Use A Usb Cable To Connect Your Controller To The Console
This will help you determine if your controller has a hardware issue. Using a USB to micro-USB cable, connect your controller to your gaming console. If you own an Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, Xbox Series Xâ¢, or Xbox Series S⢠controller, you’ll need to use a USB-C cable.
If your controller works with a wired connection, continue to step four. If it doesn’t, contact one of our experts to get it repaired.
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.
How To Pair An Xbox Series X Controller To An Ios Device
To pair an Xbox Series X controller to an iOS device, make sure your controller has received the latest updates and your iOS device is on the latest operating system version. First, on your iOS device go to Settings > Bluetooth and ensure that it’s turned on. Next, press the Xbox button to turn on your controller, unless it’s already paired with an Xbox in which case you should leave it off. Hold the Pair button for 3 seconds and release, then check the Bluetooth device list on your iOS device and choose Xbox Wireless Controller. Wait until the devices show as paired, then you’re done.
Iain originally joined Future in 2012 to write guides for CVG, PSM3, and Xbox World, before moving on to join GamesRadar in 2013 as Guides Editor. His words have also appeared in OPM, OXM, PC Gamer, GamesMaster, and SFX. He is better known to many as âMr Trophyâ, due to his slightly unhealthy obsession with amassing intangible PlayStation silverware, and he now has over 325 Platinum pots weighing down the shelves of his virtual award cabinet. He does not care for Xbox Achievements.
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Wired Or Wireless Here’s How To Get Gaming
If you’re trying to game on PC and prefer a controller over mouse and keyboard, you have the option to use an Xbox One controller. And, since Windows 10 natively supports the Xbox One controller, setup is incredibly easy.
However, the way you connect your controller to your PC may vary a little bit depending on which type of Xbox One controller you have and what method you want to connect.
We’ll provide instructions for connecting using USB, Bluetooth and Microsoft’s wireless dongle. When it comes to Bluetooth, we’ll also help you figure out whether your controller supports it, as many Xbox One controllers don’t.
How To Use An Xbox One Controller On Pc

ByWes Fenlonpublished 6 November 20
Pro tips for getting the most out of Microsoft’s latest controller via USB, wireless adapter, or Bluetooth.
If you want to use a controller on PC, you just can’t beat the convenience of the Xbox gamepad. If you want a dead simple plug-and-play experience, the Xbox controller is the obvious choice, and it’s definitely among the best PC controllers, anywayMicrosoft revised its controller after the launch of the Xbox One, making its bumpers feel better and adding Bluetooth connectivity.
Thanks to the built-in Windows driver, you won’t need any special software for your PC to immediately recognize your pad. So what’s the point of a guide at all?
Well, there are a couple ways to hook up the Xbox One controller wirelessly, and a few things you should know about the different iterations of the controller and what how exactly they’ll work with your PC.
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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.
How To Connect Your Xbox One Controller To Pc
Get a grip and control your Pi!
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If you have a USB cable for your controller, plug the cable into a USB slot on your computer. It should automatically register as a usable USB controller.
Xbox One controllers can use what’s known as Xbox Wireless. Some Windows PCs have an Xbox Wireless adapter built in, but you can easily snag one on Amazon if yours doesn’t.
To connect your Xbox One controller using Bluetooth, your PC will need the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. You can find information about updating your computer on the official Windows blog.
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Connect To Xbox Console & Update
Only move to the next steps if the above ones didnt work out for you. You will also need an Xbox console to test this method. If you dont own one, then you can do this at one of your friends places. You need to connect your Xbox wireless controller with an Xbox console. Then open the Accessories app from My Games & Apps. If by chance you dont see the app on the Xbox, then you can get it from the Microsoft store for free. Once done, follow the on-screen steps to update your wireless controller. Now test your controller with your PC. If you have already updated your Windows OS, and the Xbox controller via a console, then the latest driver will be recognized by your PC. If you are still getting the error, then a quick uninstall and reinstall of the driver from your system will be sure to fix this error for good.
Can You Use Other Xbox One Peripherals With Xbox Series X Or S
Microsoft doesnt guarantee 100 percent backwards compatibility between Xbox One peripherals and Xbox Series X or S, but the coverage is pretty good. All official controllers and most official peripherals and accessories work, including headsets. A lot of third party controllers work as well, including wired and wireless controllers, headsets, and more.
Some peripherals dont work, so dont go out and buy a brand new Xbox One peripheral assuming that it will work with the Xbox Series X or S. Check with the manufacturer first, and see if they have tested the product for compatibility, or if theyre planning on testing in the future.
If you already have a controller or peripheral that works with your Xbox One, theres no harm in checking to see if it works with your Xbox Series X or S. Just follow the same procedure you used to connect it to your Xbox One, and check with the manufacturer if it doesnt work. It may not be compatible, or there may be a special connection procedure for using it with the new consoles.
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How To Pair An Xbox Controller With Your Iphone
Now, let’s pair an Xbox One controller. Here’s where things get, to quote Gollum from Lord Of The Rings, “Tricksy.” Not all Xbox One controllers will work with your iPhone, iPad or AppleTV. Specifically, you need a model 1708 controller, aka the one that came with the Xbox One S.
To check which model of Xbox One controller you have:
To pair your Xbox 1708 controller:
How To Connect An Xbox Controller To A Pc With A Wired Connection
To use your controller with a wired connection on your PC is extremely straightforward.
All you will need is your Xbox controller and a USB to Micro-USB or USB to USB-C cable .
