Need to know how to pair an Xbox Series X controller with your new Xbox Series X console? The process is very simple and requires only a few button presses to line up, which will get you started playing as soon as possible. However, if you prefer wired connections, you can use that too, provided you have yourself a USB to USB-C cable. Thanks to Bluetooth, the Xbox Wireless Controller can connect to many other devices besides just the Xbox Series X and S; so if you are not a mouse and you may also want to know how to pair it with your computer. Keyboard fan or mobile device for Game Pass, remote play, and even Cloud Gaming. If you got your new console for a great Xbox Series X price, here’s what you need to know about pairing the Xbox Series X controller with your Xbox Series X console and various other gaming devices.
- Pairing the Xbox Series X controller with an Xbox Series X or S
- Pairing an Xbox Series X controller with a PC
- Pairing an Xbox Series X controller with an Android device
- Pairing the Xbox Series X controller with an iOS device
How to pair Xbox Series X controller with Xbox Series X or S
If you’ve previously paired an Xbox Wireless Controller with an Xbox One console, this process will look familiar as it remains the same. Start by inserting the batteries or battery pack into your Xbox Series X controller, then press and hold the Xbox button until it lights up. Then press the Pair button on the front of your Xbox Series X or S console located above the USB port. Then, within 20 seconds, press and hold the Pair button on your Xbox Series X controller (this is the small one near the USB-C port and between the LB and RB) until the Xbox button starts flashing. This will indicate it is searching for your console and the Xbox button should stay lit shortly after to confirm it is connected.
If you’re having trouble pairing your Xbox Series X controller with your console this way, you can instead use the USB-C cable to connect directly to your Xbox Series X or S; this should create the link automatically. Note that Xbox Series X controller and accessory compatibility works on many older devices; so you don’t need to have the latest game controller to do this.
How to pair an Xbox Series X controller with a PC
To pair an Xbox Series X controller with a PC, first make sure your PC and controller have the latest updates. Press the Xbox button on your controller to turn it on, then press and hold the Pair button for 3 seconds before releasing it. Then, on your PC, navigate to: Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is turned on, then select Add Bluetooth or another device. Click Bluetooth on the Add device screen, then wait until Xbox Wireless Controller shows up in the device list and you’re good to go.
As with the Xbox Series X console, connecting your controller to your computer with a USB to USB-C cable also works, allowing you to play computer games with a wired controller.
How to pair an Xbox Series X controller with an Android device
To pair an Xbox Series X controller with an Android device, make sure your controller has the latest updates and your Android device is running the latest OS version. Press the Xbox button to turn on your controller, then press and hold the Pair button and release after 3 seconds. Then, on your Android device, navigate to: Apps > Settings > Connections > Bluetooth > Turn on, then check the list of available Bluetooth devices and select Xbox Wireless Controller. Wait until Connected displays under Xbox Wireless Controller, then you’re ready. While you’re on your phone, why not also learn how to set up the Xbox mobile app.
How to pair an Xbox Series X controller with an iOS device
To pair an Xbox Series X controller with an iOS device, make sure your controller has the latest updates and your iOS device is on the latest operating system version. First, on your iOS device, navigate to: Settings > Bluetooth and make sure it’s turned on. Then press the Xbox button to turn on your controller if it’s not paired with an Xbox, in which case you should leave it off. Hold and release the Pair button for 3 seconds, then check the Bluetooth device list on your iOS device and select Xbox Wireless Controller. Wait until the devices show as paired, then you’re done.
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