There could be several reasons why your Xbox One controller is not connecting. Some possible causes include:
- The controller’s batteries are low and need to be replaced
- The controller is out of range of the console
- The controller is malfunctioning and needs to be repaired or replaced
- The console’s firmware is out of date and needs to be updated
- The controller is not properly synced to the console
I would recommend checking the battery level of your controller and making sure it is within range of the console. If that doesn’t work, try syncing the controller to the console again. If the issue persists, consider repairing or replacing the controller.
Why is my Xbox one controllers not connecting?
10 ways to fix an Xbox One controller that won’t connect:
Xbox One’s wireless controller is sleek, comfortable and reliable. Sometimes, however, it can hiccup like any wireless device: the darn thing just won’t connect.
While there are many reasons why an Xbox One controller won’t connect to the console, the problems are usually easy to fix.
1. There are too many controllers connected to your console:
If there are too many controllers connected to your Xbox One console, it can cause connectivity issues with additional controllers trying to connect. The maximum number of controllers that can be connected to an Xbox One console at the same time is 8.
Here are a few things you can try to resolve the issue:
- Disconnect any unnecessary controllers from the console by pressing and holding the Xbox button on the controller for about 10 seconds until the controller turns off.
- Reconnect the controllers one at a time and ensure that each one connects successfully before connecting the next one.
- If you have a controller that is not being used, you can also go to the Devices and Accessories menu on the Xbox One and remove the controller from the list of connected devices.
If you still have issue connecting more than 8 controller, you may need to use the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows, to use more than 8 controllers.
2. The wireless connection isn’t strong enough:
If the wireless connection between your Xbox One controller and console is not strong enough, it can cause the controller to disconnect or not connect at all. Here are a few things you can try to improve the connection:
- Move the controller and console closer together.
- Remove any obstacles between the controller and console, such as walls or other electronic devices.
- Make sure that no other wireless devices, such as phones or laptops, are interfering with the connection.
- Try resetting both the controller and console by turning them off and back on again.
- Make sure that your controller is updated to the latest firmware version
- Try connecting the controller using the USB cable that came with the controller and do the firmware update
- If the problem persists, you can try to connect the controller to the console with a different wireless channel
If none of these solutions work, it may be necessary to replace the wireless controller or the wireless adapter of the console.
3. The controller’s batteries are low, or it’s entered Sleep Mode:
If the batteries in your Xbox One controller are low, it can cause connectivity issues or the controller may not turn on at all. The same thing can happen if the controller enters sleep mode. Here’s what you can do:
- Replace the batteries in the controller with fresh, fully charged batteries or a rechargeable battery pack.
- Press the Xbox button on the controller to wake it up if it has entered sleep mode.
- Make sure the controller is turned on, press the Xbox button on the controller to turn it on, if it’s not already on.
- If the controller is still not connecting to the console, try syncing the controller to the console again. To do this, press and release the connect button on the console, and then press and hold the connect button on the controller until the Xbox button on the controller begins to flash.
If the problem persists even after trying all of these steps, the controller may be malfunctioning and in need of repair or replacement.
4. You recently synced your controller to another device:
If you recently synced your Xbox One controller to another device, it may not be able to connect to your console until it is properly disconnected from the other device. Here’s what you can do:
- Turn off the other device and disconnect it from the controller.
- Press and hold the connect button on the console, and then press and hold the connect button on the controller until the Xbox button on the controller begins to flash.
- Release both buttons when the controller connects to the console
- If the controller is still not connecting to the console, you might need to reset the controller. To do this, turn off the controller and press the sync button on the controller and the console to resync the controller.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the Xbox One controller can only be connected to one device at a time. So, if you have connected the controller to another device recently, you will need to disconnect it from that device before connecting to the Xbox one again.
5. Your headset or mic is preventing your controller from syncing:
If you’re having trouble syncing your Xbox One controller to your console and you’re using a headset or mic, it’s possible that the headset or mic is preventing the controller from syncing. Here’s what you can do:
- Remove the headset or mic from the controller and try syncing the controller to the console again.
- Make sure that the headset or mic is not connected to the controller.
- If the controller still doesn’t connect, try resetting both the controller and the console by turning them off and back on again.
