This article explains how to increase the signal range of a wireless keyboard or mouse so that it can be used at a greater distance from the computer. Although the maximum operating limit of these wireless devices is stated to be around 30 feet, it is often very difficult to have acceptable functionality at one third of that distance due to obstructions and radio interference.
Steps
Step 1. Try to identify the problem that is limiting the range of the keyboard and mouse radio signal
If you are having problems trying to use a wireless mouse or keyboard more than a few meters from the computer, check if the cause falls into one of the following most common cases:
- Cheap keyboards and mice - this type of wireless devices tends to have a reduced range compared to the standards offered by high quality products.
- Outdated hardware - if your mouse, keyboard or computer is more than a couple of years old, you have most likely noticed a decrease in overall performance. You may be able to work around this by updating your computer's operating system and installing the latest version of the mouse and keyboard drivers by downloading them from the manufacturer's website.
- Low battery - in this case, in addition to noticing a decrease in the range of action of the device, you may encounter problems in tracking the movements of the mouse or even a total block of the functions caused by the device's battery discharge.
Step 2. Replace the dead batteries
You should use high-quality batteries to power the mouse and keyboard. If the manufacturer recommends using a certain brand of batteries, follow the instructions. It is often sufficient to replace the batteries to increase the range of these wireless devices and improve their overall functionality.
- If your mouse or keyboard has a built-in rechargeable battery instead of regular disposable batteries, plug them into the charger and wait for charging to complete before continuing.
- If your keyboard has a corded charger, it is best to always leave it connected even if the battery is charged.
Step 3. Make sure there is no object or obstacle between the wireless receiver and the device
The wireless receiver, which is the small USB device you plug into one of the ports on your computer, is not strong enough to transmit the radio signal through walls or furniture. For best performance, there should be no obstacles between the mouse and keyboard and the respective wireless receivers connected to the computer.
Step 4. Disconnect other USB devices from the computer
The fewer USB ports are in operation, the more power is available for the active ones you actually need to use. If you've connected a printer, USB stick, external hard drive, or other similar USB device to your computer, unplug any you don't use when you need to use your wireless mouse or keyboard.
It can also be useful to update the operating system, as the old versions are not able to use the USB ports as efficiently as the new ones
Step 5. Keep household appliances that may generate radio interference away from the mouse, keyboard, and wireless receiver
In addition to eliminating physical obstacles between wireless devices and the computer, you should also remove any household appliances or electronic devices that may interfere with the radio signal from your mouse or keyboard. Normally you have to focus your attention on this type of appliances and electronic devices:
- Any type of wireless device (e.g. tablet, smartphone, baby monitor);
- Microwave ovens;
- Televisions;
- Refrigerators;
- Router and modem;
- Other computers.
Step 6. Plug your computer into a dedicated electrical outlet
Using an electrical outlet solely to power your computer, rather than plugging it into a power strip or triple that other devices or appliances are plugged into, will reduce radio interference to a minimum while ensuring that the USB ports have all the power they have. need without having to rely only on the system battery.
The default configuration settings of many laptops limit the power sent to the USB ports when they are running on battery
Step 7. Place the USB receiver in front of the mouse and keyboard
Normally the top side of the USB receiver is where the radio signal transmitter is physically installed, this means that this point on the device should be facing directly and constantly towards the mouse or keyboard. Some USB receivers can be pointed in a specific direction, while others require the use of an additional USB cable to allow this type of adjustment.
If you have a USB cable available to connect to the wireless receiver of your mouse or keyboard, make sure it is less than 12 inches long. Once you have oriented the USB receiver towards the mouse or keyboard, you will need to lock it in place
Step 8. Use a USB extender for the wireless mouse or keyboard receiver
If you don't want to use a USB cable to enhance the orientation of the wireless receiver so that it is positioned directly towards the mouse or keyboard, you can purchase a small electronic device to connect the USB wireless receiver to. In this way the radio transmitter of the mouse or keyboard can be moved further away from the computer and where you prefer in the room.
Step 9. Look for a wireless extender specific to your mouse and keyboard model
Some keyboard and mouse manufacturers sell these types of devices directly on their website or online store. These are much larger and more powerful devices than the small USB receivers that come with wireless mice and keyboards.
Not all manufacturers also market this type of wireless extender, and those that do may not have a suitable model available for your mouse or keyboard
Step 10. Purchase a new wireless mouse or keyboard
If after following the instructions in this article you have not been able to use the device more than a few meters away from the computer, it may be time to replace it. You can buy a more modern and efficient device or you can upgrade to a Bluetooth mouse and / or keyboard.
