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 10|South controller to your Xbox console, we'll explain what you need to know.

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

Below, we show you how to sync an Xbox controller to any Xbox console, including the Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Serial S. We'll also cover a few tips if pairing doesn't 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'southward how to connect your Xbox controller to your system wirelessly:

  1. Turn on the Xbox One or Xbox Series X|Due south you want to sync with by pressing the Xbox button on the front of the system.
  2. Side by side, plow on your controller by holding the Xbox button on the controller for a moment. The Xbox push button will wink, indicating that information technology's looking for a console to sync with.
  3. Press and release the Pair push button on your console.
    • On the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series Due south, the Pair button is a modest circle that's right next to the USB port on the front of the system.
    • On the Xbox Ane X and Xbox One Southward, you'll find the small circular Pair push at the bottom-right of your system, under the power button.
    • For the original model Xbox I, the Pair push button is on the left side of the console, around the corner from the disc slot.
  4. Later pressing the Pair button on your console, press and concur the small circular Pair push on top of your Xbox controller. The Xbox button on the controller should flash a few times, then stay solid one time connected.

In one case you've paired your Xbox One controller successfully, you lot can utilize it to navigate the home screen and play games.

How to Pair Your Xbox One Controller Using a Cable

If you'd rather, yous tin can instead use a micro-USB cable to pair your Xbox 1 controller to your Xbox console. For the Xbox Series X|S controller, you'll need to use a USB-C cable instead.

Simply plug the cable into a USB port on the Xbox, so connect the other cease to your controller. Once they're connected, press and hold the Xbox button on the controller to sync them. You can disconnect the cablevision 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 apply your existing Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S controller with your favorite PC games.

Can I Use Xbox Series 10|Due south Controllers on Xbox One?

You lot might take noticed that the controller for the Xbox Series X|S is almost-identical to the Xbox Ane controller. As it turns out, Microsoft has baked forrad and astern compatibility into these controllers.

This means that you can use Xbox One controllers on your Xbox Series Ten or Series South. In add-on, you tin can use Xbox Series X|S controllers on your Xbox One arrangement. This is a handy way to enjoy multiplayer titles on either console, fifty-fifty if you're a few controllers brusk.

Since the controllers are near-identical, you aren't missing out on annihilation major by using the older Xbox One controller with an Xbox Serial Ten|Due south. The Xbox 1 controller lacks the dedicated Share button on the new controller, merely that's non essential for gameplay. The only other improvements are better grip textures and an improved D-pad.

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

Can't Connect Your Xbox I Controller?

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

  • Effort replacing the batteries in the controller. If you use the Xbox One Play and Charge Kit or Xbox Rechargeable Battery attachment, make sure your controller is charged. Confirm that the cable y'all're using to connect and charge the controller works properly.
  • Keep the controller close to the console when you sync it. The wireless connection betwixt your console and controller has a range of most xx-xxx anxiety, so it may disconnect if you 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 past holding the Xbox button on the forepart of the system for about 10 seconds. Disconnect the panel's power cablevision for at least 30 seconds, and then reconnect it and turn on your organization once again.
White Xbox controller
  • Recollect that you can only accept eight controllers connected to the system at one time. If yous somehow have this many connected, disconnect a few before 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 continued Bluetooth device. Rapidly press the Pair button on your controller twice to switch from a Bluetooth connection (like a smartphone) back to your Xbox. Hold Pair to put your controller back in pairing mode then you tin reconnect it to the Bluetooth device.

Also, keep in mind that when you printing the Xbox push on your controller, it tries to connect to the system information technology was concluding paired to. If you accept multiple Xbox consoles nearby, your controller may thus be connecting to another system as before long every bit you turn it on. This will prevent you from connecting it to another.

Attempt fully shutting down and unplugging any other Xbox One or Xbox Series 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 panel, or vice-versa.

If you lot continue to accept problems, take a look at troubleshooting help for your Xbox One controller to resolve the issue.

Still Having Trouble? Try Fixing Your Xbox Controller

At present you know the methods to pair your Xbox Ane controller, or an Xbox Series X|Due south controller, with any model of Xbox console. It's not hard, so if you run into a problem, you lot may accept a physical issue with your controller.

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

The 7 Best Xbox Series Ten/Due south Controllers

Read Next

About The Author

Ben Stegner (1810 Articles Published)

Ben is the Editor in Chief at MakeUseOf. He left his It task to write full-fourth dimension in 2016 and has never looked back. He'southward been roofing tech tutorials, video game recommendations, and more than as a professional author for over eight years.

More From Ben Stegner