It is no news that wireless controllers are super convenient. However but they can be difficult to connect. So, if you’re wondering how to connect an Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S controller to your Xbox console, then you’ve come to the right place.
Whether you bought a new controller and need to sync it to your Xbox One or you brought your controller over to play on a friend’s Xbox, pairing your Xbox One controller could be pretty simple if you follow the steps in this guide.
In this article, we will go over how to connect an Xbox controller to any Xbox console, including the Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S. We’ll also go over some alternatives if pairing doesn’t work out.
How to Connect an Xbox One Controller to Your Console Wirelessly
Wireless pairing is the simplest way to connect your Xbox controller to your console. Here’s how to wirelessly connect your Xbox controller to your system:
- By pressing the Xbox button on the front of the system, turn on the Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S you want to sync with. Allow a few moments for it to boot up.
- Next, turn on your controller by pressing and holding the Xbox button for a few seconds. The Xbox button will flash to indicate that it is looking for a console with which to sync.
- On your console, press and release the Pair button. The Pair button on the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S is a small circle next to the USB port on the front of the controller.
- The small circular Pair button is located at the bottom-right of your system, under the power button, on the Xbox One X and Xbox One S.
- The Pair button on the original Xbox One is located on the left side of the console, around the corner from the disc slot.
- Press and hold the small circular Pair button on top of your Xbox controller after pressing the Pair button on your console. Once connected, the Xbox button on the controller should flash a few times before remaining solid.
After successfully pairing your Xbox controller, you can use it to navigate the home screen and play games. The current battery level can be found in the top-right corner of the Xbox dashboard menu.
How to Use a Cable to Connect Your Xbox One Controller
If you prefer, you can connect your Xbox One controller to your Xbox console via a micro-USB cable. You can also use a USB-C cable with the Xbox Series X|S controller.
Simply plug the cable into an Xbox USB port and connect the other end to your controller. To sync them, connect them and then press and hold the Xbox button on the controller. After the syncing is complete, you can disconnect the cable and use the controller wirelessly.
Is it possible to use Xbox Series X|S controllers on Xbox One?
You may have noticed that the Xbox Series X|S controller is nearly identical to the Xbox One controller. Microsoft, it turns out, has built forward and backward compatibility into these controllers.
This means that Xbox One controllers can be used on your Xbox Series X or Series S. You can also use Xbox Series X|S controllers with your Xbox One system. This is a convenient way to play multiplayer games on either console without having to worry about controller compatibility.
Because the controllers are nearly identical, using the older Xbox One controller with an Xbox Series X|S won’t cause any major issues. The new Xbox One controller lacks a dedicated Share button, but this isn’t necessary for gameplay. Aside from USB-C charging, the only other enhancements are improved grip textures and an improved D-pad.
Can’t get your Xbox One controller to connect?
In most cases, the steps outlined above should sync your Xbox controller and console. If pairing does not work, try the following troubleshooting steps:
- Replace the controller’s batteries if necessary. Make sure your controller is charged if you use the Xbox One Play and Charge Kit or the Xbox Rechargeable Battery attachment. Check that the cable you’re using to connect and charge the controller is in good working order.
- When you sync the controller, keep it close to the console. The wireless connection between your console and controller has a range of about 20-30 feet, so if you go any further, it may disconnect.
- To reduce interference, turn off any other wireless devices (such as microwaves or laptops) that are close to the Xbox and controller.
- Holding the Xbox button on the front of the system for about 10 seconds will completely restart your console. Disconnect the power cable from the console for at least 30 seconds, then reconnect it and restart your system.
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- Keep in mind that the system can only support eight controllers at once. If you have this many connected, disconnect a few before reconnecting. Holding the Xbox button for several seconds until the light on this button goes out will turn off the controller.
- The Xbox Series X|S controller has a handy feature that allows you to switch between using your controller with your Xbox and a Bluetooth device that is connected. To return from a Bluetooth connection (such as a smartphone) to your Xbox, quickly press the Pair button on your controller twice. Hold Pair to return your controller to pairing mode and reconnect it to the Bluetooth device.
Also, keep in mind that when you press the Xbox button on your controller, it attempts to connect to the system with which it was most recently paired. If you have multiple Xbox consoles nearby, your controller may connect to another system the moment you turn it on. This prevents you from connecting it to another device.
To avoid this overlap, try completely shutting down and unplugging any other Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S systems in your vicinity. This is also true if you try to connect an Xbox One controller to a PC while it is already paired with a nearby console or vice versa.
Still Having Issues? Attempt to Repair Your Xbox Controller
You now understand how to connect your Xbox One controller or an Xbox Series X|S controller to any model of Xbox console. It’s not difficult, so if you run into trouble, it could be a physical problem with your controller.
If possible, try using the controller on a friend’s Xbox. If that fails, contact Xbox Support to inquire about a replacement or hardware repair.
You’ll have to choose a new controller from the many options available if that fails.
How to Pair an Xbox Wireless Controller with an Android Device
Turn on your controller and set it to pairing mode.
- On your Xbox Wireless Controller, press and hold the large Xbox logo button. This will boost its power.
- Hold down the small button near the charging port at the top of the controller. The controller is in pairing mode when it begins to flash.
Open the Bluetooth menu on Your Android
- Navigate to the Settings app on your Android device and select Connections.
- To access the Bluetooth menu, tap Bluetooth. Toggle the Bluetooth function on your device by tapping the blue toggle bar at the top of the screen.
To Connect, Select the Name of Your Xbox Wireless Controller
- If you’re in pairing mode, your Xbox Wireless Controller should show up in the list of Available Devices.
- Wait a few seconds after tapping the controller’s name before connecting it to your Android device.
How to Use an Xbox Wireless Controller with Windows 11
Repeat the preceding steps to turn on your Series X controller and enter it into Pairing Mode.
Go to the Bluetooth settings menu.
Navigate to the start menu on your Windows 11 desktop. Click it to bring up your start menu, then select Settings.
Select your Xbox Wireless Controller and click Connect.
- Go to Bluetooth & Other Devices and select it. Check that your Bluetooth is turned on.
- Select Add Device. Your computer will start looking for nearby Bluetooth devices.
- To connect the controller to your Windows PC, select Xbox Wireless Controller.
How to Pair an Xbox Wireless Controller with an iOS Device
Turn on your Xbox Wireless Controller and put it into Pairing Mode.
Go to the Bluetooth settings on your device and connect
- Navigate to and select the Settings App on your iOS device.
- Bluetooth will display a list of available devices.
- Connect the Xbox Wireless Controller to your iOS device by tapping it.
You can now demonstrate your Xbox Wireless Controller skills on multiple devices
You can’t carry your Series X console around with you for obvious reasons. However, unlike carrying a console, TV, and a tangle of wires, your Xbox Wireless Controller is perfectly suited to portable play alongside the best Android phones.
The Xbox Wireless Controller offers a viable middle ground between touch interfaces and keyboard setups, keeping inputs tight and responsive without becoming overly complicated. The best Android controllers work extremely well for handheld enthusiasts, but an Xbox controller adds another level of precision and intuitive play, especially with Play Store games that include excellent controller support. Sync your Xbox Wireless Controller and tell us where you like to play.
How do I link my Xbox controller to other devices?
The procedure outlined above is also used when pairing an Xbox controller to a device other than an Xbox console for remote play, such as a PC or an iPad. If you’re attempting to connect it to another device, simply locate that device’s Bluetooth menu and turn it on so that the accessory can be found and paired.
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