Pair Logitech Keyboard via Bluetooth CLI

Pair Logitech Keyboard via Bluetooth CLI | Generated by AI

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Prerequisites

Ensure your Bluetooth 5.3 emitter (dongle) is plugged into the USB 3.0 port and recognized by Ubuntu. Run lsusb in the terminal to check if it shows up (look for something like “Bluetooth” or the vendor ID). If not, try a different USB port or reboot.

Install Bluetooth tools if not already present:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install bluez bluetooth bluez-tools

Unblock Bluetooth if needed:
```
rfkill unblock bluetooth
```
Restart the Bluetooth service:
```
sudo systemctl restart bluetooth
```

Pairing Steps Using bluetoothctl (Recommended for CLI)

The bluetoothctl tool is the standard way to manage Bluetooth in Linux/Ubuntu. Logitech keyboards (like MX Keys, K380, or similar) often require entering a pairing PIN on the keyboard itself.

Open the Bluetooth console:
```
bluetoothctl
```
This enters an interactive shell (prompt changes to [bluetooth]#).
Enable the adapter:
```
power on
```
(If it says “No default controller available,” run list to see your adapter and select <adapter_MAC> if multiple.)
Set up the pairing agent:
```
agent on
default-agent
```
This enables PIN handling and makes your session the default for pairing.
Start scanning for devices:
```
scan on
```
Keep this running. Your Logitech keyboard should appear after ~10-20 seconds (e.g., as “Logitech K380” or similar, with a MAC address like XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX).
Put your Logitech keyboard in pairing mode:
- Turn it on (if it has a power switch).
- Press and hold the Bluetooth pairing button (usually on the side or top—check your model; for multi-device models like MX Keys, hold the channel button 1/2/3 for 3-5 seconds until the LED blinks rapidly).
- If it’s a single-device model, hold the main pairing button.
Pair the device:
Once it shows in the scan (press Enter to refresh), run:
```
pair <MAC_ADDRESS>
```
- Example: pair 12:34:56:78:9A:BC
- Ubuntu will prompt for a PIN (often 0000 or 1234 for Logitech—try defaults first).
- Key step for Logitech: Type the PIN directly on the physical keyboard and press Enter. (If no GUI notifications appear, this is crucial—some users report needing to enable system notifications via gnome-control-center > Notifications, but CLI often bypasses this.)
Trust and connect:
```
trust <MAC_ADDRESS>
connect <MAC_ADDRESS>
```
- This auto-connects on future use.
Exit the console:
```
exit
```

Troubleshooting

Device not scanning: Ensure the keyboard is in pairing mode (blinking LED). Run scan off then scan on again. Wait up to 30 seconds.
Pairing fails (e.g., “AuthenticationCanceled”): Remove the device first (remove <MAC>), then retry. For stubborn Logitech models, try holding the pairing button longer or toggling channels.
No PIN prompt: Some keyboards pair without one—proceed to connect. If stuck, check logs: sudo journalctl -u bluetooth -f while pairing.
Adapter issues: If using a USB Bluetooth 5.3 dongle, confirm kernel support (Ubuntu 22.04+ handles BT 5.3 well). Update kernel if on older Ubuntu: sudo apt install linux-generic-hwe-22.04.
GUI alternative: Open Settings > Bluetooth, toggle on, and pair from there—but CLI is more reliable for Logitech quirks.
Test: After pairing, type in a terminal. If it works, add to startup auto-connect via bluetoothctl or crontab.

If your specific Logitech model (e.g., MX Keys Mini) has unique issues, provide the exact model for tailored steps.

References

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