If you're struggling to connect an Xbox controller to your Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S, you've come to the correct place to learn where you're going wrong. Show
Advertisement Whereas PlayStation went for an almost complete overhaul when they debuted their new controllers on the PS5, Xbox did not feel the need to break the mould and we can't say that was a bad move. The Xbox controller is, for our money, the best controller design out there and we were saying that even before the Series X came along. The new one only has tweaks to what came before but even those small things have made the best better. Grip has been improved, the thumbsticks move much more freely, and the simple button press/hold design to capture a screenshot or record a clip is super handy. But how do you connect controllers to the new Xbox consoles? And can you still use the old-style controllers from the Xbox One for the Xbox Series X? Here is all you need to know about that! How to connect Xbox Series X controller to Xbox Series X/SIf you're setting up a new controller for your Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S, this is what you need to do! First things first, make sure that you have batteries or a power pack in your Xbox controller. And if you do, it's time to sync them. Right next to the USB port on the console, you will find the pairing button. It's a round little button. Press it to start the pairing process. Within a few seconds, press the same style button on the controller itself - it is located at the top next to the USB-C connection port. The Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S will start to flash (from its on/off button) and when it shows a consistent light again, you should be paired up and ready to play! Read more on Xbox:
How to connect Xbox One controller to Xbox Series XDo Xbox One controllers work on the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series S? The answer to that question is yes, they do. This goes without saying but we will anyway: anything prior to that will not connect to your Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S console. You cannot connect an original Xbox controller or an Xbox 360 controller to these machines. But if you're wondering, how do I connect my Xbox One controller to my Xbox Series X? It's the same process that we mentioned in the previous section, so just hold down the pairing button on your console (the little round button next to the USB port) and the matching button on top of your controller (next to the USB-C port) and they should sync up no problem. More like this Get the best of RadioTimes.com sent to your inbox. You'll never miss a thing...Sign up to be the first to know about breaking stories and new series! Email address Sign Up By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. How to connect wired Xbox controllers to the Series X?If you've got a wired Xbox controller, either an official one or a third-party one, all you have to do is connect the USB cable to the corresponding USB port on the front of your console. Another easy one, then! Literally just connect the wire to the console and that's it, within a few seconds the console will register the controller and it will be ready to use. Again, this is the case for the Xbox One and Series X controllers. This year's Radio Times Christmas double issue is on sale now, featuring two weeks of TV, film and radio listings, reviews, features and interviews with the stars. And if you're looking for something to watch, see our TV Guide. Advertisement Follow Radio Times Gaming on Twitter or visit our Gaming and Technology hubs for all the latest insights. Swing by our video game release schedule for all upcoming games on consoles. Readers like you help support MUO. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.Wireless controllers are convenient, but connecting them can be a bit confusing. If you're wondering how to connect an Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S controller to your Xbox console, we'll explain what you need to know. Whether you bought a new controller and need to sync it to your Xbox One, or brought your controller over to play on a friend's Xbox, it isn't difficult to pair your Xbox One controller. Below, we show you how to sync an Xbox controller to any Xbox console, including the Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S. We'll also cover a few tips if pairing doesn't work for some reason. How to Sync an Xbox One Controller to Your Console WirelesslyWireless pairing is the most convenient method for connecting your Xbox controller to your Xbox. Here's how to connect your Xbox controller to your system wirelessly:
Once you've paired your Xbox controller successfully, you can use it to navigate the home screen and play games. You'll see the current battery level at the top-right of the menu on the Xbox dashboard. How to Pair Your Xbox One Controller Using a CableIf you'd rather, you can instead use a micro-USB cable to pair your Xbox One controller to your Xbox console. For the Xbox Series X|S controller, you'll need to use a USB-C cable instead. Simply plug the cable into a USB port on the Xbox, then connect the other end to your controller. Once they're connected, press and hold the Xbox button on the controller to sync them. You can disconnect the cable to use the controller wirelessly after the syncing completes. How to Sync an Xbox Controller to Your PCWe've written a full guide explaining how to connect your Xbox controller to a Windows PC. Follow those steps to use your existing Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S controller with your favorite PC games. Can I Use Xbox Series X|S Controllers on Xbox One?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 without worrying about controller compatibility. Since the controllers are almost the same, 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 Share button on the new controller, but that's not essential for gameplay. The only other improvements, aside from USB-C charging, 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. 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:
Also, keep in mind that when you press the Xbox button on your controller, it tries to connect to the system it was last paired to. If you have multiple Xbox consoles nearby, your controller may thus be connecting to another system as soon as you turn it on. This will prevent you from connecting it to another. Try fully shutting down and unplugging any other Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S systems in your vicinity to avoid this overlap. This also applies if you're trying to connect an Xbox One controller to a PC when the controller is already paired with your nearby console, or vice-versa. If you continue to have problems, take a look at troubleshooting help for your Xbox One controller to resolve the issue. Still Having Trouble? Try Fixing Your Xbox ControllerNow you know the methods to pair your Xbox One controller, or an Xbox Series X|S controller, with any model of Xbox console. It's not difficult, so if you run into a problem, you may have a physical issue with your controller. Try using the controller on a friend's Xbox if possible. If that doesn't work, contact Xbox Support about a replacement or hardware repair. Failing that, you'll need to buy a new controller from the many options available. Why won't my Xbox controller sync to my Xbox Series X?Turn on your controller. Then press and hold the Pair button on the controller for 3 seconds. The Xbox button will start flashing rapidly. On your PC, press the Start button, then choose Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices and turn on Bluetooth.
Will Xbox One controller work on Xbox Series X?The Xbox Series X|S consoles are compatible with most Xbox One controllers and gaming accessories, including the Media Remote, Chatpad, and Stereo Headset Adapter. The Xbox Play & Charge Kit also works, although it requires a USB-C cable for the new Xbox Wireless Controller instead of a micro-USB.
How do I resync my Xbox One controller?Simply plug the cable into a USB port on the Xbox, then connect the other end to your controller. Once they're connected, press and hold the Xbox button on the controller to sync them. You can disconnect the cable to use the controller wirelessly after the syncing completes.
Where is sync button on Xbox Series X?First things first, make sure that you have batteries or a power pack in your Xbox controller. And if you do, it's time to sync them. Right next to the USB port on the console, you will find the pairing button. It's a round little button.
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