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Check Out These Quick Fixes for An Undetected Xbox Controller
Give a try to these quick methods now
8 min. read
Updated onAugust 1, 2024
updated onAugust 1, 2024
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To fix various driver issues on your PC, you will need a dedicated tool to find the freshest and the original drivers. You can use PC HelpSoft Driver Updater to do it in 3 easy steps:
Any gamer knows without the Xbox controller, the gaming experience would never have been the same.
So, if your Xboxcontrollercannot connect or maintain a steady connection to your Xbox console, the messagePlease reconnectcontrollerappears to ruin your day. It can mean one of a few things:
If you’re having challenges with the Xboxcontrollernot connecting or whether it’s detected at all, try out some of the known solutions below.
What can I do ifXbox Onecontrolleris detected but not working?
1. Restart your Xbox console
Turn off yourXboxand wait about two minutes before turning it on again. If the problem persists, try the next solution.
2. Make sure your system meets the requirements for Xbox Controllers for Windows
Check the following:
3. Update Xbox controller device drivers
Go to the Xbox controller for Windows and download its latestdrivers, including critical and/or important updates to Windows, by running aWindows Update.
How to run aWindows Update:
In terms of device drivers, you are able to manage them correctly and update each driver with the latest version to fully optimize your PC and its devices with the help ofPC HelpSoft Driver Updater.
4. Use a powered USB port
If yourcontrolleris not working correctly, change it to a different, powered USB port. Unpowered ports may not provide enough power needed for thecontroller.
Do the following:
ForWindows 7or earlier versions of Windows, use Device Manager to troubleshoot the problems. A conflict is marked with a yellow exclamation point.
Do the following:
To resolve controller issues under Device Manager, do the following:
5. Use a wireless gaming receiver
If you’re experiencing trouble with your Xbox controller, the issue could be a wireless connection because thecontrollerconnects over wireless.
The Play and Charge kit only connects to the actual battery, so you’ll need anXbox 360Wireless Gaming Receiverto connect your existing wireless controller.
Ensure the battery pack is correctly connected to yourcontrollerand plugged into one of the USB ports on your Xbox console.
6. Replace batteries or recharge the battery pack
If you don’t have a rechargeable battery pack, get fresh AA batteries and insert them like so:
If you have a Rechargeable Battery Pack, do the following:
7. Check the USB ports on your Xbox console
If the ports work, but you still experience connection problems with your Xbox controller, try the next solution.
8. Turn off vibration feedback on the Xbox controller
TheXboxcontrollertakes longer to charge, draining the battery pack faster.
If you get vibration feedback while charging, here’s how to turn it off:
9. Test with a different Xbox controller
If you can get another controller, try to see if it works. If it does, then your otherXboxcontroller– the one that cannot connect – is faulty. If not, there’s probably an issue with yourXboxconsole.
Using a differentXboxcontrollerwill help you know whether the issue is with your owncontrolleror yourXboxconsole.
10. Reorganize your play space or move the Xbox console to a different place
If you’re using multipleXboxcontrollersand this issue comes up, try to rearrange your play space or move yourXboxconsole to a different location. Since thecontrollerworks within 10 meters of yourXboxconsole, it’s essential to be aware of any objects placed between the two devices.
As such, it’s essential to may reduce this range by being aware of all objects, but especially those that use wireless technology that can cause interference.
Remove or relocate objects or devices like microwave ovens, cordlessphones, wireless routers, metal dividers, shelves, doors, entertainment center cabinets, or chrome faceplates.
11. Resync the Xbox controller with the Xbox console
Your controller may have lost connection to the console. You can reconnect either with the console’s connect button or by using a USB-to-micro USB cable.
How to connect yourcontrollerusing the console’s connect button:
How to connect yourcontrollerusing a USB-to-micro USB-cable?
If you have a micro-USB cable or the Play and Charge kit, connect yourcontrollerto your console by connecting the cable between the two devices. Thecontrolleralso acts as a wiredcontrollerwithout inserting batteries.
12. Disconnect controllers and headsets
If all the lights around the power button are green and thecontrollerhas four green flashing lights, then thecontrollersare connected to the console.
Do the following:
13. Test the controller on an Xbox 360 console
To eliminate hardware issues, try thecontrolleron anXbox 360console. If the problem persists, contact Xbox Support.
14. Replace your Xbox controller
If you cannot completely resolve the issue, you can get a replacement from theDevice Center. Select yourXbox console, selectAccessoriesfrom the list, and then register your console (if you’ve not done so already).
Besides, if thecontroller only works in Steamand not other games, disable Steam input to get things running!
Let us know in the comments section if you have any further queries.
More about the topics:xbox one,Xbox One issues
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
