If your controller is not functioning and it is not a hardware issue like faulty analog sticks, the problem is likely caused by one of these common problems.
The controller does not turn on when fully charged.
- Note: A USB cable must be used. Wireless will not work.Tip: If you have problems getting the controller to turn on, remove the batteries for 15 minutes. This doesn’t fix the issue every time but is known to help in some cases.Important: A functional controller is required to do the recovery on a console.
If your controller was disconnected during a firmware upgrade, it will not function until the firmware is recovered – however, your controller is in “recovery mode” and can often be recovered. To do this, the controller will need to be re-updated as the controller is in a soft-bricked state if a firmware update fails.
Plug your controller into an Xbox One console or PC.
- Step 1: On the console, navigate to Devices and Accessories.Step 2: Find the controller. It should say Update Required if the correct controller is selected.Step 3: Re-run the firmware update.
Note: Windows 10/11 is required. No way around this requirement!
After you have confirmed your system runs Windows 10, you can begin the controller recovery process.
- Step 1: Install the Xbox Accessories application.Step 2: Once the Xbox Accessories application is installed, plug the controller in. It should turn on and say Update Required if your controller is visible to the PC and Xbox Accessories.Step 3: Click Update Required and allow the firmware to reinstall.
If you followed these steps correctly, your controller should be functional again.
When the controller is plugged into the computer using a USB cable, the controller does not function.
In legacy versions of Windows, the Xbox One controller is known for chronic automatic driver installation on some systems – often related to Windows Update driver download settings and is well documented. The issue is often made worse since these old versions of Windows did not come with baked-in controller support, which was added in 10 and 11. In many cases, even Windows Update struggles to get the driver. If you cannot install the controller driver any other way (legacy or current release), this is how you fix it:
Note: An administrator account is required to correct this problem. Standard and Limited users will need to know the system admin password of the system.
Note: The .exe driver found in the previous Wiki is no longer recommended as it is old and has been updated several times over, and may not work on this specific version of the controller.
- Step 1: Plug in the controller. If the automatic driver installation fails, go on to the next step.Step 2: Open Device Manager and find the controller. This is typically located under Xbox Peripherals (Legacy).Step 3: Select the Driver tab.Step 4: Click Update Driver.Step 5: Try using Search automatically for updated driver software. If this doesn’t work, go to Step 6.Step 6: If this did not work, download the driver from Microsoft. Put this in a place you can easily find it on your computer. Once it is downloaded, select Browse my computer for driver software and manually select the driver.
If you did this correctly, your controller should now work.
I want to navigate my Xbox One, but my controller refuses to connect or will not stay connected for long.
Your batteries may be low. If the batteries are low, the controller’s wireless signal strength may be weak and therefore will not connect to the console. Replace the batteries in the controller or recharge your battery pack.
Parts: AA Batteries for Xbox One, Xbox One Controller Charging Cable
NOTE: If you get a MicroUSB cable, it will not work and must be replaced
Tools required: None
A conflicting signal may be responsible for connectivity issues. Consider turning off nearby wireless devices and reconnecting the controller.
Note: Bluetooth only works in Windows 10.
If you are using your controller over Bluetooth and you are having issues and it is not a signal problem, this can be caused by a chipset incompatibility. This is rare but should be considered. This can be tested by using a quality USB adapter.
If you have tried a different Bluetooth device, it is a software or connection problem at the driver or controller level.
Xbox One Wireless Receiver (Model 1713)
Make sure you do not have more than eight controllers connected. The Xbox One console is limited to a maximum of eight connected controllers.
If you set down your controller for longer than fifteen minutes and then come back to an unresponsive controller, you may need to turn the controller back on. This is a power-saving measure found on later model controllers.
Your Xbox One Controller signal has a range of 30 feet (9.1 meters). Make sure you are within this range.
If you sync your controller to another device, you will need to re-sync it back to your console. To do this, turn the Xbox One console on and hold the Sync button on the side of the console until the light on the console rapidly flashes. Once you do this, press the Sync button on the controller. Your controller should be connected within 5 to 10 seconds.
Some people have reported that the controller will not connect with the headset mic plugged in. Unplug the mic, and reconnect. You may have to sync the controller again if this happens. Plug the mic back in after establishing a connection.
