• Welcome to the all-new Android Central Forums! - We're still moving some things around, so you may see a few quirks here and there, but we're working on getting things fully completed as soon as possible. For now, take a look around, and if you run into any major issues, please let us know in this thread!

Bluetooth keyboard problem

Babs2

New member
Jan 17, 2016
3
0
0
Galaxy S 10.5 running vers 5.0.2. Every time I boot up my tablet I have to input a different code so the keyboard is recognised. Am i missing something or is the OS or soft keyboard blocking the BT device?
 

B. Diddy

Senior Ambassador
Moderator
Mar 9, 2012
161,915
270
83
Welcome to Android Central! What brand and model is the keyboard? If it's a cheap no-name or off-brand device, it might be a hardware issue. Bluetooth devices should be remembered by the phone once you pair them, and you shouldn't have to re-pair them each time.
 

Babs2

New member
Jan 17, 2016
3
0
0
Yes it was just a cheappie bought on ebay, so it looks like I'm stuck with the problem. Thanks anyway.
 

B. Diddy

Senior Ambassador
Moderator
Mar 9, 2012
161,915
270
83
Oh well. The brand really does matter. A while ago, I got a cheap Targus BT keyboard from Groupon or some place like that, and the problem with that keyboard was that after connecting to my tablet, if you didn't type anything for about 5 seconds, it would go into some kind of sleep mode. If you then typed something else, it would take about a half second to wake up, which would then contribute to repeated letters or skipped letters. An older Acer BT keyboard I used to have never did this.
 

FF22

Active member
Nov 12, 2012
1,125
12
38
I've not had any similar problems with the Logitech keyboard/case combo I use with my Tab S.
 

Babs2

New member
Jan 17, 2016
3
0
0
The tablet finds the BT keyboard ok but i have to enter a different passcode each time, this isn't right is it?
 

FF22

Active member
Nov 12, 2012
1,125
12
38
Have you tried UNpairing or removing the keyboard and then re-establishing the link again?
 

ratsttam

New member
May 17, 2010
1,064
44
0
The tablet finds the BT keyboard ok but i have to enter a different passcode each time, this isn't right is it?

Generally speaking, no.

The Keyboard should have an identifier that never changes, similar to the MAC address that your wifi or ethernet has. The tablet should see this number and remember the keyboard, and it should "just work" when you turn the tablet and keyboard on in range of each other.

Some cheap manufacturers don't have hard coded mac's so your tablet may be seeing the keyboard as a different one each time you turn it on.