• Bluetooth
  • Intermediate
  • 5 min
  • Serial CLI

Recipe · Intermediate · Bluetooth

How to start a BLE HID keyboard server

Start the Bluetooth BLE HID server and send a short keyboard text string to a paired host.

Bluetooth connection between two devices.
A practical ESP32 Bit Pirate workflow based on the documented firmware commands.
Step 1

Commands

Run the workflow from the CLI after selecting the matching mode.

Result

What it means

The output confirms that the protocol path is working and gives you a baseline for deeper experiments.

Troubleshooting

  • Start server before keyboard commands.
  • Pair from the host Bluetooth settings.
  • Use reset before retrying pairing.

Next steps

  • Try keyboard bridge mode.
  • Test mouse movement in a safe blank area.
  • Document the server name used for pairing.

BLE HID keyboard server FAQ

What does the BLE HID server do?

It makes ESP32 Bit Pirate advertise as a Bluetooth HID device so a host can pair and receive keyboard text or mouse actions.

Why do keyboard commands do nothing?

The server must be started and the host must be connected. Also make sure a text field is focused before sending keyboard text.

Where does BLE HID pairing happen?

Pairing happens on the host Bluetooth side after the Bit Pirate HID service is advertising. The firmware starts the role; the computer or phone completes the pairing flow.

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