Before you connect a wireless device
A few checks can make setup smoother and help you choose the correct connection route for the accessory in front of you.
Check the battery or power
Charge the device or fit fresh batteries if required. A low battery can stop a mouse or keyboard from entering pairing mode or staying connected.
Identify how it connects
Look for Bluetooth pairing controls, a USB receiver in the packaging or Wi-Fi setup instructions. The connection method decides which laptop settings you need.
Keep devices close
Place the mouse, keyboard or printer near the laptop during setup. Once connected, follow the device instructions for its normal working range.
Set up one device first
Finish the pairing process for one accessory before starting another. This makes it easier to identify the device name and check that it responds correctly.
Allow setup prompts
Your laptop may show a confirmation code, permission request or setup message. Read the prompt and follow the instructions for the device you are connecting.
Keep the network details handy
For a Wi-Fi printer, you may need the network name and password. For a USB receiver, check whether your laptop has a suitable USB-A or USB-C port.
Choose the right wireless connection
The accessory's connection type affects the setup. Check its documentation if you are not sure which method it supports.
Bluetooth pairing
Switch on Bluetooth on the laptop and place the mouse or keyboard into discoverable pairing mode. Select the device from the Bluetooth list and follow any on-screen instructions.
USB receiver
Insert the supplied receiver into a compatible USB port, switch on the mouse or keyboard and wait for the connection. Some receivers may need an adapter on a laptop with different ports.
Wi-Fi printer
Connect the printer to your Wi-Fi network, then add it from the laptop's printer settings. The printer and laptop normally need to be on the same network for discovery.
Check the device instructions first Pairing buttons, receiver storage and printer network menus vary between models. The laptop steps below explain the general route, while the device guide provides the model-specific details.
How to connect a wireless mouse
A wireless mouse can connect by Bluetooth or through a USB receiver. Choose the route shown in the mouse instructions and test the pointer before moving on.
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Switch on the mouse
Move the power switch to the on position and check that the battery is charged or fitted correctly. Look for a pairing button or Bluetooth symbol if the mouse connects wirelessly without a receiver.
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Pair by Bluetooth if supported
Put the mouse into pairing mode, open the laptop's Bluetooth settings and select the mouse when it appears. Accept a confirmation prompt if one is shown.
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Connect the USB receiver if supplied
Insert the receiver into a compatible USB port, switch on the mouse and wait a moment. If the laptop only has USB-C ports, use a compatible adapter where required.
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Test the pointer and buttons
Move the mouse across the surface and check the left button, right button and scroll wheel. If the pointer does not respond, see the troubleshooting checks below.
If the mouse appears twice Check whether both Bluetooth and a USB receiver are active. Follow the mouse instructions for the connection route you want to keep and remove an unwanted saved Bluetooth device if necessary.
How to connect a wireless keyboard
Wireless keyboards commonly connect by Bluetooth or a USB receiver. Once the keyboard is paired, type in a text box to confirm that the connection and layout are working.
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Turn on the keyboard
Switch on the keyboard and check its battery or charge level. If it has a connection selector, choose Bluetooth or the relevant channel before pairing.
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Start Bluetooth pairing
Press the keyboard's pairing button or follow its pairing-key instructions, then open Bluetooth settings on the laptop and select the keyboard when it appears.
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Confirm the pairing code if shown
Some keyboards display a code on the laptop and ask you to type it on the keyboard before pressing Enter or Return. Follow the exact prompt on your screen.
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Connect the USB receiver if supplied
For a receiver-based keyboard, insert the receiver into a compatible USB port, switch on the keyboard and wait for it to connect. Check the receiver storage compartment if the small part is not immediately visible.
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Test typing and layout
Open a text box and type a short line. Check the letters, number row, space bar and any special keys you need, as the printed layout can vary between keyboards.
Keyboard layout reminder Check the laptop's selected keyboard layout if symbols appear differently from the labels. This is separate from whether the wireless connection itself is working.
How to connect a wireless printer
Most wireless printer setups involve connecting the printer to Wi-Fi and then adding it from the laptop. The printer's control panel or manufacturer setup tool may be needed before the laptop can find it.
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Connect the printer to Wi-Fi
Turn on the printer and use its display, buttons or manufacturer setup instructions to select your Wi-Fi network and enter its password. Some printers offer a separate setup process.
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Add the printer on the laptop
Open the laptop's printer settings and choose the option to add a printer. Select the printer when it appears and follow any installation prompts.
