Microsoft has a bunch of different controller configurations available for the Xbox One line at the moment. There's the high-powered Xbox One Elite Controller, the refreshed Xbox One standard controller with 3.5mm audio jack, and the all-new Xbox One S controller with textured grips and Bluetooth.
Whichever controller you decide to pick up for your Xbox One, here's a quick and handy guide on how to pair them to your console.
How to pair an Xbox wireless controller with your Xbox One
- Hold the Xbox button on the controll to turn it on.
- Press and hold the pairing button on your controller until the Xbox logo starts flashing. The button is situated on top of the controller next to the micro-USB port.
- Press the pairing button on your console until the power button starts flashing. The photographs below illustrate the location of the pairing button on the Xbox One and Xbox One S.This should pair the controller. Once paired, the lights should turn solid.
Note: You can also pair the Xbox One controller to your console by connecting it to the Xbox using a micro-USB to USB charging cable.
How to pair a Bluetooth Xbox controller with your Windows 10 PC
If you have a controller from the Xbox Design Lab or the one bundled with the Xbox One S, it will have Bluetooth support. Here's how you pair it to a Windows 10 PC that supports Bluetooth.
- Open the Start Menu.
- Open Settings.
- Click on Devices.
- Click on Bluetooth. Your computer will start scanning for nearby Bluetooth devices.
- Press and hold the Xbox button on your controller to turn it on.
- Hold the pairing button on your controller. It can be found at the top of the Xbox One controller next to the USB port. After a short time the controller will appear in the available Bluetooth devices on your computer.
- Click on Pair. You computer will pair with the controller and you'll be ready to go.
How to pair an Xbox controller with your Windows 10 PC using the Xbox Wireless Adapter
If you don't have the Xbox One controller with Bluetooth, you can purchase the Xbox Wireless Adapter that's compatible with any Windows 10 device and the standard Xbox One controller. Here's how to pair those.
- Plug the Xbox Wireless Adapter USB dongle into your PC. It should automatically download and install the necessary drivers.
- Press and hold the Xbox button on your controller to turn it on.
- Hold the pairing button on your controller. It can be found at the top of the Xbox One controller next to the USB port.
- Hold the pairing button on the USB adapter (it is located on the upper side of the dongle). The adapter's lights should flash and then turn solid, pairing the controller to your PC.
Note: Just like on Xbox, you can pair a standard controller using a micro-USB to USB cable.
Other controller resources
Microsoft's Xbox controllers are some of the best on the market, and there are all sorts of options for customization and more. Here's a few links you might find interesting.
