Member Avatar for Ellejay

I have a Microsoft wireless 5000 keyboard that I want to use on my smart tv (the mouse USB is plugged into the TV). I have already tried many suggestions such as ctrl+shift+shift, shift+6, Lshift+Rshift+Lctrl, ctrl+shift+shift+?, and none work. Please, can anybody help?

  • 3 Contributors
  • 6 Replies
  • 238 Views
  • 2 Days Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by Greg_z

Dani AI

Generated

As demonstrated, this isn’t usually a hardware fault with the keyboard but how the TV interprets the keyboard’s scan codes. Physical keyboards only send key codes; the TV’s operating system maps those codes to characters according to its selected locale/input layout. That’s what was getting at when calling the keyboard a “dumb” device.

Practical checklist (use in order):

  • Confirm the keyboard: plug the wireless receiver or keyboard into a PC or laptop and type — if characters match there, the keyboard is fine.
  • Check TV settings: look for Language / Region / Input / Keyboard layout or On‑screen keyboard in the TV’s System or General settings and pick the layout that matches your physical keyboard. Some apps (browser/search) also have their own input options.
  • Reconnect the receiver: unplug/reinsert the USB receiver, try another USB port, or re‑pair the keyboard if it’s Bluetooth.
  • Update or reboot: install any available TV firmware updates and reboot the TV.
  • Workarounds: if the TV won’t expose a layout option, use the manufacturer’s phone remote app (if it offers a keyboard), a different USB/Bluetooth keyboard, or a small external keyboard that explicitly supports the desired layout.

Quick diagnostics and notes: an A↔Q swap points to AZERTY; a Y↔Z swap points to QWERTZ — those patterns tell you which layout the TV is using. In bilingual or region‑locked TV firmware the system locale/region can control keyboard mapping, so changing region/input is what fixes it on many sets. Also keep in mind ’s reminder that not every smart TV fully supports external keyboards for every app; consult the manual or the maker’s support pages if in doubt.

Recommended Answers

All 6 Replies

Member Avatar for Greg_z

Not following you, as to what you are getting at. A keyboard does not care what language you speak, or type in. It is what is called a "dumb" device". Helps to know more, along with what kind of tv you have, and what you are attempting to accomplish.

Member Avatar for caperjack

i dont think smart tv support wireless keyboard or mice on there own do they ,i though you could only use the remote

Edited by caperjack
Member Avatar for Greg_z

Some do Caperjack. There are very few that use a keyboard for the browser. Some do have the capabilities to allow Smartphone apps for iOS and Android, to control them.

Member Avatar for Ellejay

I have a Samsung 55" Smart TV and finally contacted the store where I bought it. The TV guru had me change the language of the TV to "US" from "Canada" (everything here must be bilingual) and the French keys vanished!! The keyboard works on the TV and is much easier to use than the built in one which requires using the TV remote. Many thanks for the help.

Member Avatar for Ellejay

I'm new at this so hope this now shows as question solved.

Member Avatar for Greg_z

You would think that the manufacuturer directions would have told you that. But kudos on the store employee knowing what needed to be done, without giving you the run around.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.