Can’t Connect Your Xbox One Controller
The above steps should sync your Xbox controller and console in most cases. But if pairing doesn’t work, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Try replacing the batteries in the controller. If you use the Xbox One Play and Charge Kit or Xbox Rechargeable Battery attachment, make sure your controller is charged. Confirm that the cable you’re using to connect and charge the controller works properly.
- Keep the controller close to the console when you sync it. The wireless connection between your console and controller has a range of about 20-30 feet, so it may disconnect if you go further.
- Turn off any other wireless devices that are close to the Xbox and controller to reduce interference.
- Fully restart your console by holding the Xbox button on the front of the system for about 10 seconds. Disconnect the console’s power cable for at least 30 seconds, then reconnect it and turn on your system again.
- Remember that you can only have eight controllers connected to the system at once. If you somehow have this many connected, disconnect a few before connecting another.
- The Xbox Series X|S controller has a handy feature that lets you switch between using your controller with your Xbox and a connected Bluetooth device. Quickly press the Pair button on your controller twice to switch from a Bluetooth connection back to your Xbox. Hold Pair to put your controller back in pairing mode so you can reconnect it to the Bluetooth device.
How To Connect The Xbox One Controller Via Bluetooth
Here’s where things get a little complicated. Certain models of the Xbox One controller can connect to any old PC Bluetooth adapter. Others can’t. Here’s how to tell if your Xbox One controller has built-in Bluetooth:
The shape of the plastic molding at the top of the controller is your clue. The first iteration of the Xbox One controller does not support Bluetooth and has a few other annoyances. Its bumpers have a narrower click range, making them less comfortable depending on where you position your fingers.
The redesigned controller launched with the Xbox One S console has a smaller plastic molding along the top. It also adds a 3.5mm headphone jack to the bottom of the controller, another easy giveaway. On top of that headphone jack, it also has built-in Bluetooth!
1. Press the Windows key and type “Bluetooth” until search brings up the Bluetooth & other devices settings option. Click it to open that settings page. Here you should see your Bluetooth is set to “On” and is discoverable.
Windows version note: Using the Xbox One controller via Bluetooth only works on Windows 10 with the Anniversary update applied.
2. Turn on the Xbox One controller by holding the Guide button. Press the sync button on top of the controller until the Guide light begins to flash rapidly.
Headset note: Only one Xbox One controller can be paired via Bluetooth. Headsets not supported.
How To Pair An Xbox One Controller With An Iphone Or Ipad
Open the Settings app.
Press Bluetooth. Bluetooth is probably already on, but if it isnt, flip the Bluetooth toggle at the top of the next page to green.
While the Bluetooth menu is still open, grab your Xbox One controller and make sure its charged. Turn it on by pressing the Xbox logo button.
Press the wireless enrollment button on the back of your Xbox One controller and hold it down for a few seconds. The light on the Xbox button should start flashing quickly
On your iPhone or iPad, you should see Xbox Wireless Controller pop up under Other Devices in the Bluetooth menu. Press it.
The light on your Xbox button should immediately stop flashing and stay lit. Your Xbox One controller is now paired.
Jason Cross/IDG
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Hori Fighting Commander Octa
The standard Xbox One controller is great for many games, but it struggles with 2D fighting games the default layout of the buttons and the directional pad arent ideal for the quick movements needed in the genre. To solve that, Hori made the Fighting Commander line, with the most recent Octa model perfect for both Xbox One and Series X. Its a controller that bears a remarkable resemblance to a certain Sega controller from back in the early 1990s, with D-Pad, joystick, and shoulder setups made for gaming. The Octa also is wired, which is necessary for serious fighting-game events.
The configuration of the Fighting Commander is a little different than other controllers, with the RB, RT, LB, and LT buttons all located on the right side, and two extra buttons included on the left side. The curved design of the back is more ergonomic than the controllers of yesteryear, but it should feel perfect for anyone who played Mortal Kombat on Genesis. The controller wont set you back much, either, costing less than all other options on our list, and its much smaller than a traditional full-sized fight stick.
Xbox One And Xbox Series X Controller Compatibility
- Xbox One Controller will also work on Xbox Series X and Series S
- Xbox Elite Controller will also work on Xbox Series X and Series S
- Xbox Adaptive Controller will also work on Xbox Series X and Series S
- Xbox Series X Controller will also work on Xbox One, Windows 10 PCs
This principle of backwards compatibility on the Xbox Series X has been core to its marketing in the lead-up to its November 10 launch, so rest assured if you recently invested in a new Xbox One gamepad, it won’t be totally obsolete come this holiday season.
