One of the advantages of being in the Microsoft ecosystem is that you can pair your Xbox controller with your Windows PC. If you don’t want to be restricted to your keyboard for controls, this option can work out fairly well for you. It also comes in handy in multiplayer mode. The pairing process depends upon the generation that your controller belongs to. Here is a complete tutorial on how to sync an Xbox controller with a console or PC.
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In This Article
Before you begin
Connecting your Xbox controller to the console is easy since they’re on the same wireless standard. Once you figure out the placement of the pairing button on the console and controller, the whole thing becomes quite easy. However, in order to pair the controller with your PC, you need to figure out which generation of gear you’re using.
Older Xbox One controllers lack Bluetooth support. This can make connecting them to a PC tricky. To overcome this hurdle, you need to get your hands on a wireless USB dongle or adapter for your PC. This enables it to connect with the controller using the Xbox wireless standard. You can buy one on Amazon for as low as Rs 500. To figure out whether your controller supports Bluetooth, feel the finish of the plastic around the Guide button. If the finish is consistent with the face of the controller, it supports Bluetooth. If it has a different finish and a seam in the middle, you will need to get a wireless adapter.
Sync an Xbox controller with your console
Step 1: Press the Xbox button on the console and controller to turn them on.
Step 2: Press the pair button on the console.
Step 3: Within 20 seconds of pressing the pair button on the console, long-press the sync button on your controller.
Step 4: The Xbox button’s backlight will go into the breathing animation while the controller is syncing with the console. Once the two devices have synced, the light will become stable.
Sync an Xbox controller with your PC
Older Xbox controllers will require a wireless USB adapter to connect to a PC. Here’s how you can go about it.
Step 1: Plug the USB adapter for your Xbox controller into your PC.
Step 2: Press the Xbox button on the controller to turn it on.
Step 3: Hit the pair button on the adapter.
Step 4: Long-press the sync button on the controller. When the two devices are paired, the breathing light animation on the controller will become stable.
If you own a newer Xbox controller, you don’t need a wireless USB adapter to pair it with your PC. Just follow these steps.
Step 1: Press the Xbox button on your controller.
Step 2: Long-press the sync button on the controller for 3 seconds.
Step 3: Turn on the Bluetooth on your PC.
Step 4: Go to More Bluetooth Settings and select Add device.
Step 5: Select your Xbox controller from the list.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I sync my Xbox controller to my PC?
Press the power button on the controller, then long-press the sync button for 3 seconds. On your PC, hit the Bluetooth icon in the taskbar, go to ‘More Bluetooth settings’, click on ‘Add device’, and select your controller from the list.
Why is my Xbox controller blinking and not connecting?
If your Xbox controller’s backlight keeps blinking, make sure its batteries are charged. If the controller uses disposable batteries, replace them with fresh ones.
Where is the pair button on Xbox?
The pair button is typically located below the power button or at the back of the console.
Do Xbox controllers have Bluetooth?
Newer Xbox controllers have Bluetooth to support wireless connection. This allows it to pair with your PC.
Why is my Xbox controller not connecting?
If your Xbox controller fails to connect with your PC or console, it could be due to a defective USB cable/adapter, low battery, unsupported devices, or interference with the wireless signal.
Final Thoughts
This is how you can sync your Xbox controller with your console or PC. Unable to download games using the Xbox app on your Windows PC? You may want to check out these fixes. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments!