If you are using the internal headphone jack, it may be damaged or you are using incompatible headphones. Try unplugging your headphones and then plugging them back in. If you continue having problems, try using a different pair of headphones.
If you continue having problems, the internal headphone jack should be replaced.
Parts: Xbox One headphone jack, Xbox One headset adapter
Tools required: T6 Torx, TR8 Torx, Spudger, tweezers (recommended)
Tools are not required if you use the Xbox One headset adapter to fix the issue.
No matter how many times I try to connect or sync my controller, it will not turn on.
Your batteries may be low. If the batteries are low, the controller’s wireless signal strength may be weak, which may prevent connection to the console. Change the batteries in the controller. If you are using batteries that drain too quickly, try using NiMh rechargeable batteries or high-quality Alkaline batteries.
Your battery pack may be completely drained. Plug the controller into the console using a MicroUSB cable. To check on the charge status of your battery, press the Xbox button and your current charge level will be displayed.
If the pack will not charge (or drains quickly), replace the battery pack.
IMPORTANT COMPATIBILITY NOTE: If you purchase a battery and cable for Model 1914 controllers and the MicroUSB cable is included, the batteries from the previous runs will work, but NOT the USB cable due to the switch to USB-C. This has been remedied with newly manufactured battery packs, but this also means you need the old cable for pre-1914 controllers if you replace a worn-out battery with a newer battery that comes with the USB-C cable.
Part: Battery pack for Xbox One
Your charging cable may be defective and will not charge your controller at all. If this is the case, you will need to buy a new cord. While you can purchase an official Xbox cable, any MicroUSB cable will work to replace the damaged cable.
Part: High-quality USB-C cable. Legacy cables cannot be used.
Tools Required: None
One or more of the buttons on my controller takes longer than usual to pop back up.
There could be minor dirt build-up or your controller has sugary drink residue within your controller. Look at our Buttons Replacement Guide so you can get to get to your buttons for cleaning.
Parts: Xbox One Controller Action Button Gasket
Replacing the switches themselves requires replacing the main board. However, if you are able to solder and can source out a damaged board or replacement buttons, the problem can be repaired without a new board. This is cheaper but is time-consuming compared to a replacement board.
Part: Xbox One S Controller (1708) Motherboard
Tools: T6 Torx, TR8 Torx, Spudger, soldering station tweezers (recommended)
I cannot properly navigate my Xbox One.
Your thumbstick may be sticking or not rotating properly. Check out the Thumbstick Replacement Guide so you can get to your thumbsticks and clean or replace the thumbsticks.
Part: Thumbstick cover
Tools Required: TR8 Torx, Spudger
If this does not fix the problem, the thumbstick mechanism may be faulty meaning you should replace the secondary board. However, if you are comfortable with through-hole soldering the analog sticks can be replaced without a new board and frame. This is more time-consuming but it is a cheaper fix.
Part:
It is possible that you have been gaming a little too hard and one or both of your thumbsticks are bent or broken. Look at our Thumbstick Replacement Guide to see how you can get back to your hardcore gaming habits in no time.
If cleaning or replacing the thumbstick covers does not fix the problem, the thumbstick mechanism may be faulty meaning you should replace the main board. However, if you are comfortable with through-hole soldering you can replace the analog sticks without a replacement board.
When I am playing games, my controller refuses to vibrate.
Make sure your vibrations setting is enabled. This can be done in the settings of the game you are playing.
If your batteries are low, the controller may not vibrate in an effort to save the remaining battery life. Replace the batteries or charge your controller.
Parts: AA Batteries for Xbox One, High-quality USB-C cable. Legacy cables cannot be used.
Try using another controller on the game that you are playing. If the controller is still not vibrating, the game most likely does not support this option.
If you have tried everything above and your controller still refuses to vibrate, there may be something wrong with the vibration motor. Get ready to grab a screwdriver, you’re going to need it for the Trigger Rumble Motor Replacement Guide. This guide requires soldering.
Part: Xbox One controller trigger vibration motor
Tools required: T6 Torx, TR8 Torx, Spudger, soldering station tweezers (recommended)