In fact, there’s no reason to not still be in the market for a new Xbox One controller, even with next-gen coming up. If you’re unsure about the new design of the Xbox Series X controller until you have one in your hands, or you just still love the feel of your existing gamepad, we have a roundup of all the best Xbox One controllers compatible with the Xbox Series X. Microsoft recently showed off the new Series X “robot white” controller, but we don’t know the individual pricing just yet–which is another reason you may want to stick with current-gen controllers.
With the launch of the Xbox Series X and its lower-priced Series S version just a few months away, you may want to check out our Xbox Series X preorder guide for info on when and where you’ll be able to reserve yours early.
Xbox Series X And Xbox One News
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Can I Use Xbox Series X
You might have noticed that the controller for the Xbox Series X|S is near-identical to the Xbox One controller. As it turns out, Microsoft has baked forward and backward compatibility into these controllers.
This means that you can use Xbox One controllers on your Xbox Series X or Series S. In addition, you can use Xbox Series X|S controllers on your Xbox One system. This is a handy way to enjoy multiplayer titles on either console, even if you’re a few controllers short.
Since the controllers are near-identical, you aren’t missing out on anything major by using the older Xbox One controller with an Xbox Series X|S. The Xbox One controller lacks the dedicated button on the new controller, but that’s not essential for gameplay. The only other improvements are better grip textures and an improved D-pad.
See our guide to using Xbox One controllers on the Xbox Series X|S for more info.
Is Pa4 Better Than Xbox
If getting the best possible crispness for most games is a priority, PS4 comes out on top. However, when it comes to the premium versions of both consoles, Xbox has an edge. The Xbox One X, Xbox One S, PS4 Pro and standard PS4 all support HDR, though the list of HDR-enabled games varies by console. Winner: PS4.
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How To Use Xbox One Controllers On Your Xbox Series X
If you’ve got a couple of Xbox One controllers sat around, put them to good use with your Xbox Series X.
Ease of use has been a key part of Microsofts strategy for Xbox Series X from the moment it announced the platform.
From backward compatibility, which offers the ability to play four generations of games with one console, to a suite of accessibility options, they have carefully planned everything around being as user-friendly as possible.
This unique approach also applies to peripherals, as you can use Xbox One pads can with your Xbox Series S or Series X. Were going to show you exactly how to set it up.
Second Screen And Streaming
The Xbox SmartGlassapp provides extended functionality on Xbox One, allowing devices running Windows Phone, Windows 8, iOS and Android to be used as a companion device for Xbox One features, such as powering on the console, a remote control, accessing messages and the Activity Feed, purchasing content, and providing integration with certain games and content. The SmartGlass app can also be used to stream live television to Android and Windows devices if the console is using a USB digital television tuner.
On Windows 10, SmartGlass is succeeded by the Xbox App, which supports the local streaming of games from Xbox One to personal computers and tablets running Windows 10. An Xbox One controller must be used, but Windows-compatible headsets and microphones can be used for voice chat. Games requiring Kinect are not supported, while Game DVR and online streaming are not available while using this functionality.
Per a partnership with Oculus VR, users will also be able to stream Xbox One games to the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset by means of Xbox app for Windows 10 as of 2015 there were no immediate plans for direct integration between Xbox One and Oculus Rift.
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Xbox One Elite Controller Series 2
One of the worlds most expensive controllers has proven popular enough to warrant a second version. Revealed at E3 2019, this new version builds on the original in almost every way but we all know the biggest improvement is the shift to a USB-C port for charging its 40-hour battery. It can even double as a wired controller if youre particularly sensitive to wireless lag during an Xbox Game.
The Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 comes with interchangeable thumbsticks, D-pads, and paddles, plus it has the ability to adjust the tension of its analog inputs for things like faster trigger speeds and weightier movement and aiming. They even redesigned the rubberized grip, a common point of concern on the original version. If youve ever wanted to toss your original controller in the trash and spend an extra $100 for some extra buttons, the Xbox One Elite Controller Series 2 is for you.
Best Rechargeable Controller: Xbox Elite Controller Series 2
The Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 has pioneered rechargeability as the only Microsoft-made gamepad with a battery built inside. It makes for a much more seamless approach, with a robust charging solution that rewards those invested.
Microsoft gave its flagship gamepad a considerable upgrade with the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2, which remains our best Xbox One controller also compatible with Xbox Series X and Series S. The product debuted as a leader in its class, donning an ultra-premium design, refined ergonomics, overall improvements to functionality. The controller resulted in a highly customizable and versatile Xbox accessory with an impressive battery to match.
The Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 has four rear-facing paddles, control over thumbstick tension, and trigger locks that improve rapid firing. It also supports configurable controller profiles, which allow you to switch between multiple fine-tunes presets.
