How to Sync an Xbox One Controller

Need to sync your Xbox One controller? Here’s how to connect your Xbox One controller to any Xbox One model, plus tips if it doesn’t sync properly.

Wireless controllers are convenient, but connecting them can be a bit confusing. If you’re wondering how to connect an Xbox One 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 a controller to each model of the Xbox One, as well as a few tips if this doesn’t work for any reason.

How to Sync an Xbox One Controller to Your Console Wirelessly

Wireless pairing is the most convenient method for connecting your Xbox One controller to your Xbox. Here’s how it works:

1. Turn on the Xbox One you want to sync with by pressing the Xbox button on the front of the system.
2. Next, turn on your controller by holding the Xbox button on the controller for a moment. The Xbox button will flash, indicating that it’s looking for a console to sync with.
3. Press and release the Bind button on your console.
   • On the Xbox One X and Xbox One S, you’ll find this small circular button at the bottom-right of your system, under the power button.
   • For the original model Xbox One, the button is on the left side of the console, around the corner from the disc slot.
4. After pressing the button on your console, press and hold the small circular Bind button on top of your controller. The Xbox button should flash a few times, then stay solid once connected.

Once you’ve paired your Xbox One controller successfully, you can use it to navigate the home screen and play games.

How to Pair Your Xbox One Controller Using a Cable

If you’d rather, you can also use a micro-USB cable to pair your Xbox One controller and console.

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 PC

We’ve written a full guide explaining how to connect your Xbox One controller to a Windows PC. Follow those steps to use your existing Xbox controller with your favorite PC games.

Can I Use Xbox Series S|X Controllers on Xbox One?

You might have noticed that the controller for the Xbox Series S|X 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 S|X. In addition, you can use Xbox Series S|X 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.

See our guide to using Xbox One controllers on the Xbox Series S|X 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 tips:

• Try replacing the batteries in the controller. If you use the Xbox One Play and Charge Kit for rechargeable batteries, make sure your controller is charged. Confirm that the cable you’re using to charge/connect 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.
• Turn off any other wireless devices (like microwaves or laptops) 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 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.

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 One consoles, your controller may thus be connecting to another system as soon as you turn it on.

Try fully shutting down and unplugging any other Xbox One 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.

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 Controller

Now you know the methods to pair your Xbox One controller with any model of the 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 One if possible, or contact Xbox Support about a replacement or hardware repair.

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