It’s also possible that the headset or mic is malfunctioning and causing the controller to not sync. If you continue to experience issues after trying these steps, it may be necessary to replace the headset or mic.
It’s important to note that Xbox one wireless controller doesn’t have any built-in microphone, so if you’re using a headset, it’s important to check that it’s not connected to the controller and that the console’s settings are configured correctly for the headset.
6. Your Xbox One controller’s firmware is outdated:
If your Xbox One controller’s firmware is outdated, it can cause connectivity issues with your console. The controller may not sync or may not function properly.
Here’s what you can do to update the firmware on your controller:
- Connect the controller to the console using the USB cable that came with the controller.
- Turn on your console, the controller firmware will update automatically if an update is available.
- Once the update is complete, the controller will be disconnected, and you can use it wirelessly.
It’s important to keep in mind that in order for the controller to update, your Xbox One console must be connected to the internet. If the controller is still not connecting to the console after updating the firmware, then you should try the other troubleshooting steps like replacing the batteries, resetting the controller or console, or checking if there are too many controllers connected to the console.
Also, it’s worth checking to make sure that your console itself is also updated with the latest software version.
7. The Xbox One console’s firmware is outdated:
If your Xbox One console’s firmware is outdated, it can cause connectivity issues with your controller. The controller may not sync or may not function properly.
Here’s what you can do to update the firmware on your console:
- Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
- Select the System tab
- Select Settings.
- Select System.
- Select Console info & updates.
- Select Check for updates.
The console will now check for updates and if one is available, it will download and install automatically. It’s important to keep in mind that in order for the console to update, it must be connected to the internet.
If the controller is still not connecting to the console after updating the firmware, then you should try the other troubleshooting steps like replacing the batteries, resetting the controller or console, or checking if there are too many controllers connected to the console.
It’s also worth checking to make sure that your controller’s firmware is updated, as an outdated controller may not be able to connect to an updated console.
8. You need to restart the Xbox One:
Restarting your Xbox One console can help resolve various issues, including connectivity issues with your controller. Here’s how you can restart your Xbox One console:
- Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
- Select the System tab
- Select Settings.
- Select Power & startup.
- Select Restart now.
This will restart your console and can help resolve any issues that may be causing your controller to not connect or function properly.
It’s also a good idea to restart the controller after restarting the console, as that can help to establish a new connection between the controller and the console.
It’s worth noting that restarting the console can also help to resolve other issues such as slow performance, freezing, and other software-related issues. If the problem persists, you can try other troubleshooting steps like replacing the batteries, resetting the controller or console, or checking if there are too many controllers connected to the console.
9. Other objects and devices are causing interference:
Other objects and devices can cause interference with the wireless connection between your Xbox One controller and console. This can result in connectivity issues, such as the controller not connecting or disconnecting frequently.
Here are a few things you can try to reduce interference:
- Keep the controller and console at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from other wireless devices, such as phones, laptops, and wireless routers.
- Move the controller and console away from walls, metal objects, and other sources of interference.
- Avoid using the controller and console near devices that use 2.4GHz wireless technology, such as cordless phones, microwaves, and Bluetooth devices.
- Try to avoid other electronic devices that emit wireless signals in the same room as the console and controller.
If you are still having issues after trying these steps, you might want to consider using the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows, which allows you to connect up to 8 wireless controllers to your PC or Xbox One console.
It’s worth noting that, in some cases, you may not be able to eliminate all interference, but these steps can help to minimize the impact on your controller’s connection.
10. You need a new Xbox One controller:
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your Xbox One controller is still not connecting or is experiencing connectivity issues, it may be necessary to replace the controller.
Here are a few signs that may indicate you need a new controller:
- The controller is physically damaged.
- The controller is malfunctioning, buttons not responding, or not working properly.
- The controller is not connecting to the console even after updating the firmware or resetting both controller and console.
- The controller is not connecting even after trying different wireless channel.
You can purchase a new controller from the Microsoft Store or other retailers. If your controller is under warranty, you can contact Microsoft support for a replacement.
It’s worth noting that, in some cases, the issue might be caused by a malfunctioning wireless adapter on the console, so it’s worth checking the adapter too before buying a new controller.