But the integrated battery completes the package, with our past testing exceeding the company’s claimed 40 hours with a single charge. The internal 2,050mAh battery charges via USB-C or an included wireless charging cradle that fits inside a hard-shell carrying case. The only downside in the power department comes from an incompatibility with other charging accessories like third-party cradles or batteries.
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How To Connect With The Xbox Wireless Adapter For Windows
This process is nearly as simple as connecting with a USB cable, and is basically identical to connecting the controller to an Xbox console.
1. Plug the Xbox Wireless adapter into a USB port.
2. Turn on your Xbox One controller by holding the Guide button in the center. Now press the the small sync button on the top of the controller until the Guide button begins flashing.
3. Press the small sync button located on the side of the Xbox Wireless adapter for a couple seconds. Watch the flashing Guide button on the controller. When it goes solid, you’re connected!
How To Use An Xbox One Controller On Xbox Series X Or S
If you want to start playing games using your Gamertag profile, youll need to make sure the Xbox Series X|S knows that its you holding the controller. You’ll need to assign it to your profile, especially if youve already been using a different controller on the console.
Heres how to set up your Xbox One controller for use on Xbox Series X or S:
Make sure that your controller is synced and that you can navigate the dashboard and guide.
Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
Navigate to Profile & system> Settings.
Navigate to Account> Sign-in, security & passkey.
Select This controller signs in.
Select LINK CONTROLLER to assign your profile.
The Xbox One controller is now connected to your profile.
Your controller is ready to use once you have successfully assigned it to your profile, and you can use it in all Xbox, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X or S games. All of the buttons will work as you expect. The only difference is that you need to press the Xbox button to open the guide if you want to take screenshots or record video, as the Xbox One controller lacks a share button.
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How To Connect An Xbox One Controller With A Cable
1. If youve got a drawer full of dozens of Micro USB cables then youre pretty much set for an incredibly quick and easy connection. Simply plug your Xbox One controller into the Xbox Series X or Series S and, well, thats pretty much it.
2. You can use the Xbox One controller as a wired controller even if it has no batteries in it. If youd rather go wireless, make sure its got batteries , and simply unplug the cable.
3. Connecting the cable just once will magically pair your controller to the console for all future sessions, so all youll have to do after that is hold down the power button to turn the controller on, and youre all set.
Do You Need 4k Hdmi Cable For Xbox One S
Getting all those 4K UHD pixels from your Xbox One S to your TV requires use of a High Speed HDMI cable. Xbox One consoles have all shipped with a High Speed HDMI cable, including Xbox One S. For best results, use the cable that is included with your Xbox One S and connect your Xbox One S directly to your 4K UHD TV.
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The Best Xbox One Controllers For 2021
If you own an Xbox One, youll eventually find yourself shopping for a new Xbox One controller. Maybe youre trying to replace one you smashed in a fit of rage while playing Dark Souls, or youre looking for a good controller for your co-op partner on your favorite gaming console. No matter the situation, picking up another controller is an inevitable part of owning a gaming system. However, in recent years, the market has become saturated with excellent Xbox One gamepads, making it difficult to determine which one is the best purchase.
Whether youre looking for something cheap, powerful, or game-specific, here are the best Xbox One controllers available in 2021.
See more
Connect Your Xbox Controller To Pc With A Usb Adapter
If you have an older Xbox One controller, or you just want to use your newer one with Microsoft’s proprietary wireless connection instead of Bluetooth , you need to get the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows 10. It’s a USB dongle designed to connect directly to your Xbox gamepad without any Bluetooth setup or pairing. All you need to do is plug in the dongle and pair it to your controller just as if you were pairing your Xbox, pressing the Pairing button on each device.
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What Is The Difference Between An Xbox One S And An Xbox One
The Xbox One S supports 4K video playback from streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon, and several others. The console also features a built-in 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. While both the Xbox One and Xbox One S play games natively at 1080p, the Xbox One S can upscale games to 4K resolution if you have a 4K TV.
Using Your Xbox One Controller
Using a wired Xbox One controller on PC is as simple as it gets, if you don’t mind a tether. Plug your micro-USB cable into the controller and into a USB port on your PC. Windows should install the necessary driver, the Xbox Guide button in the center will light up, and you’re in business!
Windows version note: On Windows 10, you can connect up to eight Xbox One controllers, while on Windows 7 and Windows 8, you can connect up to four. On Windows 10, you can only have four controllers connected if you also connect an Xbox chat headset to the controller or two with the stereo headset. Audio throughput isn’t supported on Windows 7 and 8.
Troubleshooting note: the vast majority of micro-USB cables carry data no problem, but some manufacturers cheap out and produce cables that can only charge. If you’re using a random USB cable from a drawer and having trouble, try a different one.
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