Step 1
Firstly, plug the USB cable into the controller, this will be either a Micro-USB or USB-C, depending on which version you’re using.
Step 2
Now, plug the other end of the cable into your computer.
After this, your Windows 10 PC should automatically configure the Xbox controller and it should be ready to use straight away.
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Update The Software In Your Controller
Your controller uses a form of microchip softwareâknown as firmwareâto regularly communicate with your console. You’ll need to periodically update it to make sure your device is working at its best.
How to update the firmware on your Xbox console:
How to update your firmware on a PC running Windows⢠10:
How To Pair Your Playstation 4 Controller With A Wired Connection

Connecting the DS4 to your PC with a USB-A to Micro-USB cable is by far the easiest way to start gaming with the PS4’s pointer. Just plug it into your PC and let the drivers install themselves.
Hitting the PS button in the middle of the controller at this point won’t do anything unless you have Steam installed and running. If so, you’ll notice that Big Picture mode launches when you hit the button. At this point, you can make some tweaks inside Steam.
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Which Xbox Controllers Can Connect To Phones
You can use either an Xbox One controller or a gamepad for the newer Series X for this job , but make sure you have a Bluetooth-enabled pad if you opt for the older model. For reference, a non-Bluetooth controller will have a different colored section around the Xbox button in the centre . You can also check if the plastic that surrounds the Xbox button is formed as part of the face of the controller or as part of the bumpers.
You can see the different controllers in action in the image below .
You will only be able to connect an Xbox controller to your phone if you have a model that supports Bluetooth. However, unless you picked up an Xbox One console right at the start of its lifetime it’s very likely that you already have one.
We’re also rounding up all the latest Xbox Series X deals for more discounts on the best Xbox Series X accessories and gear. Or, check out the latest iPad Pro deals for big savings on high-end mobile devices.
I originally landed in hardware at our sister site TechRadar before moving over to GamesRadar. In between, I’ve written for Toms Guide, Wireframe, The Indie Game Website and That Video Game Blog, covering everything from the PS5 launch to the Apple Pencil. Now, i’m focused on Nintendo Switch, keyboards, mice, and the quest for an RTX gaming laptop.
Search For Controller And Connect
Press Add Bluetooth Or Other Device -> Bluetooth, and since your controller is now in pairing mode, your PC should be able to detect your controller. Once the two have found each other, in the Bluetooth connectivity menu, the controller should appear as either Xbox Wireless Controller or Xbox Elite Wireless Controller, depending on the model you are trying to connect. When finished, press Done and grab your Xbox controller.
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How To Connect An Xbox Controller To A Pc Via Bluetooth
If you’re wanting to use your Xbox controller wirelessly with your PC, you can connect it using Bluetooth.
Step 1
First off, activate your controller by holding down the guide button, then hold down the pairing button for three seconds until the guide button begins to flash.
Your controller should now be in pairing mode.
After this, you then need to navigate to your Bluetooth settings on your Windows PC.
To do this, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
Step 3
Next, click on “Add Bluetooth or other device” and then select Bluetooth.
Step 4
If your Xbox is in pairing mode, you should see the device listed. Simply click on “Xbox Wireless Controller” and wait for the device to connect.
Once the controller is connected, the guide button should stop flashing and become solid.
And there you have it, you can now use your Xbox controller to play games on your PC.
How To Connect Xbox Controller To Pc: Connect Via Bluetooth
Before attempting to connect your Xbox wireless controller via Bluetooth, its important to check your controller actually supports the feature.
If youre using an Xbox Series X controller, then youre good to go. If youre using an older Xbox One controller, things are a little trickier.
The refreshed controller that launched with the Xbox Series S does offer Bluetooth, while the original Xbox One controller doesnt. If youre unsure which you have, the easiest way to tell the two apart is by the plastic moulding at the top or by the fact that the newer controllers have a 3.5mm headphone jack on the bottom.
If youre missing that port, then unfortunately you have an Xbox One pad that doesnt include Bluetooth.
1. Open the Bluetooth & other devices menu on your PC. Just type Bluetooth into the Windows search bar located in the left-hand corner of your screen and youll get the option to go to the Bluetooth & other devices menu. Ensure that Bluetooth is turned on here.2.Turn on your Xbox controller by pressing the Xbox button. Once your controller is switched on, hold the sync button on top of the controller until the Xbox logo begins to flash rapidly.
3. In the Bluetooth settings menu click Add Bluetooth or other device and then select Bluetooth from the popup menu. After a few seconds of searching your Xbox controller should appear on the device list. to pair it with your PC.
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How To Connect An Xbox Wireless Controller To A Pc Using A Usb Cable
The simplest way to use an Xbox Wireless Controller with your PC involves connecting it using a USB Type-C cable. Just plug one end of the cable into the controller and the other end into your PCs USB port.
Once youre connected via USB, the Xbox button will stay lit on your controller, indicating that its ready to use. Now, go ahead and fire up any game with controller support on Windows 10 and have fun.
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Connecting A Wired Xbox 360 Controller To Your Pc
The first How To Connect Xbox 360 Controller To PC way to connect an Xbox 360 controller is by plugging it directly into your computer. This involves using the USB cable that comes with the device, and plugging it in where you would otherwise insert a mouse or keyboard. It will take up two of your three available slots for input devices, but you can always disconnect your mouse or keyboard to use it exclusively with the controller.
You will want to make sure that your computer is turned on before attempting this process because there are safety measures in place for using USB devices while the system itself is off. If your device is not powered on, then your computer will simply refuse to recognize it.
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