The basic connection process

An Xbox One controller connects to your console or PC using Bluetooth wireless technology. The controller and the device you want to use it with need to find each other and agree to communicate — that's the pairing process. Once paired, the controller will reconnect automatically the next time you turn it on, as long as it's in range.

The steps differ slightly depending on whether you're connecting to an Xbox One console, an Xbox Series X or S, or a Windows PC. All three use Bluetooth, but the menus you navigate are different.

Key Takeaways

  • Xbox One controllers pair using Bluetooth, and you initiate pairing by holding the pairing button on the controller while the console or PC is searching.
  • On an Xbox console, you access the pairing mode through Settings, then Devices and Connections, then Add a Device.
  • On Windows 10 or 11, you pair through Bluetooth settings in the system tray or Settings app, the same way you'd pair any other Bluetooth device.
  • Once paired, the controller reconnects automatically when you turn it on, so you only pair once unless you want to use the same controller with a different device.
  • If the controller won't pair, check that it has fresh batteries, is within 20 feet of the device, and that no other controllers are actively pairing at the same time.

Pairing an Xbox One controller to an Xbox console

Start with the controller powered on and within 20 feet of your console. On your Xbox, go to Settings, then Devices and Connections, then Add a Device. The console will enter pairing mode and display a message on screen.

While the console is searching, press and hold the pairing button on the top of the controller — it's the small circular button between the bumpers. Hold it for about three seconds until the Xbox button on the controller starts flashing. The console will detect the controller and show a confirmation message. Once you see that message, the pairing is complete and the Xbox button will stop flashing.

If the pairing doesn't complete within 20 seconds, the console will time out and you'll need to start over. Make sure the controller has fresh batteries and is not too far away.

Pairing an Xbox One controller to a Windows PC

On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings and navigate to Bluetooth and devices (or Devices on older Windows 10 versions). Click Add device and select Bluetooth. Your PC will begin searching for nearby Bluetooth devices.

While the PC is searching, press and hold the pairing button on the controller for three seconds until the Xbox button flashes. The controller will appear in the list of available devices. Click on it to complete the pairing. Once connected, the Xbox button will stop flashing and remain lit.

After the first pairing, the controller will reconnect automatically whenever you turn it on and your PC's Bluetooth is enabled. You don't need to repeat the pairing process unless you want to pair the same controller with a different device.

What to do if the controller won't pair

The most common reason a controller fails to pair is weak or dead batteries. Replace the batteries with fresh ones and try again. If the controller uses a rechargeable battery pack, plug it in for at least 30 minutes before attempting to pair.

Check that your console or PC has Bluetooth enabled and is actively searching for devices. On a console, make sure you're in the Add a Device menu. On a PC, confirm that Bluetooth is turned on in Settings and that the search window is still open.

Distance matters. Keep the controller within 20 feet of the device you're pairing with, and avoid obstacles like walls or metal objects between them. If you're trying to pair multiple controllers at once, pair them one at a time — the device can only complete one pairing at a time.

Pairing the same controller with multiple devices

An Xbox One controller can be paired with more than one device, but it can only connect to one device at a time. To pair it with a second console or PC, go through the pairing process again on the new device. The controller will remember both pairings and will reconnect to whichever device it was last used with.

If you want to switch the controller between devices, you don't need to unpair it. straightforward turn off the controller, turn it on near the device you want to use it with, and it will reconnect to that device automatically. If it connects to the wrong device, turn it off and try again, making sure you're closer to the device you want.

Checking your connection status

On an Xbox console, you can see which controllers are connected by going to Settings, then Devices and Connections, then Controllers and Headsets. Any controller currently paired and in range will show as "Connected" with a battery level indicator.

On Windows, open Settings, go to Bluetooth and devices, and look for your controller in the list of connected devices. If it shows as "Connected," the pairing is active. If it shows as "Paired" but not connected, the controller is out of range or turned off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an Xbox One controller with an Xbox Series X or S?

Yes. Xbox Series X and S consoles use the same pairing process as the Xbox One. Go to Settings, Devices and Connections, Add a Device, and follow the same steps. The controller will work with both generations of Xbox consoles.

What if my controller is already paired to a different console?

The controller will remember both pairings. When you turn it on, it will try to connect to the device it was last used with. If you want it to connect to the other device instead, turn it off, move closer to that device, and turn it back on. It should reconnect to the nearer device.

Do I need to pair the controller every time I use it?

No. Once paired, the controller reconnects automatically when you turn it on. You only pair once per device. If the controller doesn't reconnect automatically, check that Bluetooth is enabled on your console or PC and that the controller has fresh batteries.

Why does the Xbox button keep flashing after I pair the controller?

A flashing Xbox button means the controller is in pairing mode or searching for a connection. If it continues flashing after pairing completes, the connection may not have been successful. Try the pairing process again, making sure the device is still in search mode when you press the pairing button.

Can I pair a wireless Xbox controller without using the pairing button?

No. The pairing button is required to initiate the connection. Without pressing it, your console or PC won't know the controller is trying to pair. The button prevents accidental connections to nearby devices.