How to Sync an Xbox One Controller to Your Console
Are you exploring to know how to sync Wireless controllers are convenient, but connecting them can be a bit more confusing. If you’re wondering how to connect an Xbox One controller to your Xbox console, we’ll describe what you need to know.
Whether you bought a new controller and required to sync it to your Xbox One or brought your controller over to play on a friend’s Xbox, it isn’t difficult to pair your Xbox One controller.
Below, we show you how to sync a controller to each model of the Xbox One and a few tips if this doesn’t work for any reason.
How to Sync an Xbox One Controller to Your Console Wirelessly
Wireless pairing is the most convenient way for connecting your Xbox One controller to your Xbox. Here’s how it works:
- Turn on the Xbox One you need to sync with by pressing the Xbox button on the front of the system.
- Next, turn on your controller by holding the Xbox key on the controller for a moment. The Xbox button will flash, indicating that it’s seeing for a console to sync with.
- Hit and release the Bind button on your console.
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- On the Xbox One X and Xbox One S, you’ll find this small circular key at the bottom-right of your system, under the power button.
- For the original model Xbox One, the key is on the left side of the console, around the corner from the disc slot.
- After hitting the key on your console, press and hold the small circular Bind button on top of your controller; the Xbox button should flash a few times, then stay solid once connected.
Once you’ve paired your Xbox One controller successfully, you 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, you can also utilize a micro-USB cable to pair your Xbox One controller and console.
Plug the cable into a USB port on the Xbox, then connect the 2nd end to your controller. Once they’re connected, press and hold the Xbox button on the controller to sync them, you can disconnect the cable to use the controller wirelessly after the syncing completions.
How to Sync an Xbox Controller to Your PC
We’ve written a complete guide describing how to connect your Xbox One controller to a Windows PC. Follow those moves to use your existing Xbox controller with your favorite PC games.
Can I Use Xbox Series S|X Controllers on Xbox One?
You might have noticed that the Xbox Series S|X controller is near-identical to the Xbox One controller. As it turns out, MS has baked forward and backward compatibility into these controllers.
This means that you can utilize Xbox One controllers on your Xbox Series S|X. Also, you can utilize Xbox Series S|X controllers on your Xbox One system. This is a handy method to enjoy multiplayer titles on either console, even if you’re a few controllers short.
Can’t Connect Your Xbox One Controller?
The above moves should sync your Xbox controller and console in most cases. But if pairing doesn’t work, try these tips:
- Try replacing the batteries in the controller. If you utilize the Xbox One Play and Charge Kit for rechargeable batteries, make sure your controller is charged. Verify that the cable you’re using to charge/connect works properly.
- Keep the controller close to the console whenever you sync it. The wireless connection between your console and controller has a criterion of about 20-30 feet.
- Turn off any other wireless devices (like microwaves or laptops) close to the Xbox and controller to reduce interference.
- Fully restart your console by holding the Xbox button on the system’s front for about 10 seconds. Please disconnect the power cable for at least 30 seconds, reconnect it and turn on your system again.
- Recognize that you can only have eight controllers connected to the system at once.
Also, keep in mind that when you hit the Xbox button on your controller, it tries to connect to the last paired system. If you have multiple Xbox One consoles, your controller may thus be connecting to a different system as soon as you turn it on.
Try completely shutting down and unplugging any other Xbox One systems in your vicinity to bypass this overlap. This also applies if you’re trying to connect an Xbox One controller to a system when the controller is already paired with your nearby console.
FAQs
Why is my Xbox One controller light flashing and not connecting?
The flashing light on your Xbox controller may be an indication that it has a very low battery. If you know your batteries are fully charged and the light is yet blinking, pop the batteries out, wait 15 seconds, and then put them back in to see if that fixes the issue.
Why is my Xbox controller not connecting?
Restart your controller:
- Power off the controller by pressing and holding the Xbox button for 6 seconds to resolve this issue.
- Hit the Xbox button again to power it back on.
- Connect your controller to your system using a USB cable or the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows 10.
Why does my Xbox controller blink twice?
This might imply that your console is suffering from a power issue. If your console isn’t getting sufficient energy, it will shut down whatever is wireless to store the power to keep the machine on. Your console has a built-in surge protector for the machine’s safety.
How do you sync the Xbox One controller without USB?
To connect the remote and console without a cable, hit and hold the sync button on top of the remote. Once the Xbox button begins flashing, push the corresponding sync button on the console. You’ll find this button on the front, below the power button on an Xbox One X and One S console.
