How to Sync a Xbox One Controller

Do you want to use your Xbox One Controller with your gaming console? Then, you should know that it is slightly different than just plugging them in. However, you do not need to worry, as console makers have made the process of syncing wireless controllers easier.

However, it does not indicate that you do not face problems with wireless controllers. It is simple to sync on the Xbox One. But if you face any issue with the Xbox wireless controller, several ways are there to fix it. In this article, we are going to discuss how to sync a Xbox One Controller and how you will be able to deal with such issues that might come up.

How To Sync A Xbox One Controller:

Syncing the controller indicates powering this up. These controllers take AA batteries. However, you can use rechargeable battery packs for them. Ensure that the controllers are juiced up before pairing them.

Step 1: If you have a Bluetooth controller with charged or fresh batteries, you need to hit the Xbox button in its centre to turn on the device. Then, you will see this lighting up, indicating that it has been turned on. After that, you have to press the Power button on the Xbox console.

Step 2: Activate the connection on the controller and console for pairing the controller to the Xbox One. Hence, your first task is to find the Connection button on the console. The button on the real Xbox One is available on the console’s left side adjacent to the disc tray.

Step 3: You can find the connection button on the Xbox One S as well as on the Xbox One X at the bottom right corner of the console’s front side beneath the power button. Once you hit the button, the white Xbox logo will start blinking. It means that the console is searching for the controller signal.

Step 4: As soon as you press the Connect button on your Xbox One, 20 seconds will be given to you to provide a signal to it for making a controller connection. Hence, you have to hit the black Connect button on the controller’s top side. You can see the Xbox logo blinking on the console and controller while they are trying to get paired. As soon as they find each other, both logos will turn into solid. It means that the controller has synced with your console.

Step 5: You can repeat the process with other controllers to sync to the Xbox.

Customize Your Controller Profiles:

If you power one on, you can see what happens after syncing your controllers to your console. Hence, you have to hit the Xbox button on your controller so that you can bring up the main menu. After that, your job is to move towards the gear icon with the intention of pulling up the Settings menu. Then, you have to look for Kinect and Devices. Now, you should go to look for the controllers. When you see the Controller menu, set profiles and security measures for controlling who are able to sign into various accounts on your Xbox.

Using A USB Cable:

You might not get stuck only using Xbox controllers wirelessly & go through tons of batteries, when you do not have rechargeable battery packs for them. Hence, plugging them into your Xbox One is possible using cables. It helps to sync these to your console. Therefore, if you are experiencing any issues in syncing wirelessly, try to use a USB cable. You have to connect a Micro-B USB cable to the controller. Then, you will be able to connect this directly to your console. You can use the wire as a power source for the now-wired controller. Therefore, batteries are not essential in this case. Moreover, you will not need to use a rechargeable battery pack. Changing the controller settings is still possible in the Controller menu.

Step 1:

If you face any connectivity issues, it may happen that the controller’s internal software is not updated. So, updating the firmware from the Xbox One console can solve a few problems. In this case, you need to move to the Settings menu. Next, go to the Kinect and Devices menu, where the connected controllers are available with a wireless connection or connected by a USB port. Then, you need to choose the controller you are willing to update from the menu. Then, you have to select the Ellipses beneath the Controller button. Next, a menu will appear enabling you to check for firmware updates. It can help you to deal with the problems which you are facing.

Step 2:

Is your battery dead? You might have fixed the problem also, but the issue arises when you pair your Xbox One controller. The common contender for this is the interference in the play area from other electronics, walls, or something you didn’t expect, such as radio or microwave interference.

Hence, your first task is to make sure that you are close enough to your Xbox One. It matters because the controller is capable of reaching only between 19 & 28 feet away. Don’t try to play from a far distance. Otherwise, you will face issues with your connection.

Then, ensure that no barriers are blocking your controller’s connection. Walls, furniture, or even extra accessories are a few of these obstacles. In this case, you need to remove as many barriers as possible, which can worsen your signal.

Ensure that you are removing metal items from the console and controller. The reason is that these items may damage the signal. Power off and on your console again for a clean slate. Have you tried all these methods but still you are facing the issues? Then, go to Microsoft’s support website to get more ideas. Or you can buy a new controller.

What To Do If You Are Unable To Connect Your Xbox One Controller:

Following the above-mentioned procedures, you can sync the Xbox Controller & console easily. But still, if you are unable to pair them, you can try these troubleshooting tips:

You should replace the batteries in the controller. Do you use the Xbox One Play and Charge Kit or Xbox Rechargeable Battery attachment? Then, you have to confirm that the controller is charged. Besides, you have to make sure that the cable you use for pairing and charging the controller works properly.

You should keep your controller near the console when you try to sync this. Between the console & controller, the wireless connection should be a range between 20-30 feet. Therefore, when you go further, it may get disconnected.

You can power off laptops or microwaves and other wireless devices, which are near the Xbox & controller, for decreasing interference.

Hold the Xbox button on the system’s front side for about 10 seconds to fully restart the console. After that, your task is to disconnect the power cable of your console for at least 30 seconds. Then, you need to reconnect this and power on the system again.

You must not forget that only eight controllers can be paired to the system at once. Whether you have paired many somehow, you need to unpair this before connecting another. Hold down the Xbox button for a few seconds to power off a controller until the light that you can see on the button goes out.

Xbox Series X|S Compatibility:

The Xbox One controller supports the Xbox Series X|S. Suppose you use the wired controller. In that case, you need to connect this to the USB port on the front side of the Series X|S. Next, your job is to power on the console.

The same thing goes for wireless controllers when you are using a micro USB cable. If you attach the cable to your controller & thereafter into your powered console, then the gamepad will start vibrating for once and then it will get turned on, indicating that it has synced. Removing the micro-USB cable and using this wirelessly is possible then.

If you are willing to sync this to Xbox Series X|S, you have to hit the Pair button and hold it to power on the controller. After that, you can see it blinking. Then, your job is to find the Pair button on the console. You can find it on the front and USB ports’ top section. As soon as you see the Xbox button stop blinking and if it remains on, the controller will be synced to the Xbox Series X|S console.

Conclusion:

You need to hit the Pair button on the controller & console for connecting the Xbox controller wirelessly. This article has informed you how to sync a Xbox One controller to an Xbox One using a micro-USB cable. Besides, you will be able to connect and pair the Xbox One controller with the Xbox Series X|S easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is your Xbox One controller flashing and not connecting?

If the light blinks fast, it means that the Xbox controller wants you to connect it to a console or PC. Slow blinking means that you can have a problem with the battery pack. Usually, when your Controller battery is drained and needs replacement, the Xbox One Controller continues blinking.

How do you know if your Xbox controller is in pairing mode?

You can pair the controller with the PC over Bluetooth following the same process as connecting this with the Xbox One or Xbox Series. Hence, your task is to hold down the Guide button to activate the controller. After that, you have to hold the Pairing button for 3 seconds & wait for the flashing of the Guide button. Once you see this flashing, ensure that the pairing mode is activated.