How to Connect an Xbox Controller to Your Console, Phone, or Computer

If you just got a new Xbox controller, there are just a few steps to connect it to your console or PC. You’ll be gaming in no time.

How to connect your controller to your Xbox console wirelessly

To start pairing your controller to your Xbox console, you’ll first need your console and the controller you want to pair. First, you’ll need to put two AA batteries or a rechargeable battery in your controller. If you have the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 or Xbox Adaptive Controller, these controllers have built-in batteries that charge via the USB-C port and include a USB-C cable. 

To start the pairing process, turn on your controller by pressing and holding the Xbox button. The Xbox button should then flash to indicate it’s in pairing mode. Next, go to the front of your Xbox console and press the pair button near the USB-A port. (The button has three curved lines next to it that look like the letter C.) Once your controller has paired with your console, the Xbox button will turn solid and you’re good to go. 

You can also connect your controller using the Xbox Accessories app on your console. Press the Xbox button to get to the guide, select Profile & System, then select Settings. Next, go to Devices & Connections, then Controllers & Headsets, then pick Connect a Device. Your console should start to look for controllers or other Xbox accessories to pair. 

How to connect your controller to your Xbox console using a USB Cable

If you’d rather connect your controller using a wire, you can easily do so. First, plug in a compatible micro USB or USB-C cable (depending on the controller) to the controller. The other end of the cable should go into the USB port found at the front of your Xbox console. And that’s it, your controller should light up and start working instantly.

How to connect your Xbox controller to an iOS device using Bluetooth

For those with a newer Xbox controller, the built-in Bluetooth allows you to pair your controller to your iPhone and iPad. This means you can use an Xbox controller to play mobile games from Apple Arcade or stream games using Xbox Cloud Gaming.

To pair your controller with your iPhone or iPad, first make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your Apple device. If it’s not, go to Settings and turn on the Bluetooth toggle. Next, on your controller, press and hold the Xbox button until it lights up. If your Xbox controller has already been paired with an Xbox console, first turn off the controller by holding the Xbox button for about ten seconds. Then press and hold the pair button (it has three curved lines) near the top of the device near the charging port on the controller for a few seconds. Then on your iPhone or iPad, under Bluetooth, you should see a list of devices including one that says Xbox Wireless Controller. Tap the name to pair it.

How to connect your Xbox controller to an Android phone using Bluetooth

First, turn on your Xbox controller by pressing the Xbox button. Then press the pair button on the top of the controller for three seconds and release. Next, go to your Android phone’s settings, choose Connected Devices and select Pair New Device. Your phone should show you a list of nearby Bluetooth devices. Select Xbox Wireless Controller from the list to pair it.

How to connect your Xbox controller to a Windows PC using Bluetooth

To pair with your Windows PC, first press the Xbox button on your controller, then press the pair button on the top of the controller for three seconds. Next, turn your attention to your computer, click the Start button and then click Settings. On Windows 10, you should see an option for Devices and another section called Bluetooth. In Windows 11, under Settings, there should be a section called Bluetooth & Devices. From there, turn on Bluetooth using the toggle and select Add Bluetooth or Other Device (it may be called Add Device in Windows 11). In the pop-up, choose Bluetooth and then wait until the Xbox Wireless Controller appears in the list. Select the controller’s name and you should get a confirmation that your controller has paired.

How to connect your Xbox controller to a Mac using Bluetooth

Pairing your Xbox controller to your Mac is easy. First, you’ll need to turn on your controller with the Xbox button. To put the controller into pairing mode, hold the pair button for three seconds. Next, go to your Mac, click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select System Settings. Then select Bluetooth and you should see a list of available Bluetooth devices appear. Choose the Xbox Wireless Controller and hit the Connect button.