Use your Xbox Wireless Controller on Samsung Gear VR

With the release of the Xbox One November update in 2016, you can use your Bluetooth-capable Xbox Wireless Controller to play games on the Samsung Gear VR, Powered by Oculus.

Before you start, make sure your Xbox Wireless Controller is Bluetooth-compatible and has the latest update. See the Troubleshooting section below for more information.

Connect your controller to the Android device you’re using in the Samsung Gear VR:

1. Turn on your Xbox Wireless Controller and the Android device.
2. Press and hold the Bind button for 3 seconds and release.

3. On your Android device, go to Settings > Bluetooth.
4. Turn on Bluetooth and select Scan.
5. Select Xbox Wireless Controller from available devices. Your device should now show as paired under Paired devices.
6. Connect your phone to the Samsung Gear VR and confirm Bluetooth is switched on.
7. Press and hold the Back button.
8. Select Settings > Bluetooth.

If your controller is connected but not working in the game, install the latest updates from the game publisher.

Bluetooth notes

• The Xbox Wireless controller does not support any attachments, such as headsets, Xbox Chatpad, or the Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter, while connected via Bluetooth.
• Using an Android device to update your Xbox Wireless Controller is not supported.
• Getting the latest controller update requires a PC running the Windows 10 Anniversary Update or later. See Windows Update: FAQ to learn how to get the latest Windows update.
• The Xbox Accessories app is only available on Windows 10.
• Updating your Xbox Wireless Controller firmware over Bluetooth is not supported.
• Using an Android device to update your Xbox Wireless Controller is not supported.

Make sure your Xbox Wireless Controller is Bluetooth-compatible

If you’re not sure, look at the plastic around the Xbox button. On Bluetooth-supported controllers, the plastic surrounding the Xbox button is part of the face of the controller. On controllers without Bluetooth, the plastic is part of the top, where the bumpers are. Your controller has the Bluetooth feature if it looks like the one on the bottom in this illustration.

Get the latest Xbox Wireless Controller update

Follow any one of the three options below to update your Xbox Wireless Controller.

Make sure your Android device, operating system, and game are supported

*Go to set up your Samsung Gear VR for information on setting up your device.

I have a question or need help with my Samsung device

Go to Samsung Support for help with your Samsung device.

I need help buying, downloading, installing, or updating games

Go to Oculus Support.

I have a question or issue about playing a game

Go to the game publisher’s site for support.

I have questions about or need help with my Xbox Wireless Controller. What should I do?

Follow the steps above to make sure you’re set up properly. If that doesn’t fix the issue, go to Standard Xbox One Wireless Controller for “how to” and troubleshooting information.

If the technology that makes this work is Bluetooth, does that mean you can pair an Xbox Wireless Controller with any Bluetooth-enabled device?

Right now, only select Samsung Galaxy devices are supported. In some cases, you may be able to pair and use the controller on other devices, but with limited functionality. We are actively exploring the supportability of the controller on additional devices via Bluetooth.

What games are supported?

This will work with all controller-compatible games on Samsung Gear VR. To see if your game is compatible with controllers, check the app description page on the Oculus Store.