How to pair controller to xbox 360

Article SummaryX

1. Connect your first controller to your Xbox 360.
2. Turn on your Xbox 360 (if it isn't already on).
3. Insert batteries into your controller (if you haven't done that yet).
4. Press and hold the Xbox button on your controller.
5. Press the bind/connection button on the console.
6. Press and hold the controller's bind/sync button.

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This article explains how to connect an Xbox 360 controller to an Xbox 360, Windows PC (with Windows 10, 8.1, or 7), or a Mac.

How to Sync the Xbox 360 Controller to an Xbox 360

Syncing an Xbox 360 controller with an original Xbox 360 is, naturally, the easiest process on this list. Here's how:

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1. Turn the Xbox 360 on.

2. Turn the Xbox 360 controller on by pressing and holding the big Guide button in the center.

   
   
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3. Press the Wireless Connect button on the Xbox 360. It's located on the front of the console. You should see the light ring around the console’s power button flash and rotate.

   On the Xbox 360 E and S consoles, the Wireless Connect button is found by the controller ports. On the original Xbox 360 console, it's located near the memory card slots.

4. While the lights are still flashing, press the Sync button on the controller. It's located on the gamepad's backside, next to the wired connection. The Guide Button flashes when the syncing completes.

You'll know the controller is synchronized with the console when the LEDs around the controller’s Guide Button stop flashing and one LED stays on. The Xbox console shows a similar light, although the Xbox 360 E shows a single solid light around the power button.

How to Connect the Xbox 360 Controller to PC

If you have a wired Xbox 360 controller, you simply need to plug it into an open USB port on your PC. Windows automatically installs the necessary drivers and notifies you when the controller is ready for use.

If your PC doesn't detect the Xbox 360 controller, try plugging it into a different USB port, then test it again. If it still doesn't work, make sure Windows is fully updated. Install any updates and try again.

If you want to connect a wireless Xbox 360 controller to a Windows PC, you need a wireless receiver. Microsoft has an official one, but there are also third-party options that work just as well, though they include a couple of extra hoops to jump through. Here's how to set one up:

1. Connect the wireless receiver to a spare USB port on your PC. If you’re using the official adaptor, it should automatically launch the driver installation software. Follow the on-screen instructions, then skip to Step 7. If you’re using an unofficial adaptor, follow the steps below.

2. Use the Windows search box to look for Device Manager, then select it from the results.

3. You should see one item in the list with a small, yellow triangle, suggesting Windows doesn’t recognize the device. Right-click it and select Properties > Driver > Update Driver.

4. Select Browse my computer for driver software.

5. Select Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.

6. Scroll down the list and select Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver for Windows. Then select Next.

   
   

7. A warning message appears suggesting it can’t confirm whether the driver is compatible. If you've followed the steps correctly, it will be. Select Yes and wait for the install to complete. The light on the receiver should then change to a solid green.

8. Turn your Xbox 360 controller on by pressing and holding the central Guide button. Press the sync button on the wireless receiver, as well as on the controller. They will both blink for a few seconds, but should then connect.

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   Even years after its release, the Xbox 360 can still provide gamers with countless hours of fun. If it's been a while, however, you might need some help syncing up your Xbox 360 controller with your console.

   You can choose whether to sync or set up your Xbox 360 controller both wired or wirelessly and each option has a separate method to sync your controller to your Xbox.

   Sync Your Xbox 360 Controller to Your Console Wirelessly

   Using your Xbox 360 controller wirelessly eliminates the need for cables and is the most convenient way to set up your controller to an Xbox 360 console.

   To set up your Xbox 360 controller wirelessly, simply:

   1. Press the Power button on your Xbox 360 Console to turn it on.
   2. Press the Guide button at the center of your Xbox 360 controller, or the button resembling the Xbox logo, and a green light around the button's edges should start to flash.
   3. Now press and release the Connect button on your Xbox 360 console, and the lights around the Power button will start to flash.
      • For the original Xbox 360, the Connect button is to the right of the Memory Card Slots.
      • On the Xbox 360 E and Xbox 360 S, the Connect button is located next to the Controller Ports.
   4. While the Power button's lights are flashing, press the Sync button on the back of your Xbox 360 Controller. The Guide button should flash until it fully syncs with your console and displays a single solid light.
      • For the original Xbox 360 and Xbox 360 S, a single solid light will appear in one of the four sections of the ring around the console's Power button.
      • For Xbox 360 E consoles, a solid green light on the front of the console designates a synced controller.

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   Once your Xbox 360 controller and console are both synced, and both show solid green lights, you are ready to start using your wireless Xbox 360 controller.

   Connect Your Xbox 360 Controller to Your Console With a Cable

   Aside from a wireless connection, using a wired connection to sync your Xbox 360 controller to your console is also relatively straightforward.

   To connect your Xbox 360 Controller using a cable, simply plug in your Xbox 360 lead to the top port of the controller.

   Then plug the lead itself into one of the USB ports on the front of your console.

   As soon as you press the controller's Guide button, the controller and console will automatically sync, and you're ready to use your controller. You can also connect your Xbox controller to a PC with a cable.

   Still Unable to Sync Your Xbox 360 Controller?

   If you are still unable to connect your Xbox 360 controller to a console wirelessly or through a wired connection, you may have a physical fault with your controller or console.

   As stated on the Xbox Support page, there are three main methods of troubleshooting your Xbox 360 controller:

   1. Replacing the batteries you're using in your controller.
   2. Replacing the battery pack for your controller.
   3. Trying a rechargeable battery pack.

   Further to this, trying a wired connection in a different USB port, or changing the cable itself may also help rectify your issues with syncing your controller.

   Similarly, trying to sync your Xbox 360 controller to a different console altogether, or trying a different controller with the same console, may help identify whether it's an issue with your console or the Xbox 360 controller itself.

   If none of these methods have helped you sync your Xbox 360 controller it may be worth attempting to reset your Xbox 360.

   Use Your Newly-Synced Xbox 360 Controller

   Now you know everything you need to know about syncing your Xbox 360 controller to your console!

   With the added benefit of troubleshooting the most common issues, you should be well on your way to gaming on your Xbox 360.

   Why is my controller not connecting to my Xbox 360?

   This may mean one of the following: The Xbox 360 Wireless Controller batteries are weak, or the Xbox 360 Rechargeable Battery Pack needs recharging. Another wireless device, such as a microwave oven, a cordless phone, or a wireless router, is causing interference. Four controllers are already connected to the console.

   Where is the pair button on Xbox 360?

   For the original Xbox 360, the Connect button is to the right of the Memory Card Slots. On the Xbox 360 E and Xbox 360 S, the Connect button is located next to the Controller Ports.

   Can you connect a Bluetooth controller to Xbox 360?

   The Xbox 360 controller uses a proprietary wireless protocol, and NOT Bluetooth.

   How do I put my Xbox controller in pairing mode?

   Turn on your controller by pressing the Xbox button . Press the controller's Pair button  for 3 seconds and release. On your Android device, open Bluetooth by going to Apps > Settings > Connected devices > Pair new device. Your phone will show a list of nearby Bluetooth devices that are available for pairing.