How to Pair an Xbox Controller to Your Xbox Series X or S

Quickly pair a controller to your Xbox wirelessly (or with a cable)

Got a brand new Xbox controller and are unsure how to pair it to your Xbox Series X/S console? We’re here to help! Connecting (pairing) an Xbox controller to your Xbox Series X (or S) is super easy, and you can do it wirelessly or with a USB cable—whatever your preference. In this article, we’ll walk you through each process and show you how to connect your Xbox controller to a PC as well. Plus, this will work for both Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One controllers, since they’re backward-compatible!

How to Connect a Controller & Xbox Series X

  • Wireless: Turn on your controller and press the Pair button. Then, within 20 seconds, press and hold the Xbox console’s Pair button to connect the two.
  • USB: Plug a USB-C or micro-USB cable into your controller. Then, plug the other (USB) end into the console; the console and controller will pair automatically.
  • PC: Press the Pair button on the controller. Go to Start → Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Add device → Bluetooth and select your controller to pair it.
Section 1 of 4:

Wirelessly Connecting a Controller to an Xbox Series X/S

  1. Step 1 Put batteries in the controller.
    First things first: ensure your controller is ready for use. You’ll need two AA batteries or a rechargeable battery pack (if you have a Play and Charge kit for your controller). Either way, insert the batteries into your Xbox controller.
    • This method will work if you’re pairing a new controller to the Xbox for the first time, re-pairing an existing controller, or even pairing an additional controller (meaning you’ll have multiple controllers connected).
    • If you’re using an Xbox Adaptive Controller or Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, both have built-in batteries—so you can skip this step and just make sure they’re charged instead.
  2. Step 2 Turn on the Xbox controller.
    Press and hold the central Xbox button on your controller (in the shape of the Xbox logo) to turn it on. It’ll start flashing to indicate that it’s being turned on.
    • When the Xbox button stays lit up (no flashing), it’s connected (paired) to a console.
    • If the controller doesn’t turn on, go back to the previous step and ensure the batteries are working.
    • This process will work with an Xbox One controller, too. Xbox One controllers are backward compatible with the Xbox Series X/S!
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  3. Step 3 Press and release the Pair button on your Xbox Series X/S console.
    If you’re using an Xbox Series X, you’ll find the Pair button on the front of the console to the bottom right, just above the USB port. For an Xbox Series S, you’ll find the Pair button on the front of the console to the left, just to the right of the USB port.[1]
  4. Step 4 Press and hold the Pair button on your Xbox controller.
    Now, you’ll need to press and hold your controller’s Pair button—located at the top of the controller near the USB port—to connect (pair) it to the console. Make sure you press the controller’s Pair button within 20 seconds of hitting the Pair button on the console! The controller’s Xbox button will flash a few times searching for the console, then stay solidly lit once connected.[2]
    • You can also connect a controller via the Xbox Accessories app, if you prefer! To use this method, simply:
      • Press the Xbox button to open the Guide menu.
      • Navigate to Profile & system → Settings → Devices & connections → Controllers & headsets → Connect a device.
      • Once there, simply follow the directions on-screen to connect the controller with your Xbox Series X/S!
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Section 2 of 4:

Connecting a Controller with a USB Cable

  1. Connect the controller and console with a USB cable.
    If you have a USB to micro-USB or a USB to USB-C cable, you can connect your controller via a wired connection (with no batteries needed as long as you’re using the cable). While your console is running, plug the micro-USB or USB-C end of the cable into your controller’s power port—on the back, below the Pair button. Then, plug the bigger USB end of the cable into your Xbox Series X/S console.[3]
    • Your Xbox console’s USB port will be on the front side, right near the Pair button.
    • The controller should immediately light up and connect automatically!
    • Once again, this will work if you’re pairing a new controller to the Xbox for the first time, re-pairing an existing controller, or pairing an additional controller (meaning you’ll have multiple controllers connected).
    • Note: You’ll need to use a USB cable that supports data transfer.
Section 3 of 4:

Connecting an Xbox Controller to a PC

  1. Step 1 Update your PC to the latest software version.
    This will be easiest to do if your PC has updated software! If you need to find out what version of Windows you’re currently using, type “PC info” into the Search bar (at the bottom-left corner of the screen) and hit Enter. A new window will appear with information; just scroll down to Windows specifications, and you’ll see your PC’s Windows version listed next to Edition.[4]
    • If you are running an older version of Windows (like 7 or 8), your computer should automatically download the new files needed to work with your controller.
  2. Step 2 Turn on your Xbox controller and press the Pair button.
    Press and hold the central Xbox button on the controller to turn it on. Then, find the Pair button (at the top of the controller, near its USB port) and press it for 3 seconds. This will cause the Xbox button on your controller to start flashing faster.[5]
  3. Step 3 Add the controller to your PC via Bluetooth settings (or USB).
    On your PC, right-click on the Start menu and select Settings. The Settings menu will open in a new window. From there, navigate to Bluetooth & devices and make sure your PC’s Bluetooth is enabled. Select Add device → Bluetooth to get your PC searching for the controller. Once it’s detected, select your controller and click Done to pair it with your PC![6]
    • Your controller will appear in the Bluetooth menu as Xbox Wireless Controller or Xbox Elite Wireless Controller.
    • If your PC’s Bluetooth isn’t enabled, click the toggle to the right of Bluetooth in the menu to switch it on.
    • If you want to connect a controller to your PC without Bluetooth, you can use a USB-C cable instead; your PC will automatically detect the controller.[7]
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Section 4 of 4:

Troubleshooting an Xbox Controller that Won’t Connect

  1. Step 1 Restart (power-cycle) your Xbox Series X/S console (or PC).
    Restarting your console can purge random glitches preventing your controller from connecting—so give that a try before other troubleshooting! Press and hold the Xbox power button on the front of your console for 10 seconds to power it down. Wait for at least a minute, then press the Xbox button on your console to turn it back on.[8]
    • Ensure there’s a clear path between your console and controller before trying this.
    • Once the console restarts, try the pairing process over again to see if it works!
  2. Step 2 Ensure the controller’s batteries are working.
    This might seem obvious—but if there’s a problem with the batteries you’re using, it can stop the controller from even turning on! So, if nothing else is working, try swapping out the batteries in your controller. Once again, you’ll need two AA batteries for an Xbox Series X/S (or Xbox One) controller—or rechargeable batteries.[9]
    • When your controller is connected to the console, you’ll also be able to check its battery level at the top corner of the Home Screen.
  3. Step 3 Connect the controller with a USB cable and update its software.
    If you can’t connect a controller to your console wirelessly, you might need to update the controller software on your Xbox. Hook up your controller to the Xbox console with a USB-C to USB console; then, complete the following process to initiate a software update:[10]
    • Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the Guide (if instructions don’t automatically appear).
    • Navigate to Profile & system → Settings.
    • Scroll down to Devices & connections → Accessories, and select your controller.
    • From the Xbox Wireless Controller screen, select “...” to check your controller’s firmware version.
    • If you see a prompt saying Update, select Firmware version and follow the instructions that appear onscreen.
    • After the update is complete, disconnect the controller and try pairing it wirelessly to your console.
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References

  1. ↑ https://youtu.be/bJhwEpkLIwI?t=21
  2. ↑ https://youtu.be/bJhwEpkLIwI?t=56
  3. ↑ https://support.xbox.com/en-AU/help/hardware-network/controller/connect-a-wireless-controller
  4. ↑ https://youtu.be/EGVY8FUxzpE?t=65
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/EGVY8FUxzpE?t=136
  6. ↑ https://youtu.be/EGVY8FUxzpE?t=172
  7. ↑ https://youtu.be/EGVY8FUxzpE?t=85
  8. ↑ https://support.xbox.com/en-AU/help/hardware-network/controller/wireless-controller-solution
  9. ↑ https://support.xbox.com/en-AU/help/hardware-network/controller/wireless-controller-solution
  1. ↑ https://youtu.be/EcT5r6O-pPk?t=127

About This Article

Stan Kats
Reviewed by:
Stan Kats
Professional Technologist
This article was reviewed by Stan Kats and by wikiHow staff writer, Glenn Carreau. Stan Kats is a Professional Technologist and the COO and Chief Technologist for The STG IT Consulting Group in West Hollywood, California. Stan provides comprehensive technology solutions to businesses through managed IT services, and for individuals through his consumer service business, Stan's Tech Garage. Stan holds a BA in International Relations from The University of Southern California. He began his career working in the Fortune 500 IT world. Stan founded his companies to offer an enterprise-level of expertise for small businesses and individuals. This article has been viewed 1,033 times.
2 votes - 10%
Co-authors: 4
Updated: December 11, 2025
Views: 1,033
Categories: Xbox
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,033 times.

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