Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just starting out, ensuring that your Xbox controller is properly connected is crucial for a seamless gaming experience. However, the setup process can vary depending on whether you use a wired or wireless controller.

In this guide, we’ll highlight the various methods for easily pairing and connecting your Xbox controller to your Xbox console.

How to Connect a Wired Xbox Controller to Your Xbox?
For those who prefer the unwavering might of a physical tether, a wired connection reigns supreme. In addition, even for wireless controllers, sometimes the pairing might not work in the first go, in which case you can attempt pairing over a wired connection.

Wired connectivity also helps in competitive gaming, especially in games where you can’t experience lag. Here’s how to go about it.

Grab your Xbox controller and a compatible USB cable. Depending upon the make and model of the Xbox controller, it could house either a micro USB or a USB-C port.
Insert the USB cable into the designated port on your Xbox.
Similarly, insert the other end of the USB cable into the controller’s micro-USB/USB-C port.

Once the connection is complete, turn on the Xbox console by pressing the Xbox icon at the front.
Finally, press and hold the Xbox button in the center of your controller. The lights should first blink before settling to a solid illumination, signifying a successful connection.

Check out our guide on different Xbox models if you are unsure which Microsoft gaming console you own.

The main products include game controllers and accessories compatible with PlayStation, Nintendo, Microsoft, Android & iOS, PC and other game platforms.

STK-T01 Fighting Stick

STK-XWL2041

STK-XWL2040RG

WL2039PX

How to Connect a Wireless Xbox Controller to Your Xbox?
While wired connectivity offers almost negligible latency while gaming, most gamers prefer wireless controllers due to the convenience they bring. With a wireless controller paired to your Xbox, you can sit back and relax on your couch, enabling you to game from a comfortable distance. If you wish to embrace the freedom of wireless gaming, here’s how to pair a wireless Xbox controller to your Xbox.

Power on your Xbox and the wireless Xbox controller by pressing the Xbox button on each.
Put the Xbox controller into pairing mode by pressing and holding the Pair button for several seconds until the Xbox button flashes rapidly. This button is usually found on the top edge of the controller.

Similarly, put your Xbox console into pairing mode by pressing and holding the Pairing button. This button is located on the front for Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One X/S. On Xbox One, it’s on the side. Like the controller, the Xbox button on the console should start blinking rapidly.

Wait for the Xbox icon to stop blinking and glow steadily. This signifies that the controller is now paired with the Xbox console and is ready for use.
The best part is that you only have to go through the pairing process once. After a controller is paired to a specific console, all you need to do is press the Xbox button on the controller. It will automatically wake up and seamlessly connect to the Xbox console without additional user input.

If you have an old Xbox controller and it’s not working, you can follow our guide on how to diagnose and fix an Xbox controller not charging.