Xbox controllers work with almost everything: Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, Macs, Android phones, iPhones and iPads. This guide shows how to connect an Xbox controller to each one, step by step, plus how to use an Xbox controller on PC through Steam, the Xbox Wireless Adapter, and how to turn it off when you are done.
Which Xbox controllers have Bluetooth?
Bluetooth matters for phones and many PCs. The current Xbox Wireless Controller (shipped with Xbox Series X|S), the Elite Series 2 and the Xbox One S controller from 2016 all have Bluetooth. The original 2013 Xbox One controller and the 2015 Elite Series 1 do not. An easy check: Bluetooth models have the Xbox button molded into the same plastic as the face of the controller, while the older non-Bluetooth models have the Xbox button in the top plastic around the bumpers.
How to connect an Xbox controller to an Xbox
- Turn on your Xbox.
- Press and hold the Xbox button on the controller until it flashes.
- Press the small pair button on the console. On Xbox Series X|S it is on the front, near the USB port; on Xbox One S and One X it is on the front right; on the original Xbox One it is on the left side.
- Within 20 seconds, press and hold the pair button on the top of the controller, next to the USB port.
- The Xbox button on the controller flashes faster, then stays lit when connected.
You can also plug the controller into the console with a USB-C cable (or micro-USB for Xbox One pads); it pairs automatically. To pair an Xbox One controller to a Series X, the steps are identical.
How to connect an Xbox controller to a PC
Option 1: USB cable
Plug the controller into the PC with a USB-C or micro-USB data cable. Windows 10 and 11 install the driver automatically. This is the simplest way to use an Xbox controller for PC gaming with no lag or batteries.
Option 2: Bluetooth
- Update the controller first using the Xbox Accessories app if possible.
- On Windows, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device > Bluetooth.
- Turn on the controller and hold its pair button until the Xbox logo flashes quickly.
- Select Xbox Wireless Controller in the list.
Option 3: Xbox Wireless Adapter
The Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows 10 and 11 is a USB dongle that uses Microsoft’s own wireless protocol. It supports up to eight controllers, headset audio through the controller jack, and lower latency than Bluetooth. Plug it in, press its button, then press the pair button on the controller. This is the best option for a desktop PC without Bluetooth.
How to use an Xbox controller on PC games
Most PC games show Xbox button prompts by default. In Steam, open Settings > Controller and enable Xbox configuration support if you want to remap buttons. Games from the Xbox app and Epic Games Store support Xbox controllers natively. If a game does not detect the controller, check that only one input device is set as the primary controller, and restart the game after connecting it.
How to connect an Xbox controller to a phone
Android
- Open Settings > Connected devices > Pair new device.
- Put the controller in pairing mode with the pair button.
- Tap Xbox Wireless Controller.
iPhone and iPad
- Open Settings > Bluetooth.
- Hold the pair button on the controller until the logo flashes.
- Tap Xbox Wireless Controller under Other Devices.
Once connected, the controller works with Apple Arcade, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Remote Play and many App Store games. The Spanish query “como conectar mi control de Xbox a mi teléfono” follows exactly these steps.
How to turn off an Xbox controller on PC
There is no off button. Hold the Xbox button for about six seconds until the light turns off. Windows also turns off idle controllers after 15 minutes. If you use the Xbox Wireless Adapter, unplugging it disconnects all controllers.
How to sync an Xbox One controller
Syncing and pairing mean the same thing. Use the console’s pair button and then the controller’s pair button within 20 seconds, or plug in with a cable. If sync fails, replace the batteries and try again within a meter of the console.
How to connect an Xbox controller to a Mac or Steam Deck
On a Mac, open System Settings > Bluetooth, put the controller in pairing mode and click Connect next to Xbox Wireless Controller. macOS supports it in Apple Arcade games, Steam and cloud gaming in Safari. On a Steam Deck, press the Steam button, go to Settings > Bluetooth, put the controller in pairing mode and select it. The Deck then lets you play with the controller while the Deck is docked to a TV.
How to connect an Xbox controller to an iPad for cloud gaming
Pair the controller in Settings > Bluetooth exactly as on an iPhone, then open xbox.com/play in Safari and add it to your home screen for a full-screen experience. If the controller is not detected in the browser, press any button after the page loads; Safari only activates controllers after an input.
How to pair an Xbox controller to multiple devices
Current Xbox Wireless Controllers remember one Xbox and one Bluetooth device at the same time. Double-tap the pair button to switch between the last two hosts quickly. The Elite Series 2 remembers up to three Bluetooth devices. If you pair it with a third device, the oldest Bluetooth pairing is forgotten.
Wired vs wireless on PC
| Method | Latency | Batteries | Headset audio | Max controllers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USB cable | Lowest | Not needed | Yes | Limited by USB ports |
| Xbox Wireless Adapter | Low | Needed | Yes | 8 |
| Bluetooth | Low to medium | Needed | No | Depends on adapter |
Best Xbox controller for PC
The standard Xbox Wireless Controller is the safest choice, because every PC game supports it. Competitive players often pick the Elite Series 2 for its paddles, while budget buyers like wired Hall effect pads such as the GameSir G7 SE, which resist stick drift. Compare models in the Xbox controller hub.
Still not connecting?
If pairing fails, the controller blinks forever, or it keeps disconnecting, follow our step-by-step Xbox controller not connecting fix guide. Most problems come from weak batteries, outdated firmware, or interference from other wireless devices.
Connecting an Xbox controller FAQ
Do I need the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows 10?
No. It is optional. Bluetooth or a USB cable work fine; the adapter adds support for more controllers and headset audio.
Why does my phone not show the controller?
The controller is probably not in pairing mode. Hold the small pair button on top until the Xbox logo flashes quickly, then search again.
Can I use an Xbox 360 controller on PC?
Yes. The wired version plugs straight in; the wireless one needs the Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver.
How many Xbox controllers can connect to one console?
Up to eight wireless controllers can connect to an Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One at once, although some games support fewer players. Each controller gets its own segment of the light ring when you press the Xbox button, so players can tell which one is which.
Once connected, keep your controller firmware up to date and use the same cable or adapter each time; it saves you from re-pairing and keeps input lag low on every device.
Questions about a specific controller? Ask in the comments or check the Xbox controller FAQ.
Keep your controller firmware updated
Many connection problems disappear after a firmware update. On Xbox, updates install automatically when the controller is connected, or you can check in Settings, Devices and connections, Accessories. On Windows, install the free Xbox Accessories app from the Microsoft Store, connect the controller with a USB-C cable, and select Update. Updated firmware improves Bluetooth stability, reduces input lag and adds support for newer phones and tablets.