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Install official software if requested
If the printer needs extra software, follow the instructions supplied with the model or download it from the printer manufacturer's official website. Check the software name and model before installing.
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Print a test page
Print a short document or test page to confirm the printer is online. If more than one printer is available, check that the correct one is selected in the print window.
Same network matters A wireless printer and laptop normally need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If the printer does not appear, check the network name on both devices and review the printer manufacturer's setup instructions.
Where to add the device on your laptop
The names of settings can change between operating system versions. These are the usual starting points for Bluetooth accessories and wireless printers.
Windows laptop
For Bluetooth, open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices, switch Bluetooth on and choose the option to add a device. For a printer, open Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners and choose Add device.
MacBook
Open Apple menu > System Settings > Bluetooth to pair a mouse or keyboard. For a wireless printer, open System Settings > Printers & Scanners and choose the add-printer option.
Chromebook
For Bluetooth, select the time, open Bluetooth and choose Pair new device. For printing, open the Chromebook's printer settings and save a compatible printer after connecting both devices to the same network.
Chromebook printer note ChromeOS does not support Bluetooth printing. A compatible Chromebook printer generally connects through the internet network or a USB cable, so check the printer's supported connection method before setup.
What to do when a wireless device will not connect
Try the relevant checks in order and test the device after each change. If a device still will not connect, record its model and the message shown on the laptop.
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Make sure the device is discoverable
Check that the mouse or keyboard is switched on and in pairing mode. A device that has already paired with another nearby laptop may need to be disconnected or placed into pairing mode again.
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Charge the device and move it closer
Charge the accessory or replace its batteries, then move it nearer to the laptop. Turn Bluetooth off and back on if the device does not appear in the list.
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Remove and pair the accessory again
If a Bluetooth mouse or keyboard appears but will not respond, remove it from the laptop's Bluetooth settings, restart the accessory and add it again.
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Check the USB receiver route
Reconnect the receiver, try another compatible USB port and check whether an adapter is required. Keep the receiver close to the accessory where the device instructions recommend it.
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Check the printer network
Confirm that the printer and laptop are on the same Wi-Fi network, then restart the printer and refresh the laptop's printer list. Check for a guest network or separate network name that could prevent discovery.
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Check official support for the model
Review the device manufacturer's instructions for pairing, software, compatibility and error messages. Avoid installing drivers or setup tools from unknown websites.
Do not reset all network settings as a first step A network reset can remove saved Wi-Fi networks, passwords and paired devices. Try the simpler connection checks first and keep a note of any settings you would need to restore.
Choose a wireless accessory for your setup
Once you know which connection your laptop supports, browse accessories that can make your workspace easier to manage. Check the connection type, port requirements and compatibility details before choosing.
Make typing more flexible
Browse wireless keyboards for a cleaner desk and a more flexible typing position. Compare connection types, layouts and the features that suit your laptop.
Move around your workspace
Explore wireless mice for easier navigation away from the laptop's trackpad. Check the connection method, shape and controls against the way you work.
Print without a direct cable
Browse wireless printers for printing from a laptop over your home or workplace network. Check operating system support, Wi-Fi setup and the printer's connection requirements.
Wireless device questions, answered
Is every wireless mouse or keyboard Bluetooth
No. Some wireless mice and keyboards pair through Bluetooth, while others connect with a USB receiver. Check the device instructions and look for a receiver before opening the laptop's Bluetooth settings.
Can I connect a wireless keyboard without Bluetooth
Yes, if the keyboard includes a compatible USB receiver. Insert the receiver, switch on the keyboard and follow the manufacturer's setup instructions.
Why is my Bluetooth mouse or keyboard not appearing
Check the battery, switch the accessory off and on, place it into pairing mode and move it close to the laptop. Turn Bluetooth off and on, then remove and re-add the device if it was saved previously.
Does a wireless printer need Wi-Fi
Many wireless printers connect through Wi-Fi or another network connection, but the supported options vary by model. Check the printer documentation and connect the printer and laptop to the same network where required.
Why cannot my laptop find the wireless printer
Confirm that the printer is on, connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the laptop and ready to receive a job. Refresh the printer list, restart both devices and check the printer manufacturer's setup guidance.
What should I do if the laptop asks for a pairing code
Follow the on-screen instructions and the device manual. Some keyboards ask you to type a displayed code on the keyboard, while another accessory may ask you to confirm or enter a different code.