How to Connect an Xbox One Controller to an Xbox One (Plus, Series S/X)

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Learn how to connect an Xbox One controller to your iPhone
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There are two ways you can connect your controller to your Xbox One: wirelessly or wired via a USB to Micro-USB cable . There are also ways to connect your Xbox One controller to other consoles and devices, like the Series S & X , PC , and more. In this article, we explain how to connect your Xbox One controller to different consoles and devices. We also help troubleshoot issues with your Xbox. Read on to get your controller connected and start gaming!

Quickly Connecting an Xbox One Controller

  1. Turn on your Xbox One by pressing the power button.
  2. Insert batteries into your controller.
  3. Press and hold the Xbox button on the controller.
  4. Press the bind/sync button on the side of the console.
  5. Press the bind/sync button on the front of the controller.
  6. Once both Xbox logos stop flashing, your controller is connected.
Section 1 of 6:

How to Connect Wirelessly

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  1. You'll see the power button on the right side of the unit if you have it positioned horizontally.
  2. Some models of the Xbox remote, like the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 and the Xbox Adaptive Controller, have built-in batteries and come with a USB-C cable for charging. Other models of Xbox controllers require AA batteries or rechargeable batteries to work. [1]
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  3. This is the large circular button in the center of your controller with the Xbox logo. The button should flash to indicate that it's unpaired and looking for something to connect with. Release the Xbox button on your controller once the button is flashing.
  4. If your Xbox One X or Xbox One S is horizontally positioned, you'll see this button on the right side of the unit's face, below the power button. [3]
    • If you have an original Xbox One, the bind button is a circular button on the side, around the edge of the unit from the disc tray.
  5. This is the circular button on the top of the controller (not the Xbox button). It’s located next to the USB plug on your controller. [4]
    • Release this button when you see the Xbox button flash a few more times.
    • When the Xbox button remains lit, your controller is connected to your console. [5]
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Section 2 of 6:

How to Connect via a USB to Micro-USB Cable

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  1. If you have an Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 or an Xbox Adaptive Controller, plug the USB-C end of the cable into your controller. [6]
    • The controller does not need batteries if you use a cable.
  2. You will either find USB ports on the front or sides of your Xbox console. There is also a USB port located on the back of the console. [7]
  3. You can either use the Xbox button on the controller or press the power button on the console to turn it on.
    • The Xbox button on your controller should light up and remain lit to indicate it is connected to a console. [8]
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Section 3 of 6:

How to Connect an Xbox One Controller to Xbox Series S/X

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  1. If your Series S is lying horizontally, the power button is located on the right side of the console. On your Series X, the power button is in the top left corner of the console, right below the ventilation system. On both consoles, the power button is an Xbox logo.
  2. The bind/sync button is located on the top of your controller next to the USB connector. It is to the front-left of the Xbox logo in the center. [9]
  3. Once you hold down the Xbox logo, it should start to slowly flash white to indicate that it’s trying to connect to something. When it does, press the bind/sync button to start the pairing process. Once you do, the logo will start to quickly flash white. [10]
  4. The sync/bind button is located on the front left side of the Xbox Series S, to the right of the USB connector. On the Series X, it’s located on the front right side, just above the USB port. Within 20 seconds of pressing the button on your controller, press it on your console to start the pairing process. [11]
  5. After you press the sync/bind button on your console, the logos on the console and controller will start to slowly flash together in sync. After a few seconds, both logos should stop flashing and hold a consistent white glow, indicating that your controller is connected. [12]
    • It can take up to 30 seconds for your console and controller to find each other.
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Section 4 of 6:

How to Connect an Xbox One Controller to PC

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  1. Since the original Xbox One controller lacks Bluetooth capabilities, you’ll need to use a USB to micro USB cord. Once you’ve got the cord, plug the smaller end into the USB connector on top of your controller next to the sync/bind button. [13]
  2. Locate the USB 3.0 connector on your PC. Once you’ve located it, plug the other end of your cord into it to pair the controller to your PC. Once the controller’s connected, your PC should automatically recognize it. [14]
  3. After connecting the controller to your PC, turn it on by pressing the Xbox logo on the front. Then, use the joysticks and buttons to see if it works. The controller should work just as it does on the console, meaning you should be able to use the joysticks to navigate as you would on your Xbox.
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Section 5 of 6:

How to Connect an Xbox Controller to an iPhone

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  1. While the original Xbox One controller doesn’t have Bluetooth capabilities, controllers released with the Xbox One S and X models do. Controllers released with the Xbox Series S and X also have Bluetooth capabilities.
    • If your controller doesn’t have Bluetooth capabilities, you won’t be able to connect it to your iPhone.
  2. Head to the Settings app and locate the Bluetooth section. It should be the third option in the Settings menu. Once you’re there, toggle it on by tapping the switch next to the word Bluetooth. [15]
  3. Grab your controller and click the bind/sync button on the front of it. It will be located next to the USB connector. Once you click the button, the controller will start to quickly flash white, indicating that it’s in pairing mode. [16]
  4. After a few seconds, your phone should display a pop-up message titled Bluetooth Pairing Device, indicating that it has picked up the request from your controller. Click Pair on the bottom-right side of the pop-up message, then your controller should connect. [17]
    • Technology specialist Brandon Phipps says that even though Bluetooth isn’t the safest for transferring secure files, it’s ideal for connecting hardware.
  5. Once you’ve connected your controller, open up a game that you enjoy playing and use the controller to see if everything’s working smoothly. Use the joysticks and buttons as you would on your Xbox and see how the game responds. If you want to change the settings, head to your in-game settings and adjust the controls to your liking. [18]
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Section 6 of 6:

Troubleshooting Issues with Your Xbox One

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  1. If your controller is flashing but not connecting, your Xbox may not be plugged in, the controller may not be connected, or there may be an issue with its charge.
  2. There are plenty of reasons why your Xbox One may be blinking but not working. The first is that it’s simply going through an update or downloading a game. In this case, give it some time to do its thing. [19] But if you aren’t downloading a game or updating, it may indicate an issue with your power supply or hardware.
    • How to Fix: Check to see if your power supply light is blinking orange or white. If it is, unplug it for one minute, then replug it and try to turn the console on. If the problem persists, consider ordering another compatible power supply .
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/hardware-network/controller/using-batteries-in-xbox-wireless-controller
      2. ↑ https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/hardware-network/accessories/setup-troubleshoot-play-and-charge-kit
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/lENtOSh44pQ?si=IVr6Mjy1PrL7Zl6H&t=17
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/lENtOSh44pQ?si=F5DQ2AoypkwZQ33N&t=34
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/lENtOSh44pQ?si=kCv28eb12zXn7VPN&t=40
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/FPIHa9Sefx4?si=qFRj71SStDIklu3a&t=108
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/FPIHa9Sefx4?si=FS1p63GbZ-OwwvMB&t=100
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/2KiZdZW9F9A?t=49
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/_0gEZCMbow4?si=dz0YjR3VAlrqeecy&t=37
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/_0gEZCMbow4?si=eifRHQ_TPsS5_sgC&t=47
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/_0gEZCMbow4?si=d7NVo4AkK3WE2ONF&t=63
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/_0gEZCMbow4?si=f1J-TLeqUsU3jMX5&t=69
      4. ↑ https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-use-an-xbox-one-controller-on-a-pc
      5. ↑ https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-use-an-xbox-one-controller-on-a-pc
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/ltsDApWdMu0?si=lCkTJ3hc-tg5X_c8&t=9
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/ltsDApWdMu0?si=9fXOqPznSCxxIQPO&t=23
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/ltsDApWdMu0?si=tYZTUOrvg9ke7udh&t=43
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/ltsDApWdMu0?si=HtwwAWIMLFOZ3YTy&t=67
      10. ↑ https://www.ign.com/wikis/xbox-one/Xbox_One_Blinking_White_Light

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Turn on your Xbox One console.
      2. Insert batteries into your controller.
      3. Press and hold the Xbox button on your controller.
      4. Press the bind button on the console.
      5. Press and hold the controller's bind/sync button.

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