Here’s how to sync an Xbox One controller with your console

XBOX One controllers have been praised as one of the most comfortable controllers on the market.

Syncing them with your Xbox One console is usually a straightforward experience, but sometimes it goes wrong.

Credit: Jeramey Lende / Alamy Stock Photo

Thankfully, fixing any issues that arise is a very simple and quick process, so you should be up and running in no time.

Here’s everything you need to know about syncing your Xbox One controller to your Xbox console.

How to sync an Xbox One controller 

To sync a wireless controller with your Xbox One, first turn on your controller by holding the Xbox button until it flashes.

After that, hold the sync button on your Xbox console, which looks like three parentheses: (((. 

Then, simply hold the same pair button on your Xbox controller until the Xbox light starts flashing rapidly.

The Xbox controller should then pair automatically with the console, after which the Xbox light on the controller will become solid. 

Why is my Xbox One controller flashing and not connecting? 

If your Xbox One controller is flashing, but not connected, it may not be in pairing mode. 

To fix this, simply hold the sync button on your console, then on your controller, which should put both into pairing mode.

If the controller still won’t sync, try plugging the controller into the Xbox with a cable, which can sometimes help the process along.

If it still won’t connect, try replacing the controller’s batteries and restarting the console, then try syncing it again.

Why isn’t my Xbox controller syncing to my Xbox?

Sometimes, an Xbox controller won’t sync to your Xbox because it’s low on battery, or because the console is out of range.

Try replacing the batteries on your controller, restarting the console, or moving closer to the console when trying to sync. 

Sometimes, there are issues with syncing Xbox One controllers with Xbox Series consoles, and vice versa, but most of the time, they will work fine.

If your Xbox controller still isn’t syncing with your Xbox console, you may have a faulty controller, and should contact Xbox Support. 

And if you just got your new console, check out our Xbox Series X|S setup tips.

Written by Oliver Brandt on behalf of GLHF.