Wireless controllers are convenient, but connecting them can be a bit confusing. If you lot're wondering how to connect an Xbox One or Xbox Series Ten|S controller to your Xbox console, nosotros'll explain what you need to know.

Whether you bought a new controller and demand to sync it to your Xbox I, or brought your controller over to play on a friend'south Xbox, it isn't difficult to pair your Xbox Ane controller.

Beneath, we show you how to sync an Xbox controller to whatever Xbox console, including the Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Serial S. We'll also comprehend 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. Hither'southward how to connect your Xbox controller to your system wirelessly:

  1. Turn on the Xbox One or Xbox Series 10|S you lot want to sync with by pressing the Xbox button on the front of the system.
  2. Side by side, turn on your controller by belongings the Xbox push button on the controller for a moment. The Xbox button will flash, indicating that it's looking for a console to sync with.
  3. Press and release the Pair button on your console.
    • On the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, the Pair push button is a small circle that'southward right next to the USB port on the forepart of the system.
    • On the Xbox One Ten and Xbox One S, you'll find the small circular Pair push at the bottom-right of your system, under the power push button.
    • For the original model Xbox One, the Pair push is on the left side of the console, around the corner from the disc slot.
  4. After pressing the Pair button on your panel, press and concord the small circular Pair push button on top of your Xbox controller. The Xbox push button on the controller should wink a few times, then stay solid once continued.

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

How to Pair Your Xbox One Controller Using a Cable

If you'd rather, you tin instead utilise a micro-USB cablevision to pair your Xbox One controller to your Xbox console. For the Xbox Serial X|South controller, you'll need to use a USB-C cablevision instead.

Simply plug the cable 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. Yous can disconnect the cable to use the controller wirelessly later the syncing completes.

Xbox One Controller Connected Cable

How to Sync an Xbox Controller to Your PC

We've written a total guide explaining how to connect your Xbox controller to a Windows PC. Follow those steps to employ your existing Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S controller with your favorite PC games.

Tin I Use Xbox Series Ten|S Controllers on Xbox One?

Yous might have noticed that the controller for the Xbox Series X|S is virtually-identical to the Xbox I controller. As it turns out, Microsoft has baked forward and astern compatibility into these controllers.

This ways that you can use Xbox I controllers on your Xbox Series X or Series S. In addition, you can use Xbox Serial X|S controllers on your Xbox One system. This is a handy way to enjoy multiplayer titles on either console, even if you're a few controllers short.

Since the controllers are about-identical, y'all 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 dedicated Share button on the new controller, but that's not essential for gameplay. The only other improvements are amend grip textures and an improved D-pad.

See our guide to using Xbox 1 controllers on the Xbox Series 10|S for more info.

Tin't Connect Your Xbox One Controller?

The above steps should sync your Xbox controller and console in nigh cases. But if pairing doesn't piece of work, try these troubleshooting tips:

  • Try replacing the batteries in the controller. If y'all use the Xbox Ane Play and Charge Kit or Xbox Rechargeable Battery attachment, make sure your controller is charged. Confirm that the cable you're using to connect and accuse the controller works properly.
  • Go on the controller close to the panel when you sync it. The wireless connection between your console and controller has a range of nearly 20-30 feet, and so information technology may disconnect if you go farther.
  • Plough 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 push button on the front of the system for virtually 10 seconds. Disconnect the console's ability cable for at to the lowest degree 30 seconds, then reconnect it and turn on your arrangement again.
White Xbox controller
  • Recall that yous tin can only take viii controllers connected to the system at once. If you somehow accept this many connected, disconnect a few earlier connecting another.
  • The Xbox Series X|S controller has a handy feature that lets you switch between using your controller with your Xbox and a connected Bluetooth device. Quickly press the Pair button on your controller twice to switch from a Bluetooth connection (like a smartphone) back to your Xbox. Concord Pair to put your controller back in pairing manner so you lot tin can reconnect information technology to the Bluetooth device.

As well, keep in mind that when you press the Xbox button on your controller, it tries to connect to the organisation it was last paired to. If you have multiple Xbox consoles nearby, your controller may thus be connecting to another system as shortly as y'all turn information technology on. This volition prevent you from connecting it to another.

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

If you go on to take problems, accept a expect at troubleshooting help for your Xbox One controller to resolve the issue.

Still Having Problem? Try Fixing Your Xbox Controller

Now you know the methods to pair your Xbox One controller, or an Xbox Series 10|S controller, with whatsoever model of Xbox console. Information technology's not difficult, so if y'all meet a problem, you may accept a physical issue with your controller.

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

The 7 Best Xbox Series 10/S Controllers

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Ben Stegner (1810 Articles Published)

Ben is the Editor in Chief at MakeUseOf. He left his IT job to write total-time in 2016 and has never looked back. He's been covering tech tutorials, video game recommendations, and more every bit a professional writer for over viii years.

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