You can connect an Xbox Wireless Controller to an Xbox console, Windows PC, or compatible Android phone or iPhone using the method supported by your controller: console pairing, Bluetooth, an Xbox Wireless receiver, or a USB cable. The steps vary by device, and not every older Xbox controller has Bluetooth.
Choose a connection method
| Device | Connection options | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One | Xbox Wireless pairing | Use the console and controller pairing controls; consult the instructions for your console model for the exact sequence. |
| Windows PC | Bluetooth, Xbox Wireless receiver, or USB cable | Bluetooth requires a Bluetooth-capable controller and PC. A receiver is needed for the Xbox Wireless route. For USB, match the cable to the controller port and PC. |
| Android phone or iPhone | Bluetooth | Both the controller generation and phone software must support the connection. |
Xbox lists its current Xbox Wireless Controller as compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Android, and iOS, with Bluetooth support. That does not mean every older Xbox controller includes Bluetooth.
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Pair the controller with an Xbox console
- Turn on the Xbox console and controller.
- Use the pairing controls on the console and controller to connect them. The exact button location and sequence depend on the console model; follow the instructions for your Xbox on Xbox Support.
If the controller does not connect, check that it is the right model for the console and repeat the model-specific pairing process. Avoid relying on a button location or timing from a different Xbox generation.
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Microsoft documents three options: Bluetooth, Xbox Wireless using a compatible receiver, and USB. Windows labels can vary by version. The Microsoft Windows guide covers the PC connection methods.
#1 Best Overall
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Bluetooth
- Turn on the controller.
- Hold the controller’s Pair button until the Xbox icon flashes, indicating it is searching.
- Open Bluetooth settings on the PC, choose the option to add a Bluetooth device, and select Xbox Wireless Controller when it appears.
If it does not appear, first verify that your controller supports Bluetooth. Keep the Bluetooth device list open while the controller is searching.
Xbox Wireless receiver
- Plug a compatible Xbox Wireless receiver into the PC.
- Use the pairing controls on the receiver and controller to connect them.
This method uses Xbox Wireless rather than the PC’s Bluetooth connection. Check receiver and controller compatibility before buying or using an adapter. Xbox has a dedicated Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows support page.
Rank #2
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
USB cable
Connect the controller directly to the PC with a compatible USB cable. Match the cable connector to the port on your particular controller and to an available PC port. Xbox offers a controller bundle with a USB-C cable, but controller generations do not all use the same connector; do not assume USB-C fits yours.
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For a Bluetooth-capable controller, use the phone’s Bluetooth settings:
Rank #3
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
- Turn on Bluetooth in the phone’s settings.
- Put the controller in pairing mode using its Pair button.
- When the controller appears in the available-device list, select it.
Phone menu names vary by model and software version. If the controller is not listed, check its Bluetooth capability and consult Xbox Support’s Bluetooth troubleshooting guide. Compatibility with a phone does not guarantee that every mobile game supports a controller.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Switch between an Xbox and a Bluetooth device
Some controllers can switch between a remembered Xbox Wireless host and a remembered Bluetooth host with a double tap of the Pair button. Xbox Wire described this feature on September 8, 2021, for specified Xbox One Bluetooth controllers, Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, and Xbox Adaptive Controllers after a firmware update: Xbox controller firmware update details.
Rank #4
- BREAKER SERIES — Hold nothing back. Ice Breaker keeps it forever fresh with a mix of iced and frosted blues. Part of the collective debut of the Breaker special edition series.
- BOLD STYLE, BUILT TO PERFORM — Define your swagger with a wild, head-turning design. Stay elegantly on target with textured triggers built for every moment.
- RUBBERIZED GRIPS — Hold on to the action with rubberized grips on the back cases, designed for comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- UP TO 40 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 40 hours of battery life so you can keep playing without stopping to recharge.
- PLAY ACROSS EVERY SCREEN — Quickly pair with, play on, and switch between devices including console and PC. Stream games across mobile, gaming handhelds, Smart TVs, and supported VR headsets with XBOX Cloud Gaming.
This behavior is limited to supported models and firmware; it is not a universal feature of every Xbox controller. Check current Xbox firmware guidance for your controller before relying on it.
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Best Value
- Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
- TMR Sticks: The G7 Pro features GameSir's Mag-Res TMR sticks, combining Hall Effect durability with traditional potentiometer performance. This advanced technology delivers stable polling rates for smooth, drift-free gaming with low power consumption.
- Hall Effect Analog Triggers: The GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unmatched smoothness and linear input for precise control. Featuring clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, gamers can easily switch based on their preferences.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
- GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.
If the controller will not connect
- It does not show up in Bluetooth settings: Confirm that the controller supports Bluetooth, then put it back into pairing mode and keep the device list open while the Xbox icon flashes.
- PC Bluetooth pairing fails: Try another supported route, such as USB or a compatible Xbox Wireless receiver. Microsoft notes that updating controller firmware may help with PC connection issues.
- A cable connection does not work: Confirm that the cable fits the controller and PC. If the wired connection still fails, try Bluetooth or a compatible receiver where supported.
- Console pairing fails: Follow the instructions for your specific Xbox model rather than assuming another console’s button sequence applies.
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