are multiple methods of wireless connectivity that can be used by device makers to connect wireless devices to a computer or mobile device. Some devices are able to connect by more than one method, but most will only offer one connection method. Because these wireless connection types are generally not interchangeable, it is important to identify which technology your device uses before attempting to connect it.
Proprietary 2.4GHz Wireless
Many wireless mice and keyboards use a manufacturer's own 2.4GHz wireless connection instead of Bluetooth.
Most non-Bluetooth wireless mice and keyboards will come with a USB adapter included that is preprogrammed to connect to the device or devices it was bundled with. This is one of the easiest signs that the device is not using Bluetooth.
Devices using proprietary 2.4GHz wireless are generally limited to computers or other devices where their included USB adapter can be connected. However, there are some advantages to this type of connection. Proprietary wireless keyboards and mice generally appear to the computer in much the same way as wired USB input devices. This can allow them to work in situations where Bluetooth may not be available, such as within a computer's BIOS or UEFI configuration menus.
It is common for users with devices that use proprietary 2.4GHz wireless to misplace their USB adapter and seek a replacement. In most cases, a compatible replacement receiver must be obtained from the original device manufacturer.
Bluetooth
There are two main Bluetooth connection types commonly associated with wireless mice and keyboards: Bluetooth Classic and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Modern Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers can support both when the computer's Bluetooth hardware and drivers provide the required functionality.
Bluetooth version numbers, such as Bluetooth 4.0 or Bluetooth 5.0, describe the Bluetooth Core Specification supported by a device. A device advertised as Bluetooth 5.0 may support Bluetooth Classic, Bluetooth Low Energy, or both, depending on how the manufacturer designed the device.
Bluetooth Classic
Bluetooth Classic refers to the traditional Bluetooth connection method that existed before Bluetooth Low Energy was introduced. Bluetooth mice and keyboards using Bluetooth Classic typically use the HID (Human Interface Device) profile to communicate with the computer.
Bluetooth Classic can also be included in devices advertised with newer Bluetooth versions, including Bluetooth 5.0. The Bluetooth version number by itself does not necessarily indicate whether a mouse or keyboard uses Bluetooth Classic or Bluetooth Low Energy.
Bluetooth Low Energy/Bluetooth Smart
With the release of Bluetooth 4.0, Bluetooth Low Energy was introduced as a lower-power form of Bluetooth connectivity. As the name implies, Bluetooth Low Energy is designed to use less power than Bluetooth Classic. This can help wireless mice and keyboards achieve longer battery life.
Newer Bluetooth mice and keyboards commonly use HID over GATT, sometimes referred to as HoG or HOGP, to communicate over Bluetooth Low Energy. Both the computer and the wireless device must support the required Bluetooth Low Energy functionality.
Bluetooth 5.0 and Newer
Bluetooth 5.0 builds on Bluetooth Low Energy and introduced additional capabilities such as higher potential LE data rates, improved range options, and increased broadcasting capacity. Wireless mice and keyboards do not necessarily use all of these features, so a Bluetooth 5.0 label should not be treated as an indication of performance by itself.
How to Determine Which Wireless Technology Your Keyboard or Mouse Uses
There are several signs you can use to determine which wireless technology your mouse or keyboard uses.
- Product Name
- Products that use Bluetooth will usually mention Bluetooth in the product name, packaging, or product page.
- The manufacturer may also advertise a Bluetooth version, such as Bluetooth 4.0, Bluetooth 5.0, or newer.
- Products using proprietary wireless connections will often simply say "Wireless" and may not display a Bluetooth logo.
- Product Specifications
- Check the product specifications on the manufacturer's website for information about the wireless connection standard or Bluetooth version being used.
- If Bluetooth 5.0 or another Bluetooth version is listed, also check whether the specifications mention Bluetooth Low Energy, BLE, HID, or HID over GATT.
- Product Compatibility Information
- Check whether the manufacturer lists Windows 10 or Windows 11 compatibility and whether a specific Bluetooth version or Bluetooth Low Energy support is required.
- Adapter/Dongle Included
- Mouse and keyboard products that come with their own USB adapter are commonly using a proprietary 2.4GHz wireless connection rather than Bluetooth.
- Mouse and keyboard products that do not include a USB adapter may use Bluetooth Classic or Bluetooth Low Energy.
- Some products support more than one connection method and may include a proprietary USB receiver while also supporting Bluetooth.
- Pairing/Connect Button
- Many non-Bluetooth mice and keyboards do not have a button for pairing or connectivity.
- Some non-Bluetooth Logitech mice and keyboards have a "Connect" button for use with a proprietary Logitech receiver. Some Logitech devices can also support multiple wireless connection methods, including a Logitech receiver and Bluetooth.
- Bluetooth mice and keyboards will usually have a pairing button or another method for placing the device into Bluetooth pairing mode.
How to Pair a Bluetooth Mouse or Keyboard
Once you have confirmed that your keyboard or mouse uses Bluetooth, place the device into pairing mode before attempting to add it to your computer. These steps apply whether the device uses an older Bluetooth version or a newer version such as Bluetooth 5.0, provided the computer supports the required Bluetooth connection and profiles.
Windows 11
- Place the Bluetooth mouse or keyboard into pairing mode. Refer to the device manufacturer's instructions if you are unsure how to do this.
- Open Settings and select Bluetooth & devices.
- Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
- Select Add device, then select Bluetooth.
- Select your mouse or keyboard when it appears and follow any prompts to complete the connection.
Windows 10
- Place the Bluetooth mouse or keyboard into pairing mode.
- Open Settings and select Devices.
- Select Bluetooth & other devices and make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
- Select Add Bluetooth or other device, then select Bluetooth.
- Select your mouse or keyboard when it appears and follow any prompts to complete the connection.
For additional Bluetooth pairing instructions, please follow our pairing guide.
Applicable To
- Plugable USB-BT4LE Bluetooth 4.0 Adapter, USB-BT5 Bluetooth 5.0 Adapter
- Bluetooth mice and keyboards used with Windows 10 or Windows 11
- Bluetooth Classic, Bluetooth Low Energy, and Bluetooth 5.0 or newer peripherals
- Wireless mice and keyboards that use proprietary 2.4GHz USB receivers
- Computers using a built-in Bluetooth adapter or a compatible USB Bluetooth adapter
