Did you know that you can use your Xbox controller with a PC, Mac, smartphone and more? Microsoft controllers work wirelessly with a range of additional devices – no cables required.
You can pair your Xbox controller with more than just an Xbox.
How to connect your controller to an Xbox
To pair a new controller with your Xbox Series X or S, or an older Xbox One console (including One S and One X), you need to put two AA batteries or a rechargeable battery in the controller. Microsoft offers a set of disposable batteries in the box, but you can get a play and charge kit for about $ 20.
Press the power button on the front to turn on your Xbox console. Find and press the connect button on your console; on Xbox Series X and S, it’s the small round button next to the front USB ports, as shown below.
On an Xbox One X or S, the power button is on the front of the console, near the USB port on the right, as shown below.
On an original Xbox One, you will find the connect button on the left side of the console near the optical disc drive.
Now press the clutch button and hold it along the top edge of your controller, just above the battery compartment. You do not even have to turn on the controller. Press and hold the pair button until the Xbox logo on the controller starts flashing quickly.
If the Xbox logo stops flashing and stays solid, your controller is connected. If you experience problems, make sure your console was in pairing mode.
You should now be able to control the Xbox interface with your new controller.
Connect your controller to a PC, Mac and more
You can also pair your controller with other devices via a standard Bluetooth connection. The process is similar to pairing with an Xbox, but you will probably need to customize a few steps, depending on the device.
Generally, press and hold the connect button along the top edge near the battery compartment to connect your controller to another device. You will know that your controller is in pairing mode when the Xbox logo flashes quickly.
You now have 20 seconds to connect your controller to the device you want to use. Open the Bluetooth interface on the device and then select the controller. It must be connected immediately if it is compatible.
You need to do this if you want to play Xbox games on your smartphone. Note that the Xbox Series X and S controller are not currently compatible with the iPhone or iPad, so they will refuse to connect.
Microsoft has promised that a future update will add support for Apple devices, but you will need to connect your administrator to an Xbox to apply the update.
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Xbox One and Series X and S controllers only
You will now be able to connect your Xbox One or Xbox Series X and S controllers to any compatible console, computer or smartphone.
If you have an older Xbox 360 wireless controller, you will need the Microsoft Wireless Receiver, which is difficult to connect your controller to a computer. Wired Xbox 360 controllers are plug-and-play via USB.
Are you considering jumping to an Xbox Series X or S? Read everything you need to know about the next generation Xbox before you buy it.