Troubleshoot your Xbox One Wireless Controller

Check out the video or the following topics to fix your controller.

Watch the video Troubleshoot controller disconnects on Xbox One. Note This video is available in English only.

Whether you can’t connect, or your controller won’t stay connected, the following suggestions might help.

If you’re having problems with controller buttons, see Troubleshoot buttons on Xbox One controllers.

Count your connected controllers

If eight wireless controllers are already connected, you can’t connect another one until you disconnect one.

Wake up your controller

The Xbox One Wireless Controller turns off after 15 minutes of inactivity. To turn it back on, press and hold the Xbox button  until it lights up.

Check the battery

Tap the Xbox button  and select Home, then check the battery icon in the upper-right corner of the screen. If it's low, replace the batteries (if your controller uses AA batteries) or charge the battery (if you have the Xbox One Play & Charge Kit).

Note The controller may have enough power to turn back on briefly, but until the batteries are replaced, it won’t stay on long. Check the battery level of your controller by viewing the battery indicator on the Home screen.

Move closer to your Xbox

The range for wireless controllers is 19-28 ft (6-9 m), but things like walls and interference from other wireless devices can reduce the range. Range may also be reduced if your Xbox faces away from you or sits in a cabinet. Make sure your controller is pointed at the front of your Xbox.

Remove objects between controller and Xbox

Check the space between you and the Xbox for things that might interfere with your controller’s wireless signal (laptops, microwave ovens, cordless phones, wireless routers, metal dividers, shelves, doors, and so on).

Power cycle your Xbox

To power cycle your Xbox, press and hold the Xbox button on the front of the console for 10 seconds, until the console shuts off. Then, turn it back on.

Reconnect your controller

Press and hold the connect button on the top of the controller (between the bumpers to the left) until the Xbox button flashes.

Then, press the connect button on the console:

• On the Xbox One X and Xbox One S, the connect button is on the front right, below the power button.
• On the original Xbox One, the connect button is a circular button on the side, around the corner from the disc tray.

Connect a USB cable

You can also reconnect by using a USB to micro-USB cable. Plug the micro-USB end into the top of the controller, and the USB end into the USB slot on the side or back of the Xbox.

For more info, see Connect a wireless Xbox One controller to your console.

Note If your controller connects when using a USB cable but doesn't stay connected after removing the cable, reconnect the cable and see if there’s an update available for your controller (see Update your controller).

If the controller is current and doesn't stay connected even when you use the USB cable, replace your controller (see Replace your controller).

Update your controller

Double-tap the Xbox button to open the guide, then select System > Settings > Kinect & devices > Devices & accessories. Choose the “…” and check the Firmware version. If it says there’s no update available, your controller is current. If it says “Update,” follow the steps.

If you can’t complete a needed update, see Troubleshoot update issues with your Xbox One Controller.

Remove accessories from your Xbox

Some USB devices, including insufficient USB cables, can interfere with wireless signals. Unplug all USB devices connected to your Xbox (wireless hardware, external hard drives, other wired controllers, keyboards, and so on). Restart your Xbox (see Restart your Xbox) and try the controller again.

Try a different controller

If you have another controller, see if it also disconnects. Make sure the battery is fully charged and then play for a while to test it.

If the second controller works, you may need to replace the first controller. Go to Device service and repair, sign in with your Microsoft account, then select Replace an accessory. If both controllers disconnect often, your console may need service. Go to Device service and repair, sign in with your Microsoft account, register your Xbox if it doesn’t already appear there, then select Request repair.

For more info, see Getting your Xbox console or Kinect sensor serviced.

Replace your controller

If the previous solutions didn't get your controller connected to the console, your controller needs to be replaced.

1. Go to Device Support, sign in with your Microsoft account, register your Xbox if it doesn’t already appear there.
2. Select your registered console, choose Start a Service Order, and then follow the steps.

Repair or warranty questions? See Microsoft Complete for Xbox One with Accidental Damage Coverage.