Wireless controllers are convenient, but connecting them can be a bit confusing. If you're wondering how to connect an Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S controller to your Xbox console, we'll explicate what you demand to know.

Whether you bought a new controller and demand to sync it to your Xbox One, or brought your controller over to play on a friend'southward Xbox, information technology isn't difficult to pair your Xbox 1 controller.

Beneath, we testify yous how to sync an Xbox controller to whatsoever Xbox console, including the Xbox 1, Xbox Series Ten, and Xbox Series S. We'll also encompass a few tips if pairing doesn't piece of work for some reason.

How to Sync an Xbox One Controller to Your Console Wirelessly

Wireless pairing is the most convenient method for connecting your Xbox controller to your Xbox. Here's how to connect your Xbox controller to your arrangement wirelessly:

  1. Turn on the Xbox One or Xbox Series Ten|S y'all want to sync with by pressing the Xbox button on the front of the system.
  2. Next, plough on your controller by holding the Xbox button on the controller for a moment. The Xbox button will wink, indicating that it'due south looking for a console to sync with.
  3. Printing and release the Pair button on your console.
    • On the Xbox Series Ten and Xbox Series S, the Pair push is a small circle that'southward correct next to the USB port on the forepart of the system.
    • On the Xbox One X and Xbox One S, you lot'll find the small circular Pair button at the bottom-right of your arrangement, under the ability button.
    • For the original model Xbox One, the Pair button is on the left side of the console, around the corner from the disc slot.
  4. Subsequently pressing the Pair button on your console, press and hold the small-scale round Pair button on top of your Xbox controller. The Xbox button on the controller should wink a few times, and so stay solid once connected.

One time you've paired your Xbox One controller successfully, you can use it to navigate the habitation screen and play games.

How to Pair Your Xbox One Controller Using a Cable

If you'd rather, you can instead employ a micro-USB cablevision to pair your Xbox 1 controller to your Xbox console. For the Xbox Series Ten|S controller, you'll demand to use a USB-C cable instead.

Simply plug the cablevision into a USB port on the Xbox, then connect the other end to your controller. In one case they're continued, press and agree the Xbox button on the controller to sync them. You lot tin disconnect the cable to use the controller wirelessly after the syncing completes.

Xbox One Controller Connected Cable

How to Sync an Xbox Controller to Your PC

We've written a full guide explaining how to connect your Xbox controller to a Windows PC. Follow those steps to utilise your existing Xbox One or Xbox Series 10|South controller with your favorite PC games.

Tin I Use Xbox Series X|South Controllers on Xbox 1?

You might accept noticed that the controller for the Xbox Series X|S is well-nigh-identical to the Xbox One controller. Equally it turns out, Microsoft has broiled frontward and astern compatibility into these controllers.

This means that yous can utilise Xbox Ane controllers on your Xbox Series X or Series S. In add-on, yous can use Xbox Serial 10|South controllers on your Xbox Ane system. This is a handy way to enjoy multiplayer titles on either console, fifty-fifty if y'all're a few controllers short.

Since the controllers are near-identical, you aren't missing out on anything major by using the older Xbox One controller with an Xbox Series X|S. The Xbox One controller lacks the defended Share button on the new controller, merely that's not essential for gameplay. The only other improvements are better grip textures and an improved D-pad.

See our guide to using Xbox Ane controllers on the Xbox Series X|South for more than info.

Can't Connect Your Xbox One Controller?

The higher up steps should sync your Xbox controller and console in most cases. But if pairing doesn't work, try these troubleshooting tips:

  • Endeavor replacing the batteries in the controller. If you lot use the Xbox Ane Play and Charge Kit or Xbox Rechargeable Bombardment attachment, make certain your controller is charged. Confirm that the cable you lot're using to connect and accuse the controller works properly.
  • Keep the controller close to the console when yous sync it. The wireless connexion betwixt your console and controller has a range of about 20-30 feet, and so it may disconnect if y'all go further.
  • Turn off any other wireless devices (like microwaves or laptops) that are close to the Xbox and controller to reduce interference.
  • Fully restart your console by holding the Xbox button on the forepart of the arrangement for almost 10 seconds. Disconnect the console's power cable for at least 30 seconds, then reconnect it and turn on your system once more.
White Xbox controller
  • Call up that you can only have 8 controllers continued to the system at once. If you somehow have this many continued, disconnect a few earlier connecting another.
  • The Xbox Series X|Due south controller has a handy feature that lets you lot switch between using your controller with your Xbox and a connected Bluetooth device. Chop-chop printing the Pair button on your controller twice to switch from a Bluetooth connexion (like a smartphone) back to your Xbox. Concord Pair to put your controller back in pairing mode so yous tin can reconnect it to the Bluetooth device.

Also, keep in mind that when you press the Xbox button on your controller, it tries to connect to the organization it was last paired to. If you lot have multiple Xbox consoles nearby, your controller may thus be connecting to another organization as soon as you plough it on. This volition preclude you from connecting information technology to another.

Endeavor fully shutting down and unplugging any other Xbox One or Xbox Serial X|S systems in your vicinity to avoid this overlap. This also applies if y'all're trying to connect an Xbox One controller to a PC when the controller is already paired with your nearby console, or vice-versa.

If y'all go on to have problems, accept a await at troubleshooting assist for your Xbox One controller to resolve the issue.

Withal Having Trouble? Endeavor Fixing Your Xbox Controller

Now you know the methods to pair your Xbox One controller, or an Xbox Series X|Southward controller, with any model of Xbox console. Information technology's not difficult, so if you see a problem, you may have a concrete event with your controller.

Try using the controller on a friend's Xbox if possible. If that doesn't piece of work, contact Xbox Support near a replacement or hardware repair.

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About The Author

Ben Stegner (1809 Articles Published)

Ben is the Editor in Chief at MakeUseOf. He left his IT job to write full-fourth dimension in 2016 and has never looked dorsum. He's been covering tech tutorials, video game recommendations, and more as a professional writer for over eight years.

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