Connect your Xbox controller to Android or iPhone through Bluetooth settings

An Xbox controller pairs to your phone the same way any Bluetooth device does: you put the controller in pairing mode, then tell your phone to find and connect to it. The process takes about two minutes and works on both Android and iPhone, though the exact steps differ slightly between them. Once paired, the controller stays connected whenever it's in range and powered on — you won't need to pair it again unless you unpair it deliberately or pair it to a different device.

The controller needs to be charged or have fresh batteries before you start. A wireless Xbox controller uses AA batteries; a newer Xbox Series X|S controller has a built-in battery you charge with a USB-C cable. If the controller won't turn on or keeps disconnecting, the battery is usually the culprit.

Key Takeaways

  • Put your Xbox controller in pairing mode by holding the Xbox button and the pairing button together for three seconds until the Xbox button flashes.
  • On Android, open Settings, go to Bluetooth, turn it on, and tap the controller name when it appears in the available devices list.
  • On iPhone, open Settings, tap Bluetooth, turn it on, and select the controller from the list of available devices.
  • After pairing once, the controller connects automatically whenever Bluetooth is on and the controller is powered on.
  • If the controller doesn't appear in your Bluetooth list, restart both the controller and your phone, then try pairing again.

How to put an Xbox controller in pairing mode

The pairing button is a small circular button on the top of the controller, near the left shoulder button. Hold down the Xbox button (the large button in the center) and the pairing button at the same time for about three seconds. The Xbox button will start flashing, which means the controller is now in pairing mode and broadcasting a signal your phone can detect.

Pairing mode lasts about three minutes, so you have time to get to your phone's Bluetooth settings. If the Xbox button stops flashing before you finish pairing, the controller has exited pairing mode — just repeat the button combination to put it back in.

Pairing on Android

Open the Settings app and scroll down to find Bluetooth. Tap it, then turn Bluetooth on using the toggle switch at the top. Your phone will start scanning for nearby Bluetooth devices. Within a few seconds, your Xbox controller should appear in the list of available devices — it will show as "Xbox Wireless Controller" or "Xbox Controller" depending on the model.

Tap the controller name in the list. Your phone will connect to it, and you should see "Connected" appear next to the controller name. The Xbox button will stop flashing once the connection is complete. You're now ready to use the controller with games and apps that support it.

If the controller doesn't appear in the list, make sure it's still in pairing mode (the Xbox button should be flashing). If it's not, hold the Xbox button and pairing button again for three seconds. If it still doesn't show up after waiting 10 seconds, restart the controller by holding the Xbox button for 10 seconds until it powers off, then turn it back on and try pairing again.

Pairing on iPhone

Open Settings and tap Bluetooth. Turn Bluetooth on using the toggle switch. Your iPhone will scan for available devices. The Xbox controller will appear in the list as "Xbox Wireless Controller" or "Xbox Controller." Tap it to connect.

Your iPhone may ask you to confirm the pairing — if a dialog appears, tap "Pair" or "Connect." Once the connection is complete, you'll see "Connected" next to the controller name. The Xbox button will stop flashing, and the controller is ready to use.

iPhones sometimes take longer to detect controllers than Android phones do. If the controller doesn't appear after 15 seconds, make sure it's still in pairing mode by checking that the Xbox button is flashing. If it's not, repeat the pairing button combination. You can also try turning Bluetooth off and back on to force your iPhone to scan again.

What to do if the controller won't pair

The most common reason a controller won't pair is that the battery is too low or dead. Check the battery level by looking at the Xbox button — if it's not lighting up at all, charge or replace the batteries. For a Series X|S controller with a built-in battery, plug it into a USB-C charger for at least 30 minutes.

If the battery is fine but the controller still won't appear in your Bluetooth list, restart both devices. Power off the controller by holding the Xbox button for 10 seconds, then power it back on. Restart your phone by turning it off and back on. Once both devices are restarted, put the controller back in pairing mode and try again.

If the controller was previously paired to a different phone or device, it may still be trying to connect to that device instead of yours. Unpair it from the other device first, or restart the controller to clear its memory. Then put it in pairing mode and pair it to your phone.

Using the controller with games and apps

Once the controller is paired, it works with any game or app designed to use a gamepad. Open a game that supports controllers — most games in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store will say "Controller supported" in the description. The controller should work when ready without any additional setup.

Some games let you customize button mapping or controller sensitivity in their settings. Check the game's options menu if the buttons don't feel right. If the controller disconnects during play, make sure Bluetooth is still on and the controller is in range of your phone — Bluetooth typically works up to 30 feet away, but walls and other devices can reduce that distance.

Disconnecting and re-pairing the controller

To disconnect the controller without unpairing it, just turn off the controller or turn off Bluetooth on your phone. The next time you turn the controller back on with Bluetooth enabled, it will reconnect automatically.

To completely unpair the controller so it stops connecting to your phone, go to your Bluetooth settings, find the controller in the list of paired devices, and tap the option to forget or unpair it. On Android, this is usually a settings icon or an "X" next to the controller name. On iPhone, tap the "i" icon next to the controller name, then tap "Forget This Device." After unpairing, you'll need to put the controller in pairing mode again if you want to pair it to the same phone later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an Xbox controller with both my phone and my console at the same time?

No. A controller can only be paired to one device at a time. If you want to switch the controller between your phone and your Xbox console, you'll need to unpair it from one device before pairing it to the other. Unpairing takes about 30 seconds, so switching back and forth is quick but not seamless.

Why does my controller keep disconnecting from my phone?

The most common causes are a low battery, Bluetooth being turned off, or the controller moving out of range. Check the battery first. If the battery is fine, make sure Bluetooth is still on on your phone. If you're far from your phone (more than 30 feet away), move closer — walls and metal objects can also weaken the signal.

Do I need a special app to use the Xbox controller on my phone?

No. Once the controller is paired through Bluetooth, it works with any game or app that supports gamepads. You don't need to install the Xbox app or any other software. Some games may have their own controller settings, but pairing itself requires nothing beyond your phone's built-in Bluetooth settings.

Can I use an older Xbox One controller with my phone?

Yes. All Xbox wireless controllers — including the original Xbox One controller, the Xbox One S controller, and the newer Xbox Series X|S controller — pair to phones the same way. The pairing process is identical regardless of which model you have.

What if my phone doesn't have Bluetooth?

Nearly all modern phones have Bluetooth built in. If your phone is more than 10 years old, it may not have Bluetooth, and a controller won't pair to it. Check your phone's specifications or settings to confirm. If Bluetooth is missing, you won't be able to use a wireless Xbox controller without an adapter, which is not a standard option for phones.