Xbox Series controller syncing – How to connect a controller to Xbox consoles, PC or mobile devices

Xbox Series controller syncing - How to connect a controller to Xbox consoles, PC or mobile devices

Surprisingly, connecting a controller to your new Xbox Series X or S isn’t one of the first things you do, thanks to the console allowing you to configure it entirely through the Xbox app.

Although the controller should sync to the factory console when ready, there’s a chance it won’t.

Learning how to connect a controller to the Xbox Series is also useful when you purchase additional controllers, when another player brings their controller, you decide to use your Xbox One controllers on the new console, etc.

In addition to Xbox console connectivity, this page also explains how to connect an Xbox controller to a PC and mobile devices using Bluetooth, as well as some general troubleshooting tips.

In this page:

If you’re looking for more help for Xbox, we have pages on Xbox Capture, how to add and remove Xbox accounts, and how to appear offline on Xbox.


Digital Foundry takes an inside look at how Microsoft redefined the console form factor with the Xbox Series X.

How to connect an Xbox controller to an Xbox Series X/S or Xbox One

When you set up your Xbox Series

The controller that came with the console should connect at this time, but if not, or if you want to connect a different Xbox controller, then you can do it with the sync button.

You can collect an Xbox controller wirelessly, first make sure the console is turned on.

Next, press the Sync button on both the controller (it’s on the “top”, next to the USB port) and the console itself (on the front) until they both start flashing; This may take 2 to 3 seconds.

The sync button on the Xbox Series console and controller, respectively.

When you press the sync button, the bright Xbox logo on both devices will flash, indicating that you’re looking for the other one. If you do both at around the same time, within a few seconds they should find each other and sync.

If for some reason the wireless method above doesn’t work, you can also connect a controller to the console using a cable. This is also useful if the controller does not have a battery or if you want to preserve battery life.

Finally, remember that all Xbox One and Xbox Series controllers can connect to both generations of consoles. So if you want to buy an Xbox Series controller to use the dedicated share button on an original Xbox One, go ahead.

How to connect an Xbox controller to a PC or mobile device using Bluetooth

Certain generations of Xbox One controllers support Bluetooth, allowing them to connect to a PC or mobile device, as well as an Xbox One or Xbox Series controller.

You can tell at a glance by the look of the controller; If the plastic around the Guide button is placed inside the face of the controller, this is not the case. If it is, then it is. Here is an image from the official support website showing the difference:

Check how the plastic sits around the Guide button. The top controller design supports Bluebooth, while the bottom one does not.

The first generation Elite controllers also do not have Bluetooth. If your controller doesn’t fit the example above, then you should be good to go.

From there, it’s similar to how you’d pair it with an Xbox device, thanks to the dedicated sync button on the controller, which is located on the “top” of the device, between the triggers and next to the USB port.

Press and hold the button until the glowing Xbox Guide button starts flashing, indicating it is syncing.

Now on your device, go to Bluetooth settings and search for add for a new device. This varies by platform; For example, on iOS, it may be easier to turn Bluetooth off and on to “force” it to search for new devices, while on Windows, there is a dedicated “Add a Device” wizard.

Connection via Bluetooth on Windows and iOS respectively.

The Xbox controller should be listed depending on the device in question. Select it and it should connect, as indicated by a solid glow on the Xbox controller.

Troubleshooting Tips If Your Xbox Controller Won’t Connect

Although the sync button tries to make things as easy as possible, it may not always work. If so, follow the following troubleshooting tips:

  • If you’re connecting a controller wirelessly and the Xbox button doesn’t flash when you press it, be sure to hold it down for a few more seconds; it will not sync immediately.
  • It sounds obvious, but make sure you have enough battery left. Also, make sure the batteries are connected properly; It’s surprisingly easy to reverse the polarity of the respective batteries, so it’s worth checking again.

Just to be safe, make sure the AA batteries are in the correct position. We have all been there!

  • If you’ve waited too long to connect the controller after pressing the pairing button, it will stop pairing, so check to see if it’s still flashing while trying to connect when you try again.
  • For PC and mobile devices, remember that some Xbox controllers do not support Bluetooth and require a dedicated official dongle. Additionally, while Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S are compatible with controllers from any generation, they are not compatible with the Xbox 360 controller.
  • If connecting with a cable, Xbox controllers have different connectors depending on the generation: Xbox One uses a Micro USB, while Xbox Series X/S uses a USB-C connector, so make sure you have the right one on hand.
  • If the devices still cannot find each other, make sure they are fully updated and running the latest firmware. (For example, only recent iOS updates support Bluetooth controllers.)

Once your controller has connected to an Xbox, you can update the controller’s firmware, which could help resolve some connectivity issues.

  • Microsoft also recommends connecting only one controller via Bluetooth, depending on the device, so if two controllers are connected and there are some connectivity issues, try limiting it to just one. (And, if you’re on an Xbox console, which definitely supports multiple controllers, try to make sure any cabinet doors or nearby wireless signals are turned off to prevent them from colliding.)

How to Change Controller Settings and Update Controller Firmware on Xbox Series X/S

Once you’ve connected your controller to an Xbox Series or Xbox One, there are a few things you can do to customize the experience, from toggling noise, updating firmware, to setting up your own control scheme.

You can change the driver settings in two areas, which suit slightly different things:

  • Go to Accessories (Go to Settings, Devices & Connections, then Accessories, which will allow you to update the firmware, assign it to a specific GamerTag, and activate the Rumble if you’ve lost it somewhere)
  • Go to Controller (Go to Settings, Ease of Access, then Controller) to change button mapping, vibration settings, and co-pilot settings.

If you’re looking for more help for Xbox, we have pages on Xbox Capture, how to add and remove Xbox accounts, and how to appear offline on Xbox.

Categories: Guides
Source: ptivs2.edu.vn

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