Learn how to connect a wireless or wired controller to your Xbox 360 console.
Connect a wireless Xbox controller
- Turn on your console.
- Press and hold the Guide button on the controller until the controller turns on.
- Press and release the connect button on the console.
Xbox 360 E console
Xbox 360 S console
Original Xbox 360 console
- Within 20 seconds, press and release the connect button on the controller.
- When the lights surrounding the power button on the console stop flashing, the controller is connected.
On the Xbox 360 S console, each connected controller is assigned to one of four positions. Each position corresponds to a lighted section around the console power button and the controller Guide button. On the 360 E console, a solid green light on the front of the console indicates that the controller is connected. To determine the player position associated with your accessory, look at the ring of light that surrounds the Guide button on the controller.
If the controller does not turn on, check the batteries. Insert fresh AA batteries, making sure they are correctly positioned in the battery case.
You can also use the Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit or the Xbox 360 Quick Charge Kit to power the controller.
Learn more about Xbox controllers and chargers.
To connect additional controllers, follow these same steps again. You can connect up to four controllers to the console. Each connected controller is assigned a position that corresponds with the lighted sections that appear around the console's power button and around the Guide button located in the middle of each controller.
- To disconnect a wireless controller, press and hold the Guide button for three seconds, and then choose to turn the controller off.
- When you turn off the console, the controller will reconnect the next time you turn on the console.
- The controller can be connected to only one console at a time. You can connect the controller to a different console, but the connection to the previously connected console will be lost.
Connect a wired Xbox controller
Plug the Xbox 360 Wired Controller into a USB port on the Xbox 360 console. There are two USB ports on the front of the console. To disconnect the controller, pull on the connector, not the cable.
The cable on the Xbox 360 Wired Controller has an inline release. The inline release on the controller cable is a safety feature designed to reduce the chance of the Xbox 360 console falling if the cable is pulled.
Wireless controller troubleshooting
If your wireless controller disconnects or cannot connect to your console, see
Xbox 360 Wireless Controller disconnects or can't connect.
If your wireless controller does not turn on or loses power, try the following solutions:
Solution 1: Replace the batteries
Insert a new set of AA alkaline batteries into the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, and then try to turn it on.
Solution 2: Try a different battery pack
If you have another Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, take the battery pack off that controller and attach it to your controller. Then try to turn your controller on.
If your controller works with the different battery pack, your original battery pack might be defective. If your controller is under warranty, you can order a replacement battery pack from Xbox Support . See the Assistance section at the bottom of this page for more information.
If your controller is out of warranty, you can buy a new battery pack from a
retail store.
Solution 3: Try a rechargeable battery packIf you or a friend has an Xbox 360 Rechargeable Battery Pack, attach that battery pack to your controller and try to use your controller. If your controller works with the rechargeable battery pack attached, you can buy a new battery pack from a
retail store or order a replacement battery pack from Xbox Support. See the Assistance section at the bottom of this page for more information.
Im super mad because this is happening to me too. And I dont want to buy a new wireless contoller.
I'm so angry!!! it pisses me off so much!! i've thrown my controller across the room so many times out of anger and rage!! its happening with both my wireless controllers!!!!! **RAGING** They never connect for longer than like 30 seconds. i've tried re-syncing them, but they don't even sync up anymore!!!
I bought a used or refurb system. Go too hook up controller and all four lights flash on the controller. Press the sync button on console, then hold the sync button on controller...Nothing. I have search threads everywhere no solutions. I have done it all. Even called tech support. They say is console or controller. No other systems to check my controller on and no money to buy new controller. I just want the one I have to work.
My controller will not connect to the console. I can power on my console by pressing the button on the wireless controller. When I turn the console off, the controller turns off also. But when I try to connect the console to the control, both light rings rotate, but nothing connects, and the controller just continues to flash. I even borrowed a friends controller, and it did the same exact thing. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
hi,
I have the same prob! I try the sync millions of time and i still can't get the controller to connect!!!!!!!!!!!!!! someonePLEASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSE HELP ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gees everyone is having this problem. Anyway one of my controllers is working okay until i do a specific action and then my controller shuts off. "Please reconnect your controller". That is what i get and it is pissing me off. AND THE OTHER ONE DOESNT WORK AT ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Seriously if anyone has a solution to this please tell. OTHERWISE i might break my 360 and really dont want that to happen.
Exact same problem here. Brand new XBOX 360 Pro, and the charge and play kit. That gray cable that comes with it. The controller itself works great. Just the cable does not want to keep it charged. I saw the red light turn on ONCE. The first time I charged it. Never again have I seen the red light on the charge cord light up. It flickers quickly after connecting, then doesn't turn on. However, it keeps the controller working. Also, the controller always shows the flashing lights alternating on the middle X button. Then resumes normal first position light. Then back to flashing X. Then back to normal. Cuts out, I hold it down again, keeps going. I can do this for 5 hours or so, and it keeps playing [all the time, unplugged], until eventually it dies and I DO have to plug it in. I'm thinking I'll just buy a charge cradle and rechargable batteries. My best friend seems to have luck with those, this cable just doesn't seem to be doing it. No idea why.
i just put brand new duracell batteries in mines but still wont connect,help please ---------------------
damn circle just keeps flashing
Same here Ive had it for a good year now and it wont connect plus i dont want to call Microsoft.
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