How to Connect an Xbox One Controller to Your Console and PC

Connect via USB cable first, then switch to wireless

The fastest way to connect an Xbox One controller is to plug it into your console or PC with a USB cable. The controller will work immediately over the wired connection. Once it is connected and recognized, you can unpair the cable and use it wirelessly — the controller will remember your device and reconnect automatically the next time you turn it on.

If you want to use the controller wirelessly from the start without a cable, you will need to pair it manually using the pairing buttons on both the controller and your device. This takes about 20 seconds but requires you to have both devices in the same room.

Key Takeaways

Plugging in a USB cable is the simplest connection method and works immediately on any Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, or Windows PC.
To use the controller wirelessly, press the pairing button on the controller and the pairing button on your console or PC within 20 seconds of each other.
An Xbox One controller will not connect to a PC without either a USB cable or the Xbox Wireless Adapter — Bluetooth alone is not enough.
If the controller does not respond after pairing, restart both the controller and your device, then try pairing again.

Wired connection with a USB cable

Use any standard USB-A to Micro-USB cable — the same type that charges many phones and tablets. Plug the Micro-USB end into the port on the back of the controller, below the battery compartment. Plug the USB-A end into any available USB port on your Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, or Windows PC.

The controller will light up and begin working within a few seconds. You do not need to install drivers or change any settings. If you are on a PC and the controller does not respond, check that the USB port is working by plugging in another device, then try a different USB port on your computer.

Wireless pairing on Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S

Press and hold the pairing button on the controller — it is a small circular button on the top edge, between the shoulders. You will see the Xbox button (the large circle in the center) start to flash. Release the pairing button after about two seconds.

Within 20 seconds, press and hold the pairing button on your console. On Xbox One, this button is on the front panel below the power button. On Xbox Series X and Series S, it is a small button on the front left side. The console will beep and the controller will stop flashing, which means the pairing is complete.

The controller is now paired to that console. It will reconnect automatically whenever you turn on the console and the controller is powered on. You can pair up to eight controllers to a single console.

Wireless pairing on Windows PC

A Windows PC cannot connect to an Xbox One controller over Bluetooth alone. You have two options: use a USB cable, or buy the Xbox Wireless Adapter, which is a small USB dongle that plugs into your PC and lets the controller connect wirelessly using the same frequency as an Xbox console.

If you choose the adapter, plug it into any USB port on your PC. Press and hold the pairing button on the controller until the Xbox button flashes. Within 20 seconds, press the pairing button on the adapter itself — it is a small button on the front. The controller will stop flashing when pairing is complete.

The Xbox Wireless Adapter is sold separately and costs around $20 to $25. It works with Windows 10 and Windows 11. If you do not want to buy an adapter, a USB cable is the simpler choice and costs nothing if you already own one.

Troubleshooting a controller that will not connect

If the controller does not respond after pairing, first check that the batteries are not dead. Press the Xbox button and look at the battery indicator in the top right corner of the screen. If the batteries are low, replace them or plug the controller in with a USB cable to charge it.

If the batteries are fine, restart both the controller and your device. Turn off the controller by holding the Xbox button for six seconds until it powers down. Turn off your console or PC completely, wait 10 seconds, then turn both back on. Try pairing again using the same steps as before.

If the controller still does not connect, try a different USB cable or USB port if you are using a wired connection. If you are using wireless pairing, make sure you are within 20 feet of the console or adapter and that there are no large metal objects or other wireless devices between them. Microwaves, cordless phones, and Wi-Fi routers can interfere with the connection.

Switching a controller between devices

An Xbox One controller can be paired to multiple consoles or PCs, but it can only connect to one device at a time. To switch the controller to a different device, simply pair it to the new device using the same pairing steps. The old pairing will remain in the console or PC's memory, so you can switch back later without pairing again.

If you want to unpair a controller from a device permanently, go to the settings menu on that device and look for controller or device settings. On Xbox consoles, this is under Settings > Devices & Connections > Accessories. On Windows, it is in Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Other Devices. Select the controller and choose the option to remove or unpair it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect an Xbox One controller to my phone or tablet?

Xbox One controllers can connect to Android phones and tablets over Bluetooth, but not to iPhones or iPads. On Android, go to Settings > Bluetooth, put the controller in pairing mode by holding the pairing button, and select it from the Bluetooth list. Some games will recognize it automatically; others may not.

Why does my controller keep disconnecting?

Disconnections usually mean low batteries, interference from other wireless devices, or a loose USB cable. Replace the batteries first, move away from Wi-Fi routers and microwaves, and try a different cable if you are using a wired connection. If the problem continues, restart both the controller and your device.

Do I need a special cable to charge an Xbox One controller?

No. Any standard USB-A to Micro-USB cable will charge the controller. Plug it into the Micro-USB port on the back of the controller and connect the USB end to a power adapter, computer, or console. The controller will charge whether it is powered on or off.

Can I use an Xbox One controller on an older Xbox console?

Xbox One controllers work with Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S. They do not work with Xbox 360 or earlier consoles. If you have an older Xbox, you will need a controller designed for that console.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.