How to Connect an Xbox Controller to Your Console, Phone, or Computer
If you just purchased a new Xbox controller, you only need to follow a few steps to connect it to your console or PC. You will start playing immediately.
How to Connect a Controller to an Xbox Console Wirelessly
To start pairing your controller with your Xbox console , you’ll first need the console and the controller you want to pair. First, you need to insert two AA batteries or a rechargeable battery into the controller. If you have an Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 or an Xbox Adaptive Controller , these controllers have built-in batteries that charge via USB-C and include a USB-C cable.
To begin the pairing process, turn on your controller by pressing and holding the Xbox button. The Xbox button should blink, indicating that it is in pairing mode. Next, go to the front of your Xbox console and press the pairing button next to the USB-A port. (There are three curved lines next to the button that look like the letter C.) Once your controller is paired with the console, the Xbox button will glow solid and you’re good to go.
You can also pair your controller using the Xbox Accessories app on your console. Press the Xbox button to go to the guide, select Profile & System, then select Settings. Next, go to Devices & Connections, then Controllers & Headsets, then select Connect a Device. Your console should begin searching for controllers or other Xbox accessories to pair.
How to Connect a Controller to an Xbox Console Using a USB Cable
If you prefer to connect the controller using a wire, you can easily do so. First, connect a compatible microUSB or USB-C cable (depending on your controller) to the controller. The other end of the cable should go into the USB port located on the front of your Xbox console. And that’s it, your controller should light up and start working instantly.
How to Connect an Xbox Controller to an iOS Device Using Bluetooth
For those who have the new Xbox controller , built-in Bluetooth allows you to connect the controller to your iPhone and iPad. This means you can use an Xbox controller to play mobile games from Apple Arcade or stream games using Xbox Cloud Gaming.
To pair your controller with your iPhone or iPad, first make sure Bluetooth is turned on on your Apple device. If it’s not, go to Settings and turn on the Bluetooth switch. Then, on your controller, press and hold the Xbox button until it lights up. If your Xbox controller is already paired with your Xbox console, first turn off the controller by holding down the Xbox button for about ten seconds. Next, press and hold the pairing button (it has three curved lines) on the top of the device near the charging port on the controller for a few seconds. Then on your iPhone or iPad, under the Bluetooth section, you should see a list of devices, including a device labeled “Xbox Wireless Controller.” Tap a name to pair.
How to Connect an Xbox Controller to an Android Phone Using Bluetooth
First, turn on your Xbox controller by pressing the Xbox button. Next, press the pairing button on the top of the controller and hold it for three seconds and then release. Next, go to your Android phone’s settings, select “Connected devices” and select “Connect a new device.” Your phone should show you a list of nearby Bluetooth devices. Select your Xbox Wireless Controller from the list to pair it.
How to Connect an Xbox Controller to a Windows PC Using Bluetooth
To pair with a Windows PC, first press the Xbox button on your controller, then press and hold the pairing button on the top of your controller for three seconds. Next, turn your attention to your computer, click the Start button, and then click Settings. In Windows 10, you should see a “Devices” option and another “Bluetooth” section. In Windows 11, there should be a “Bluetooth and devices” section in Settings. From there, turn on Bluetooth using the switch and select “Add Bluetooth or another device” (in Windows 11 this may be called “Add device”). In the pop-up window, select Bluetooth and wait until your Xbox Wireless Controller appears in the list. Select your controller name and you should receive confirmation that your controller is connected.
How to Connect an Xbox Controller to a Mac Using Bluetooth
Connecting your Xbox controller to your Mac is easy. First you need to turn on the controller using the Xbox button. To put the controller into pairing mode, hold down the pairing button for three seconds. Then go to your Mac, click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select System Preferences. Then select Bluetooth and you will see a list of available Bluetooth devices. Select your Xbox Wireless Controller and click the Connect button.