How to Connect an Xbox One Controller to an Xbox One

Written by Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: April 5, 2024

There are two ways you can connect your controller to your Xbox: wirelessly or wired via a USB to Micro-USB cable. This wikiHow will teach you how to connect your Xbox Controller to your Xbox One using both methods.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Connecting Wirelessly

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You'll see the power button on the right side of the unit if you have it positioned horizontally.
2
Insert batteries into your controller. Some models of the Xbox remote, like the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 and the Xbox Adaptive Controller have built-in batteries and come with a USB-C cable for charging. Other models of Xbox controllers require AA batteries or rechargeable batteries to work.^{[1]
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- You can get an Xbox One Play & Charge Kit that comes with a rechargeable battery and charging cable.^{[2]
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3
Press and hold the Xbox button on your controller. This is the large circular button centered in your controller with the Xbox logo.
- The button should flash to indicate that it's unpaired and looking for something to connect with.
- You can release the Xbox button on your controller when the button is flashing.
4
Press the bind button on the console. If your Xbox One X or Xbox One S is horizontally positioned, you'll see this button on the right side of the unit's face, below the power button.
- If you have an original Xbox One, the bind button is a circular button on the side, around the edge of the unit from the disc tray.
5
Press and hold the controller's bind/sync button. This is the circular button on top of the controller (not the Xbox button).
- Release this button when you see the Xbox button flash a few more times.
- When the Xbox button remains lit, your controller is connected to your console.^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Connecting via a USB to Micro-USB Cable

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1
Connect the micro-USB end of the cable to your remote. If you have an Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 or an Xbox Adaptive Controller, plug the USB-C end of the cable into your controller.
- The controller does not need batteries if you use a cable.
You will either find USB ports on the front or sides of your Xbox console.
3
Turn on your Xbox. You can either use the Xbox button on the controller or press the power button on the console to turn it on.
- The Xbox button on your controller should light up and remain lit to indicate it is connected to a console.^{[4]
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