10 ways to fix an Xbox One controller that won't connect

Chrissy MontelliMar 26, 2022, 02:12 IST

If your Xbox One controller won't connect, try these troubleshooting tips.Shutterstock

If your Xbox controller won't connect, you should first make sure the batteries aren't dead.
You can also try updating your Xbox One controller and console to fix the issue.
Check that there are no interfering objects or devices, and move or disconnect them if necessary.

The Xbox One's wireless controller is sleek, comfortable, and reliable. Sometimes, however, it might run into hiccups akin to any wireless device: the darn thing just won't connect.

Though there are quite a few reasons why an Xbox One controller might not connect to its console, the problems are usually easy to troubleshoot.

1. The wireless connection isn't strong enough

Keep your Xbox and its controller close (though not necessarily this close).Chrissy Montelli

Most of the time, if your controller isn't connecting to your Xbox One console, it's due to a networking problem.

Ensure that your controller is positioned within 30 feet of the console, and that there's nothing blocking the signal.

Also make sure that your Wi-Fi is working correctly — a buggy Wi-Fi router can sometimes interfere with other wireless signals in your house.

Most of the time, if your controller isn't connecting to your Xbox One console, it's due to a networking problem.

Ensure that your controller is positioned within 30 feet of the console, and that there's nothing blocking the signal.

Also make sure that your Wi-Fi is working correctly — a buggy Wi-Fi router can sometimes interfere with other wireless signals in your house.

2. There are too many controllers connected to your console

Make sure you're not connecting too many controllers at once.Chrissy Montelli

The Xbox One can only support eight controllers at once.

If your controller happens to be number nine, you'll need to disconnect at least one other controller before yours will work.

The Xbox One can only support eight controllers at once.

If your controller happens to be number nine, you'll need to disconnect at least one other controller before yours will work.

3. The controller's batteries are low, or it's entered Sleep Mode

Turn on the Xbox One controller by pressing the Xbox button.Stefan Ionescu

If you've stepped away from your Xbox One for a while, the controller might have entered Sleep Mode to save battery.

Try pressing and holding the Xbox button on the controller to turn it back on.

If that doesn't work, the problem might be due to a drained battery. If you're using a wireless controller, try changing the batteries or connecting its charging cable. For an Xbox One Adaptive, which has a built-in battery, you only need to use it's USB-C cable to charge it.

If you've stepped away from your Xbox One for a while, the controller might have entered Sleep Mode to save battery.

Try pressing and holding the Xbox button on the controller to turn it back on.

4. You recently synced your controller to another device

The sync button is located on the top of the controller, near the charging port.Stefan Ionescu

If you recently synced your Xbox One controller to another device, like an Android phone or tablet, you'll need to sync the controller and the Xbox One console once more.

If you need a refresher on how to do this, check out our article on how to sync your Xbox One controller with your console. You can also sync the Xbox One Adaptive controller with the steps outlined in the article.

If you recently synced your Xbox One controller to another device, like an Android phone or tablet, you'll need to sync the controller and the Xbox One console once more.

5. Your headset or mic is preventing your controller from syncing

There are times when your headset or mic can interfere with your Xbox One controller connecting to the console.

Try removing them and then switching on the controller. If it reconnects to the console successfully, connect the headset and mic again.

6. Your Xbox One controller's firmware is outdated

A firmware problem can also prevent your controller from connecting to your Xbox One.

If that is the issue, updating your wireless Xbox One controller can solve the issue. The same methods outlined in the article work for the Xbox One Adaptive Controller.

7. The Xbox One console's firmware is outdated

Updating your Xbox One isn't just about accessing the latest features and being able to play the latest games. It can also fix a host of issues, including a Xbox One controller that won't connect.

8. You need to restart the Xbox One

The Xbox's One's power button is located at the front of the console.Stefan Ionescu

Sometimes, simply starting and restarting the Xbox One can fix any issue that you're facing.

Starting and restarting a device is called power cycling, and you can do that by pressing and holding the Power button on your console until it shuts down. Aftwards, simply turn the console back.

You can also use an alternative method by reading our article on restarting an Xbox One.

Sometimes, simply starting and restarting the Xbox One can fix any issue that you're facing.

Starting and restarting a device is called power cycling, and you can do that by pressing and holding the Power button on your console until it shuts down. Aftwards, simply turn the console back.

You can also use an alternative method by reading our article on restarting an Xbox One.

9. Other objects and devices are causing interference

Anything that is between your Xbox One controller and the console can interfere with the wireless connection's signal.

This includes any routers, computers, microwave ovens, shelves, and doors. Simply move them out of the way, and see if your Xbox One controller will connect.

Even some accessories, like keyboards, mouses, and external hard drives, connected to your Xbox One can cause interference. Disconnect them all, restart your console, and try connecting the controller again.

10. You need a new Xbox One controller

If none of the troubleshooting steps above have worked, it might be time to get a new controller. But before that, you need to rule out if the problem isn't the Xbox One console itself.

Try connecting the controller to another console, and if it connects, the issue might be your Xbox One. And if you try connecting a different controller to your console but it refuses to connect well, then the problem is definitely not the controllers.

However, if your Xbox One controller fails to connect to any other console while other controllers can connect to yours, the controller is probably broken. It's time to get a new one.

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