PS5 supports both keyboard and mouse, but not all games use them

Your PS5 can connect to a keyboard and mouse through USB or Bluetooth, and they will work for navigating the PS5 menu, typing, and browsing. However, most PS5 games do not support keyboard and mouse input — they are designed for the controller. A few games like Fortnite, Call of Duty, and Warframe do accept keyboard and mouse, but you need to check each game's settings to turn this feature on.

If you want to use keyboard and mouse mainly for menu navigation and typing, any standard USB or Bluetooth keyboard and mouse will work. If you want to play games with them, you will need to verify that the specific game supports this input method first.

Key Takeaways

  • USB keyboards and mice plug directly into the PS5's USB ports on the front or back and work immediately without setup.
  • Bluetooth keyboards and mice must be paired through PS5 Settings, and you hold the Bluetooth pairing button on the device until the PS5 detects it.
  • Most PS5 games do not support keyboard and mouse, so check your game's settings or manual to see if it offers this option.
  • Once connected, keyboard and mouse work for PS5 menu navigation, text input, and web browsing on all games and apps.

Connecting a USB keyboard or mouse

USB devices are the simplest to connect because they require no pairing or setup. Plug your keyboard or mouse into any of the USB ports on your PS5 — there are two ports on the front and two on the back. The PS5 will recognize the device immediately, and you can start using it right away in the menu.

If you are using both a keyboard and a mouse, you can plug both into separate USB ports at the same time. There is no limit to how many USB input devices you can connect, though most people use just one or two. If you run out of USB ports, you can use a USB hub to expand the number of available ports.

Pairing a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse

Bluetooth devices do not need a cable, but they do need to be paired with your PS5 once. Go to Settings on your PS5 home screen, then select Accessories, then General, then Bluetooth Accessories. Your PS5 will start searching for nearby Bluetooth devices.

On your keyboard or mouse, locate the Bluetooth pairing button — this is usually on the bottom or back of the device and may be labeled with a Bluetooth symbol. Hold down this button for 3 to 5 seconds until you see a light blink or hear a sound indicating the device is in pairing mode. The device should appear in the PS5 list within a few seconds. Select it to complete the pairing.

Once paired, your keyboard or mouse will connect automatically when you turn on your PS5, as long as the device is turned on and within range. If it does not connect automatically, turn the device off and on again, or go back to Bluetooth Accessories and select the device to reconnect it manually.

Turning on keyboard and mouse support in games

Not every game supports keyboard and mouse input, even though your PS5 can connect them. Games that do support this feature usually have a toggle in their settings menu. Open the game, go to Settings or Options (the exact name varies by game), look for a section called Controls, Input, or Peripherals, and look for an option to enable keyboard and mouse.

Some games turn this feature on by default once you connect a keyboard or mouse, while others require you to manually enable it. If you do not see an option to enable keyboard and mouse in a game's settings, that game does not support this input method. In those cases, you will need to use your PS5 controller to play.

Using keyboard and mouse in the PS5 menu and apps

Once connected, your keyboard and mouse work throughout the PS5 menu without any additional setup. Use the mouse to click on menu items, and use the keyboard to type in search boxes, usernames, passwords, and chat. The mouse pointer will appear on screen and behave like it does on a computer.

This is especially useful when typing long text, searching for games or shows, or entering passwords. Many people keep a keyboard connected just for these tasks, even if they do not use it for gaming. The keyboard and mouse will also work in web browsers and streaming apps like Netflix or YouTube if you open those through the PS5.

Troubleshooting connection problems

If your USB keyboard or mouse is not working, try unplugging it and plugging it into a different USB port. Some ports may have power issues, especially if you have many devices connected. If it still does not work, restart your PS5 completely by holding the power button for 10 seconds until it shuts down, then turn it back on.

If your Bluetooth device is not connecting, make sure it is charged or has fresh batteries, and that it is in pairing mode. Go back to Settings > Accessories > General > Bluetooth Accessories and try pairing it again. If the device was previously paired to another device like a computer or phone, disconnect it from that device first — Bluetooth devices can usually only connect to one device at a time.

If your keyboard or mouse connects but does not respond, try moving it closer to the PS5, as Bluetooth range can be limited by walls or interference from other wireless devices. You can also try removing the device from your Bluetooth list and pairing it again from scratch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a wireless keyboard and mouse without a USB receiver?

If your wireless keyboard or mouse uses a USB receiver dongle, plug that dongle into a USB port on your PS5 and it will work like a wired USB device. If it uses Bluetooth instead of a dongle, follow the Bluetooth pairing steps in the Settings menu. Check your device's manual to see which type it uses.

Will my gaming keyboard with special buttons work on PS5?

Basic keyboard functions like typing and arrow keys will work on any keyboard. Special buttons like programmable macro keys or RGB lighting controls may not function because the PS5 does not support custom keyboard software. The keyboard will still work for typing and menu navigation, but the extra features will not be available.

Do I need a special mouse for PS5 gaming?

No. Any standard USB or Bluetooth mouse will work for menu navigation and games that support mouse input. Gaming mice with high sensitivity settings or extra buttons will work, but you cannot customize the sensitivity through the PS5 — you would need to adjust it on the mouse itself if it has physical buttons for that.

What if my game does not have keyboard and mouse support?

You will need to use your PS5 controller to play that game. Keyboard and mouse only work in games that have specifically added support for them. You can still use the keyboard and mouse in the PS5 menu and other apps, but not in that particular game.

Can I use keyboard and mouse at the same time as a controller?

Yes. You can have a keyboard, mouse, and controller all connected to your PS5 at the same time. Some games may let you switch between input methods, while others require you to pick one. Check your game's settings to see what input options are available.