Can a Logitech K400r Work Without the Dongle?
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Short answer: no. The "r" in K400r stands for the Unifying receiver it ships with. The keyboard has no Bluetooth and no cable port, so it always needs a Logitech Unifying USB receiver. The good news: any Unifying receiver works, so you can pair a replacement or reuse one from another Logitech device.
K400r at a glance
| Feature | Logitech K400r |
|---|---|
| Connection | 2.4 GHz through a Logitech Unifying USB receiver |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Wired mode | No |
| Touchpad | Built-in, about 3.5 inches |
| Power | 2 × AA batteries, on/off switch |
| Range | About 10 m |
| Successor | K400 Plus (same connection, extra media keys) |
Which receivers work with the K400r
| Receiver | Works with the K400r? |
|---|---|
| Unifying receiver (orange star logo) | Works. One receiver can hold up to six Unifying devices, so a receiver from another Logitech mouse or keyboard can be reused. |
| Logi Bolt receiver (green "Bolt" logo) | Does not work. Bolt and Unifying are not compatible. |
| Nano receiver with no logo (from a combo set) | Usually locked to the devices it was sold with and can't be re-paired. |
Look for the small orange star logo on the receiver. If the receiver you have has no logo, check the model number under the keyboard and ask Logitech support before buying.
How to pair the K400r with a new receiver
- Plug the Unifying receiver into a USB port on your computer (directly on the PC, not a hub, for the first pairing).
- Install Logitech's pairing software. Logitech now recommends Logi Options+ on Windows and macOS. The older Logitech Unifying Software is still on Logitech's support site but no longer maintained. On Linux, the free tool Solaar does the same job.
- Start pairing (Unifying Software: open it and click Next; Logi Options+: add a device and choose the Unifying receiver option).
- When asked, slide the K400r's power switch off and back on. Fresh batteries make a difference here.
- Type a few letters in the test box, then finish.
Pairing is a one-time job. After that the keyboard connects automatically whenever the receiver is plugged in.
K400r pairing problems
| Problem | What to try |
|---|---|
| Keyboard dead, no response | Replace both AA batteries and check the on/off switch. |
| Pairing software doesn't see the receiver | Try another USB port directly on the computer and restart the software. |
| Pairing fails or times out | Hold the K400r within 30 cm of the receiver, switch it off and on when prompted, and try again. |
| Lag or missed keys | Move the receiver away from USB 3.0 ports, metal cases and Wi-Fi routers, or use a short USB extension cable to bring it closer. |
| Touchpad works but scrolling or clicks feel wrong | Change touchpad settings in Logi Options+ (or Unifying Software on older systems); on a TV or Android box, check the device's own mouse settings. |
| Some keys don't work | See our guide on how to unlock a keyboard (Num Lock, Fn Lock and filter keys). |
If you need a keyboard with no receiver
If the real goal is to avoid a receiver (a tablet, a laptop with few USB ports, a smart TV that only supports Bluetooth), this keyboard isn't the right one. Logitech's Bluetooth models connect with no dongle, for example the compact K380 and its successor Pebble Keys 2 K380s, or full-size models such as the Signature K650 (Bluetooth or Bolt). Our guide on how to connect a wireless keyboard covers Bluetooth pairing on Windows, Mac and Android.
FAQ
What does the "r" in K400r mean?
It refers to the Unifying receiver bundled with the keyboard. The K400r works like the original K400.
Does the K400r have Bluetooth?
No. It only connects through a Unifying receiver.
Can I use one receiver for my K400r and my Logitech mouse?
Yes, if the mouse is Unifying-compatible. One receiver can hold up to six devices.
Is the K400 Plus receiver compatible with the K400r?
Yes. The K400 Plus also ships with a Unifying receiver, so you can pair the K400r to it.