The sync button on your Xbox One or Xbox Series console makes it easy to connect a new controller to the console. However, sometimes, the sync button method doesn’t work for no apparent reason.
Note: This is a guide for connection issues with an Xbox controller. If you want to connect your controller to a PC, follow our Xbox Controller PC Troubleshooting guide.
How Syncing Normally Works
Before we look at common troubleshooting for sync button issues, it’s a good idea to go over the standard wireless syncing procedure so you know the problem isn’t a missed step:
- Turn on your console.
- Turn on your controller by pressing the big Xbox button in the middle of the pad. It should light up.
- Press and release the Pair/Sync button on the Xbox.
- Within 20 seconds press and hold the Pair/Sync button on your Xbox controller. The Xbox button should start flashing.
If syncing has worked correctly, the Xbox button should stop flashing and stay lit. When you press buttons or move the sticks on the controller, the Xbox should now respond.
If you aren’t sure where your console’s Pair/Sync button is, here’s a quick guide:
- When the Xbox Series X console is in its vertical orientation, the button is right above the front USB port.
- On Series S, it’s in the same place.
- On all Xbox One consoles except the original, the button is on the front-right of the console when it’s horizontal.
- On the original launch model, the button is around the corner, to the left of the disc slot.
Great, now that you know how it’s supposed to work, and it’s still not working, let’s look at how to fix the issue.
Just Use a USB Cable
You don’t have to sync your Xbox controller with your console wirelessly. You can simply use a USB cable instead. We confirmed this using a USB-C to USB-A cable, an Xbox Series controller, and a Series S console.
Once the console is powered on, even at the profile selection screen, you can plug the controller into any free USB port, and it should start working immediately. This is handy when your batteries are dead, too.
If the controller isn’t paired with the Xbox, it will flash a few times when you unplug it and instantly connect. Job’s done! Now, wasn’t that easy?
If you don’t want to or can’t use the USB cable method, let’s move on to troubleshooting wireless pairing.
Check the Controller Batteries
It may seem silly, but your controller batteries could be the problem. In our experience, even when the batteries are dead, an Xbox controller will still turn on for a few seconds.
This may look like it’s failing to sync, but it’s actually turning off before it has a chance to connect.
So put in some fresh batteries or ensure they are fully charged if you’re using a play-and-charge kit or rechargeable AAs.
Power Cycle Your Xbox
When you “turn off” your Xbox, it only goes into a suspended mode. Otherwise, it couldn’t wake up wirelessly from you turning on your controller. So sometimes, it’s necessary to properly “power cycle” the console to get rid of transient bugs.
This is a simple process; simply hold the console’s power button until it switches off. Then, unplug the console and leave it for a few minutes. Plug it in again, turn it on, and try pairing your controller again.
Reduce Interference
While it’s pretty rare, radio interference could cause your syncing issues. If there’s a lot of interference in the same frequency range as your controllers use, it could prevent that handshake from working.
Even if you use the USB cable method to pair your controllers in this situation, the controller’s performance will likely be poor. So ensure that not many Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices are blasting data at full speed close to either the controller or console. Even a leaky microwave oven could be the issue, but you only have to turn it off to solve it.
Try Your Controller With Another Device
It’s easy to assume that your console is the problem when the issue could actually be with your controller. Luckily, Xbox One and Xbox Series controllers are compatible with a wide variety of devices, including iPhones, iPads, PCs, Android devices, and more.
To ensure that your controller is actually working correctly, connect it using Bluetooth to any other devices or even to a different Xbox if you have access to one. If the controller works correctly everywhere else, then you know the problem is with your console. The controller must be checked for problems or replaced if it doesn’t want to pair anywhere.
Update Your Controller and Console
One potential reason for this issue might be related to the firmware in your controller or your Xbox’s software. So make sure that both devices are up to date. Of course, you need to connect your controller to the console via USB.
To update your console, press the Xbox button on the controller, then go to Profile & system > Settings > System > Updates & downloads > Update console.
To update your controllers, go to Profile & system > Settings > Devices & connections > Controllers & headsets, then select the controller you want to update.
Assuming the updates are successful, you can try again to see if the issue is resolved.
Get in Touch With Xbox Support
If nothing you’ve tried above seems to help, contact Xbox support if your controller console is still under warranty. If not, you may want to get in touch with an accredited repair shop if they issue us with your Xbox.
If the issue is with your controller, it’s rarely worth repairing. Instead, consider this an opportunity to upgrade to an Xbox Elite controller or one of the many excellent third-party controllers on the market. At the very least, you can get the same controller but in one of the many colors and designs that are now available.