Xbox One Controller Won't Connect to Console

If your controller isn't being recognized by your Xbox One console, the below solutions should provide a fix. Read on to get back to gaming!

If your controller does not connect to your console or it frequently loses connection then you may need to replace the batteries in your controller or recharge the battery pack.

Note:

1. If the batteries in the controller are low then you may have only partial functionality, such as the vibration not working. This is a function of the controller to extend battery life and full functionality will return when the batteries are replaced or the battery pack is recharged.

2. If the batteries are low then the controller may have enough power to turn back on for a short period of time, but it will not stay on for long until the batteries are replaced or recharged.

3. Your wireless controller will function as a wired controller when it is plugged into the console with a USB-to-micro-USB cable. It can also be used in this capacity without batteries or a battery pack in the controller.

Xbox One controllers are designed to operate within 30 feet (9.1 meters) of the console. Be sure that you are within this range while trying to use your controller or the controller may lose connection.

Note: Other factors such as walls or wireless interference may also affect this range.

Check to see if there is another wireless device nearby such as a cordless phone or wireless router, or if there are metallic objects such as shelves in between the console and the controller. These objects may cause interference with the controller's wireless connection to the console.

If there are already eight controllers connected to the Xbox One then you will not be able to connect an additional controller.

If the controller still does not connect to the Xbox One then you should do a hard reset:

1. While the Xbox is on, press and hold the power button for five seconds and the console will power down.

2. Wait 30 seconds then press the power button to turn the device back on.

3. Check to see if the controller connects to the console.

If the controller still does not connect then you can try to connect it to the console again:

1. Turn on both the Xbox One and the wireless controller.

2. Hold down the wireless connect button on the top of the controller until the Xbox button flashes.

3. Release the button then hold it down again. The light on the controller should stay on, indicating a connection to the console.

If a specific controller still does not connect, but others successfully connect to the console, then you may need to replace your controller.

If you cannot connect any controllers to your Xbox One then the Xbox hardware may be the issue and you can replace the WiFi board.