Gaming on your phone can be a lot more fun when you connect a controller. Xbox controllers work well with many Android games, but sometimes they won’t connect. If you are having trouble connecting your Xbox controller to your Android phone, don’t worry, you have this blog.
In this blog, we will talk about some effective fixes to help you get your Xbox controller working, so you can enjoy smooth and stress-free Android gaming.
Step 1: Check If Your Xbox Controller Has Bluetooth
Not every Xbox controller can connect through Bluetooth. Older Xbox controllers do not support it, so they will not connect wirelessly to a phone.
Here’s how to tell:
- Look at the area around the Xbox button on your controller.
- If the plastic around the button is part of the front, it has Bluetooth.
- If the plastic is part of the top (with the bumpers), it is an older model without Bluetooth.
Additionally, if your controller does not have Bluetooth, you will need to connect it using a cable and use it as a USB game controller instead.
Step 2: Turn on Bluetooth on Your Phone
To connect your Xbox controller wirelessly:
- Open your phone’s settings.
- Go to Bluetooth.
- Make sure it is turned on and the screen stays open.
- You should soon see available devices to connect with.
Step 3: Put the Controller in Pairing Mode
Here’s how to make your controller discoverable:
- Hold the Xbox button until it lights up.
- Press and hold the pairing button (small round button on the top) until the starts flashing fast.
- This means the controller is in pairing mode and ready to connect.
Step 4: Connect the Controller to Your Phone
Once the light is blinking:
- On your phone’s Bluetooth screen, find “Xbox Wireless Controller” or something similar.
- Tap it to pair.
- If it works, the light on the controller will stop flashing and stay on.
Now you are ready to play games with it!
Still Not Working? Try These Fixes
If your controller won’t connect or isn’t showing up, try the steps below.
Fix 1: Restart Your Devices
A simple restart can fix many problems:
- Turn off the controller and phone.
- Turn them back on.
- Try connecting again.
Fix 2: Forget and Reconnect
If your phone previously connected to the controller but now won’t:
- Go to Bluetooth settings.
- Tap the controller name and choose Forget or Unpair.
- Put the controller in pairing mode and try again.
Fix 3: Update the Controller Firmware
Old firmware might cause connection issues. You can update it with a PC or Xbox console:
- Plug your controller into a Windows PC or Xbox with a USB cable.
- Use the Xbox Accessories app (available from the Microsoft Store).
- Follow instructions if an update is available.
- After updating, try connecting to your Android again.
Fix 4: Check Your Android Version
Controllers work better with newer Android versions. Ideally, your phone should run Android 10 or higher.
To check:
- Open settings > About phone.
- Look at the Android version.
- If your version is older, you may need to update your phone to use Bluetooth controller properly.
Fix 5: Use a USB Game Controller Connection
If Bluetooth still won’t work, you can use your Xbox controller as a Universal Serial Bus
game controller with your phone.
You will need:
- A USB-C to USB-A adapter (also called an OTG adapter)
- A USB cable for your Xbox controller.
Steps:
- Plug the USB cable into your controller.
- Connect it to the OTG adapter, then plug it into your phone.
- Your phone should detect the controller right away.
- Many Android games support Universal Serial Bus game Controller input, so this is a great backup option.
Fix 6: Try a Different Controller or Phone
To see where the issue really is:
- Try your Xbox controller on a different Android phone.
- Or try a different controller with your phone.
- This helps figure out whether the controller or phone is the problem.
Final Tips
- Make sure your controller is charged.
- Try resetting your controller by holding the Xbox button for 10 seconds.
- Disconnect it from other devices (like your Xbox) before pairing it with your phone.
Conclusion
Connecting your Xbox controller to your Android phone should be easy, but sometimes things go wrong. Whether it is a Bluetooth problem, a pairing issue, or a compatibility glitch, the steps in this guide should help you get back to gaming fast.
And if all else fails, using your Xbox controller as a Universal Serial Bus game controller is a great alternative that works with most Android phones and games.