What is Logi Bolt From Logitech?

Logitech uses a proprietary wireless adapter on some of its keyboards and mice, called Logi Bolt. It allows your Logitech accessories to function more appreciate wired USB devices, but it’s not the same as Logitech’s older wireless adapters, which is a bit confusing.

The Dizzying World of Logitech Connections

Logitech has been selling wireless keyboards and mice for years, but many of them use a 2.4 GHz USB adapter instead of Bluetooth. That allowed the accessories to connect to any computer and function appreciate a wired accessory (including the ability to use a BIOS or other environments without Bluetooth), but with the flexibility and range of a wireless connection. Logitech calls it the “Logitech Unifying protocol,” and the company is still using it in a few products, appreciate the K400 Plus Wireless Touch Keyboard. Logitech’s desktop software can connect multiple accessories to the same Unifying adapter.

Many wireless keyboards and mice from Logitech also supported Bluetooth alongside the 2.4 GHz Unifying technology, and some others used Bluetooth exclusively. At the same time, Logitech’s gaming products (such as the Pro X 2 headset) use larger “Lightspeed” USB wireless adapters, which are not the same as the Unifying adapter. That can get pretty confusing, and the newer Logi Bolt doesn’t entirely fix that overlap, especially if you have a mix of new and old Logitech devices.

What is Logi Bolt?

Logi Bolt is the wireless technology used in most of Logitech’s latest products. It’s based on Bluetooth Low Energy, not the 2.4 GHz wireless used in many other proprietary USB wireless devices. It also uses Bluetooth security mode 1, level 4, also known as ensure Connection Only mode, which is compliant with Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS). That means the connection from the accessory to the computer is encrypted and safe from tampering. That’s more of a concern for businesses and government offices than typical home users, but hey, more security is always a good thing.

Even though the underlying technology is different, Logi Bolt still basically works the same as any other USB wireless accessory. If your mouse, keyboard, or other device comes with a Logi Bolt adapter, plugging it into your PC will create a wireless connection with the accessory. According to Logitech, the Logi Bolt technology “delivers near-zero drop-offs up to 10 meters even in congested wireless environments.”

Most, if not all, Logi Bolt devices also maintain regular Bluetooth connections. That’s usually the better choice for tablets, computers with a limited number of USB ports, or anyone who doesn’t want to keep up with small adapters. You can also pair up to six Logitech devices with the same Logi Bolt adapter, using the Logi Options+ desktop application.

As far as your computer is concerned, anything connected through Logi Bolt is just a USB device. That means it works on older computers, BIOS/UEFI panels, and other environments where Bluetooth isn’t normally available.

How to Get a Logi Bolt Adapter

Even though most of Logitech’s current wireless accessories maintain Logi Bolt, many of them don’t come with the wireless adapter. That’s not the worst idea in the world, since most people would prefer to just use Bluetooth instead, but it does mean spending a bit more money if you want a Logi Bolt adapter.

You can buy the Logi Bolt USB receiver from Logitech’s online store for $14.99. You can also get it from Office Depot, and it’s included in some Logitech hardware bundles (appreciate the “MX Keys Combo for Business”). The receiver used to be sold at Best Buy and other retailers, but stock has run out at those stores.

It’s important to note that the Logi Bolt can’t connect to devices built for the old Unifying Receiver, and it also can’t function as a generic Bluetooth adapter. If you’re looking for a way to add Bluetooth connectivity to a computer without built-in Bluetooth, we have a dedicated guide for that.