Your controller is plugged in or paired, but your Steam game still isn't responding. Getting it working takes two parts: connecting it to your computer and choosing how the game handles its inputs. Start with the connection steps for your controller, then set up its layout or fix the pairing that is holding you up.
Start with a USB connection
On Windows, start with a compatible USB data cable for your controller.
- 1.If Steam is not installed, select Install Steam on Valve’s download page and install the client.
- 2.Connect your controller with a data-capable USB cable. Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Elite controllers use USB-C or micro-USB according to the model; DualSense and DualSense Edge use USB-C; DUALSHOCK 4 uses micro-USB.
- 3.Press the Xbox button if your Xbox controller needs to be turned on.
- 4.Launch Steam and sign in.
- 5.Open Steam > Settings > Controller to manage global Steam Input defaults, then continue to the game-layout steps below.
Pair an Xbox controller wirelessly on Windows 11
Bluetooth connects a compatible Xbox controller to a Windows 11 PC with Bluetooth; Xbox One and Elite models without Bluetooth need USB or compatible Xbox Wireless hardware.
Press the Xbox button to turn on the controller. Hold Pair for three seconds until the Xbox button flashes. Open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices on your PC, then turn on Bluetooth.
Select Add device, then select your controller. Launch Steam once the controller is connected.
Connect a PlayStation controller over Bluetooth
DualSense supports Bluetooth on Windows 10 64-bit or later and macOS 11.3 or later. DualSense Edge requires Windows 10 64-bit or later or macOS 13.3 or later. For DUALSHOCK 4, use the Mac pairing steps below or the Windows USB connection above.
Disconnect the USB cable from your DualSense or DualSense Edge, then turn the controller off. Hold create and PS together for at least three seconds.
On Windows 11, open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device. On a Mac, open its Bluetooth settings. Select the discovered controller.
For a DUALSHOCK 4 on macOS Catalina or later, disconnect its USB cable, then turn off the DUALSHOCK 4. Hold SHARE and PS until the light bar flashes. Open your Mac’s Bluetooth settings, then select the controller. If pairing fails, connect the controller with a compatible USB data cable.
Choose a layout for your Steam game
Once the controller is connected, choose its controls from the game’s Library page.
- 1.Open the game’s page in your Steam Library.
- 2.Select the controller icon to open the configurator.
- 3.Select the current layout box.
- 4.Choose a recommended layout, or browse Your layouts, Templates, or Community layouts.
- 5.Select a layout and choose Apply Layout.
- 6.For custom controls, select Edit Layout, choose an input, and assign its command or behavior.
Restore input when a game ignores the controller
The per-game override addresses input problems by choosing Steam Input translation or the game’s native controller handling.
Right-click the game in your Steam Library, then open Properties... > Controller. Choose Enable Steam Input from the override menu to use Steam’s controller translation. Restart the game.
If the game supports your controller directly and Steam Input is causing trouble, choose Disable Steam Input in the same menu. Restart the game to test native handling.
To restore Steam’s defaults, select Use default settings. Restart the game after changing that setting.
Add a controller to Steam Deck
Put your controller into pairing mode using its model-specific button combination. Open Settings > Bluetooth on your Steam Deck and enable Bluetooth. If your controller is missing, enable Show all devices.
Select your controller from the devices shown. For an unsuccessful existing pairing, forget the controller in Settings > Bluetooth. Repeat the pairing procedure for your controller.
For a wired connection, plug the controller or its compatible USB receiver into a dock or USB hub. Connect the dock or hub to your Steam Deck. Tip: Both Steam Deck LCD and OLED support these connection methods.
Set up Nintendo, Steam Controller, and other gamepads
Steam supports Nintendo Switch Pro controllers and DirectInput gamepads alongside Xbox and PlayStation controllers. Each model has its own supported connection methods and pairing instructions; there is no universal button shortcut.
Connect your model through its supported USB, Bluetooth, or receiver connection, then open Steam once it is connected. For a Switch 2 Pro Controller on Windows, use a USB data connection with an updated Steam client.
Pair original Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers to the host before configuring them in Steam. Steam supports these controllers individually or as a combined pair.
For an 8BitDo Ultimate 2.4G Wireless Controller on Windows 10 version 1903 or later, including Windows 11, insert its receiver into the PC. Set the controller’s mode switch to X, then press Home to turn it on.
For the 2026 Steam Controller, connect the included, pre-paired Puck. For a wired connection instead, connect the powered-off controller directly by USB-C. A green indicator means USB mode.
To pair the 2026 Steam Controller over Bluetooth, start with it off and hold B + R1 + Steam through the second chime. Select Steam Ctrl (BT) FXA... in the host’s Bluetooth settings.
If the Puck needs manual pairing, open Steam. Close any running games. Place the controller on the USB-connected Puck, then complete the pairing prompt.
If a wireless connection still fails, try your model’s supported USB connection.
Clear a failed Bluetooth pairing
Use these steps when the controller will not connect to your computer. Removing a failed saved pairing lets you start the connection again.
On Windows 11, open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices. Beside the controller, select More options > Remove device > Yes. Repeat the pairing procedure for your controller.
If the connection still fails, turn Bluetooth off under Settings > Bluetooth & devices, then turn Bluetooth back on. For further troubleshooting, open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Select Run beside Bluetooth.
On a Mac, open Bluetooth settings. Select the controller or the More Info button next to its name. Choose Forget This Device, then pair the controller again.
For an Xbox controller with persistent pairing problems on Steam Deck, install Xbox Accessories from Microsoft Store on Windows for firmware maintenance. For DualSense or DualSense Edge firmware maintenance on Windows 11 or Windows 10 64-bit, select Download for Windows on Sony’s PlayStation Accessories page.
Install PlayStation Accessories, then connect your DualSense or DualSense Edge to the PC. Follow the app’s available firmware-update prompts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Steam Link without a physical controller?
Yes. Launch Steam Link on a touchscreen device without a physical controller to use automatic touch controls. After connecting, select [ ... ] at the upper left to show, hide, or arrange controls and change mouse mode.
Can I use a controller with a game that needs a keyboard and mouse?
Yes. Steam Input supports keyboard and mouse mappings. Open the game’s configurator and select Edit Layout. Select a controller input, then assign the keyboard command or mouse behavior you need.
Where do I connect my controller when using Steam Link?
Connect it to the device receiving the stream. Install Steam Link on that device, then use it to connect to the computer running Steam. Steam Link sends controller input back to that computer; controller compatibility depends on the receiving device.
Does full controller support guarantee every controller feature will work?
No. Full controller support does not guarantee every advanced feature. Steam layouts also apply per game and controller type.