How to Pair an Xbox Controller

To pair an Xbox controller with your Xbox, turn on both devices, press and release the console’s Pair button, then hold the controller’s Pair button within 20 seconds until its light flashes and stays on. For a computer, phone or tablet, put a Bluetooth-capable controller in pairing mode and select it in that device’s Bluetooth settings. A data-capable USB cable also connects compatible controllers to Xbox consoles and Windows PCs.

Pair with an Xbox console

Turn on your console, then press Xbox to turn on the controller. Press and release the console’s Pair button. On Xbox Series X, it sits above the front USB port; on Series S, it sits to the right of the front USB port.

Within 20 seconds, hold the controller’s Pair button until the Xbox button flashes. Wait for the light to stay on, which confirms the connection. These steps also support compatible Xbox One, Elite and Adaptive controllers on Series X|S consoles.

For Xbox One S or Xbox One X, the console’s Pair button is below the power button. On the original Xbox One, it is around the corner from the disc tray. With both devices turned on, press and release the console’s Pair button, then hold the controller’s Pair button within 20 seconds until the Xbox light flashes and stays lit.

Series X|S also offers a settings route when you already have a connected input device. Press Xbox, then open Profile & system > Settings > Devices & connections > Controllers & headsets > Connect a device. Follow the pairing instructions on the console.

To connect by cable, plug a data-capable USB cable into the controller and console. Use USB-C for Series X|S, Elite Series 2 or Adaptive controllers, and micro-USB for Xbox One controllers. The wired connection works immediately, and Microsoft also supports USB as a way to re-sync a controller previously used with a PC.

Check which connection your controller supports

For Bluetooth pairing, you need a Bluetooth-capable Xbox controller. Supported models include the Xbox Series X|S controller, Bluetooth-equipped Xbox One controllers, Elite Series 2 and Xbox Adaptive Controller. With older Xbox One controllers that lack Bluetooth, use a supported USB or Xbox Wireless connection instead.

On Apple devices, you can use Xbox One Bluetooth model 1708, Xbox Series X|S, Elite Series 2 or Xbox Adaptive Controller. An Xbox logo alone does not establish Bluetooth support, so identify your controller before looking for it in a phone’s Bluetooth list. Xbox consoles use Xbox Wireless for controller pairing, so pairing with your phone does not connect the controller to your console.

Connect to a Windows PC

For Windows 11 Bluetooth pairing, press Xbox to turn on the controller, then hold Pair for three seconds. Open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices and turn on Bluetooth. Select Add device > Bluetooth, choose Xbox Wireless Controller or Xbox Elite Wireless Controller, then select Done.

Use USB when your controller lacks Bluetooth or wireless pairing fails. Connect the controller to your PC with the appropriate data-capable USB-C or micro-USB cable. After the PC sleeps, press Xbox or unplug and reconnect the cable if the connection needs restoring.

With an Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows, plug the adapter into your PC and turn on the controller. Microsoft describes the process as similar to pairing a controller with a console, and the controller’s Pair button connects it to the adapter. The Xbox light stays on when connected; adapter installation is automatic on an updated Windows PC connected to the internet.

If your PC has built-in Xbox Wireless, you can connect without a separate adapter. Turn on the controller and hold Pair, then open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device > Everything else and select the controller. Ordinary Bluetooth hardware does not provide this Xbox Wireless route.

Pair with a phone tablet or Mac

On Android, turn on the controller with Xbox, then hold Pair for three seconds. Open Settings > Connected devices > Pair new device, select Xbox Wireless Controller and complete the pairing prompt. Manufacturer menus can differ.

You can also swipe down, touch and hold Bluetooth, then select Pair new device. Put the controller in pairing mode and select its name. If the pairing option is missing, check Available devices or More > Refresh.

For iPhone or iPad, press Xbox and hold the controller’s Pair button for a few seconds. Open Settings > Bluetooth, turn on Bluetooth and select the controller from the device list. Use one of the Xbox controller models Apple supports.

On a Mac, turn on the controller and hold Pair until it is discoverable. Open the Apple menu > System Settings > Bluetooth and enable Bluetooth. Hover over the controller and click Connect.

On a compatible Android device, you can also connect through a data cable, using an appropriate host adapter when needed. The Xbox button lights up when connected. Microsoft warns that some manufacturers block this connection, so Android USB support depends on your device. Successful pairing also does not guarantee that every game supports the controller.

Connect to a TV or gaming handheld

On supported smart TVs and streaming devices, you can start pairing in the Xbox app. Using the remote, select the Controller icon > Pair a controller, choose your controller type and put it in pairing mode by holding Pair. Select Pair with TV, then choose the controller in Bluetooth Device List and complete the prompts.

On compatible Samsung TVs and Smart Monitors, open Gaming Hub and select its controller icon with the remote. Put the Xbox controller in Bluetooth pairing mode by holding Pair. Select the controller from the list.

On LG webOS 26, press the remote’s Settings button and open All Settings > System > Devices > Connect Bluetooth Controller > Connectable Devices. Put the controller in pairing mode and select it. On compatible LG TVs running webOS 6.0 or later but older than webOS 26, use All Settings > General > External Devices > Connect Bluetooth Controller > Connectable Devices, then select the controller.

