This wikiHow teaches you how to increase the signal range of a wireless keyboard and mouse. Even though most wireless keyboards and mice have a maximum effective signal range of 9 meters, you usually have trouble getting a signal after reaching a third of that distance due to obstructions or interference from other devices.
Step
Step 1. Try to diagnose signal coverage issues with mouse and keyboard
If your wireless keyboard or mouse stops working after being moved a few meters, take a look at some of the common causes below:
- You use a cheap keyboard and mouse – cheap wireless devices have a shorter signal range than high-quality products.
- The hardware is old – If your mouse, keyboard, and/or computer is more than a few years old, you will start to experience reduced performance. You may be able to resolve this issue by updating your computer system and downloading the latest drivers for your mouse and/or keyboard via the device manufacturer's website.
- The battery is running low or needs to be recharged – Apart from losing signal range, the mouse and/or keyboard will stop working or turn off completely when the battery is running low.
Step 2. Replace the battery you are currently using with a new battery that can last a long time
You should use high-quality batteries for your mouse and keyboard; if the manufacturer recommends a battery from a certain brand, try to use a product from that brand. A new battery can always increase the signal range of a wireless mouse and keyboard.
- If your mouse or keyboard uses a recharging system instead of a removable battery, charge it completely before reusing the two devices.
- For keyboards with wired chargers, you should leave the charger plugged in at all times.
Step 3. Make sure there are no other objects blocking the device with the signal receiver
The wireless receiver – a USB chip-shaped object that plugs into a computer – is not powerful enough to transmit signals through walls or furniture. You must ensure that the area between the receiver and the wireless device is “clean” of any obstructions.
Step 4. Disconnect other USB devices from the computer
The fewer USB ports you use, the more power the attached USB device has. If you have a printer, flash drive, external hard drive, or other USB-based object connected to your computer, unplug it while you are using the mouse and keyboard.
This is why you need to update your computer system to the latest version. Old systems may be less effective at running USB ports than new systems
Step 5. Keep other devices that may cause interference from the mouse, keyboard and signal receiver away
In addition to ensuring that the area between the device and the signal receiver is clear, you should keep electronics away from the device's communication path. Some of the electronic devices that you should keep away are:
- Other wireless objects (such as tablets, smartphones, baby monitors)
- Microwave
- Television
- Refrigerator
- Router and modem
- Other computers
Step 6. Plug the computer into an empty electrical outlet
Using an empty plug terminal instead of a terminal connected to other electronic devices will keep your computer clean from interference, as well as ensure that the USB port is constantly being charged instead of sucking power from the computer battery.
Most computer default settings will automatically reduce the power to the USB port when the power is drawn from the battery
Step 7. Position the USB signal receiver towards the mouse or keyboard
The top of the USB connection is generally the front of the signal receiving device. In other words, the top of the USB should be facing your mouse or keyboard. Some signal receivers are playable, while others require a separate USB cable to play.
If you got the cable with your receiver, make sure it's a quarter meter long or shorter. You must secure the position of the signal receiver after adjusting the direction exactly to the position of the mouse and keyboard
Step 8. Use a USB dongle to increase the range of the receiver
If you don't want to use a USB cable to direct the receiver to your mouse or keyboard, you can purchase a small device to increase the signal range of the receiver. This will increase the receiver's range from the computer, reducing the resistance on the computer and making it easier to connect the receiver from a longer distance.
Step 9. Look for a signal range enhancer tool made specifically for your keyboard and mouse
Some keyboard/mouse manufacturers sell this tool on official websites or stores. It's bigger, and more powerful than the receiver that came with your purchase of your wireless device.
Not all manufacturers sell signal boosters and the tools they sell may not be made specifically for your keyboard and mouse model
Step 10. Update your wireless mouse and keyboard
If you can't connect your mouse and keyboard more than half a meter away, it might be time to buy a new one. You can buy the latest series of wireless devices you currently have, or start using a Bluetooth mouse/keyboard combination instead.
