Problems with Wireless USB and Bluetooth Mouse and/or Keyboard and Solutions

There are several challenges you might encounter while using wireless USB and/or Bluetooth Bluetooth Mouse and/or Keyboard combo.

Wireless keyboard/mouse problems and solutions

“Devices” in this context refer to either or both a wireless USB or Bluetooth mouse and/or keyboard.

“Mode” is this context refers to both wireless USB and Bluetooth modes for mouse and/or keyboard.

Before buying, it’s important to check whether the manufacturer lists the devices as supported on your OS. This can be done by checking the wrapping box, the instructions manual, or via their website. If the manufacture does not include Linux as one of the supported OSes, do not panic, there might be a workaround for you. If the devices work on Windows or Mac OS, they most probably will work on Linux with little issues.

Check out this tutorial on how to connect and use wireless USB and Bluetooth Mouse and/or Keyboard.

Connect and Use Wireless USB and Bluetooth Mouse and/or Keyboard on Linux

These are the issues I have faced on Linux and Windows 10 but more so on Linux and their respective solutions:

1. The device keeps disconnecting and reconnecting on Bluetooth mode or it does not reconnect automatically after switching on or after wake on Bluetooth mode.

Solutions

• Use wireless USB mode.
• Check your batteries for low power. Alkaline batteries last longer than zinc manganese batteries. Lithium batteries can be recharged.
• For Linux users, trustyour device using bluetoothctl command or using Bluetooth manger (blueman) as shown in the link below. Trusting your device enables automatic re-connection after wake or power up. For windows users, check your manufacturers website for the device drivers and install/update.
• Sometimes, the device supports multiple Bluetooth channels/modes. Try and switch to a different mode or channel as specified in the user manual.
• If your device supports Bluetooth Low Energy mode (BLE), check whether your adapter supports BLE following the steps at the end of the linked article.

Connect and Use Wireless USB and Bluetooth Mouse and/or Keyboard on Linux

2. The devices halts or freezes in operation.

Solutions

• Try changing connection mode from Bluetooth to USB or vice-versa if your device supports multi-mode.
• If the device supports multiple Bluetooth channels/modes. Try and switch to a different mode or channel as specified in the user manual.
• Check your batteries for low power. Alkaline batteries last longer than zinc manganese batteries. Lithium batteries can be recharged.
• If you have a multi-mode keyboard and mouse, you can try connecting one device in wireless USB mode and the other in Bluetooth mode and evaluate their performance. If the devices use one wireless USB adapter, be sure to connect the device using Bluetooth mode first and then connect the device using wireless USB mode.

In my experience (Rapoo devices), I have found that keyboards work well and last longer on wireless USB mode and while mice are effective on Bluetooth mode. You are welcome to try out either mode and see what works for you.

3. The battery drains fast (even long-lasting batteries).

Solutions

1. Buy devices with a rechargeable battery (you’ll have to charge them anyway). For non-rechargeable models, alkaline batteries last longer than zinc manganese batteries.
2. Ensure that there is limited wireless interference on your setup. Wireless routers, mobile phones, or any device that use wireless communication can interface with your mouse and keyboard signals. This means that more power to transmit a signal, hence draining the batteries quickly.
3. For reflective optical mice, your mouse should be on a reflective surface (white is best). Dark colors and glass would require more power for the mouse camera to keep up with your movements. Infrared mice are effective on low light conditions.
4. Limit the number of times you toggle the on/off switch on your mice/keyboard. Most devices come with an sleep mode that puts them in low power if not used after a while. Switching the device off required more power to re-initialize draining your battery. You can also change the power management settings for the device on your OS.

And that’s it!

Those are the problems I have encountered so far and how I solved them.

If you have experienced different problems or have other solutions you want to suggest, leave a comment below!