For Fire TV, open Settings > Controllers & Bluetooth Devices > Game Controllers > Add New Game Controller. Turn on the Xbox controller, hold Pair and select it when discovered. Controller compatibility and Xbox app availability are separate requirements.

On Google TV, select your profile picture or initial, then open Settings > Remote & Accessories > Pair remote or accessory. Put the controller in pairing mode, select it and choose Pair. On Apple TV, put the controller in pairing mode, open Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth, then select it under Other Devices.

On Steam Deck, put the controller in pairing mode and open Settings > Bluetooth. Enable Bluetooth and select the controller using the touchscreen, or press Menu for pairing options. Enable Show all devices if the controller is missing from the list.

For a wired Steam Deck connection, plug the controller’s USB data cable into a compatible dock or USB hub. Connect that dock or hub to your Steam Deck. Wireless pairing is unnecessary for this connection.

For a Chromebook, select the time at the bottom right, open Bluetooth and turn it on. Select + Pair new device, put the controller in pairing mode and select it. Finish the prompts and confirm that it appears under Currently connected. Your Chromebook hardware and the app you want to use must support the controller.

Switch between your Xbox and Bluetooth device

Your Series X|S Xbox Wireless Controller remembers one Bluetooth host and one Xbox Wireless host. While connected through Bluetooth, double-press Pair to return to the most recent Xbox Wireless host. To return to the remembered Bluetooth device, hold Pair to start pairing mode; the controller reconnects while searching for devices.

Update a supported older Bluetooth Xbox One, Elite Series 2 or Adaptive controller before relying on this shortcut. Those models need applicable firmware for the switching feature.

Fix a controller that will not pair

Start by checking or replacing the batteries. Hold Xbox for 5 to 10 seconds until the controller turns off, wait briefly, then turn it on and repeat the pairing steps for your device. On an Xbox console, press the console’s Pair button again before holding the controller’s Pair button within the 20-second window.

If Bluetooth will not reconnect, remove the saved pairing and pair again. On Windows 11, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices, select the controller and choose Remove device. Put the controller back in pairing mode and use Add device > Bluetooth to reconnect.

On Android, touch and hold Bluetooth in Quick Settings, open the controller’s Settings icon and select Forget; use See all if needed to find it. On iPhone or iPad, open Settings > Bluetooth, tap More Info beside the controller and select Forget this Device. Repeat the original pairing steps afterward.

For persistent compatibility problems, connect the controller to your Xbox with a USB data cable and follow any automatic firmware update prompt. If none appears, press Xbox and open Profile & system > Settings > Devices & connections > Controllers & headsets. Select the controller, choose … > Firmware version and follow the instructions if an update is offered.

On Windows, install Xbox Accessories through Microsoft Store and open it. Connect the controller using USB or an Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows, then install the offered update. Firmware updates over Bluetooth are unsupported.

Link a controller to your Xbox account

To make a connected controller sign you in automatically, use that controller to press Xbox. Open Profile & system > Settings > Account > Sign-in, security & PIN > This controller signs in > Link controller. You can link one profile to a controller at a time.

Link your account after connecting the controller, since account linking does not establish its wireless connection. To assign an account instead, press Xbox and open Profile & system > Settings > Devices & connections > Accessories. Select the controller, choose More options > Assigned to and select the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you link two Xbox controllers so they work as one?

Yes, you can use Xbox Controller Assist to combine two connected controllers into one input stream. Connect both controllers, then use the primary controller to press Xbox and open Profile & system > Settings > Accessibility > Controller > Xbox Controller Assist settings. In Xbox Accessories, select Turn on Xbox Controller Assist. This feature replaces the older Xbox Copilot name.

Will a headset plugged into the controller work over Bluetooth?

No, you cannot use controller-connected headset or chatpad functions through Bluetooth. A successful Bluetooth connection carries your controller input but does not enable those accessories.

Do you pair the controller inside Steam or a cloud gaming website?

Connect the controller to the device running the app or browser first. For Xbox cloud gaming, Microsoft recommends an Xbox Wireless Controller connected to your device through Bluetooth or a USB cable. The supported Xbox TV app pairing flow is an exception because it opens the TV’s Bluetooth pairing interface.

Do third-party wireless Xbox controllers use the same pairing buttons?

Use your controller manufacturer’s connection method. For example, plug the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro’s included HyperSpeed Wireless Dongle into your Xbox or supported Windows PC. Hold the controller’s Xbox button to power it on, and it connects automatically. If it does not reconnect after wired use, hold Xbox for four seconds.

Can you pair an Xbox Adaptive Joystick wirelessly?

No, the Xbox Adaptive Joystick is wired only. Connect its included cable to the joystick’s USB-C port and either USB-A port on an Xbox Adaptive Controller, then connect the Adaptive Controller to your device using its supported connection method. You can also connect the joystick directly to a supported Xbox console or Windows 11 x64 PC and use Xbox Controller Assist with a second controller.