How to Connect an Xbox Controller to Your PC? The Xbox controller is one of the most cross-platform compatible accessories. He is also known to be one of those who offers better ergonomics players thanks to it’s shape and the placement of the buttons. In this way, it facilitates games with titles of a competitive nature. For this reason, it is very likely that if you have one, you will want to connect it to your PC, mobile or tablet.
One of the keys to the great versatility of Xbox controllers is their connectivity. These accessories support the Xbox Wireless protocol and Bluetooth. Therefore, you can be sure that they will be compatible with almost any device you want to connect them to.
Below are the following instructions for pairing your Xbox controller with one of the following devices:
- Windows PC.
- Mac.
- Android mobile or tablet.
- iPhone or iPad.
How do I know if my Xbox controller is Bluetooth enabled?
Before you start connecting your Xbox controller to any device, you must first verify that it supports Bluetooth technology. To find out, Microsoft has come up with an easy way to find out. However, you should also know that the latest versions of these controls – starting with the Xbox One S – have integrated Bluetooth.
In case you want to finish confirming it, just check the plastic that is on the top of the Xbox controller. On controllers with Bluetooth compatibility, you will find that the plastic surrounding the Xbox button has the same color and materials as the rest of the controller. Instead, those that aren’t compatible with this technology will have the Xbox button surrounded by black plastic with a glossy finish.
How to Connect an Xbox Controller to Your PC?
Microsoft is responsible for Xbox and Windows; For this reason, connecting your controller to a computer running this operating system will be an extremely simple process. In fact, the company was commissioned to develop more than one method to achieve this, so you’ll be spoiled for choice. In addition, thanks to the compatibility between the two platforms, you won’t have to map buttons and guarantees its compatibility with most games on the market. These last two points are usually not so common in third-party controls, so having one with the Xbox seal will always be the best option.
Using a USB Cable
This is the first option, and also The easiest of the three. In the case of Windows 7 and 8.1, as soon as you connect your Xbox controller via a USB cable to your computer, it will start downloading the drivers to make it work properly. If you have Windows 10 or 11, your accessory will be immediately recognized thanks to the integration of the two systems into the Xbox ecosystem.
With an Xbox Wireless Adapter
Several years ago, Microsoft introduced the Xbox Wireless standard. This system can be found natively on some computers, such as the company’s Surface models. However, if your PC doesn’t have it, you can always get an external adapter. Of course, if you are thinking of buying it, keep in mind that Microsoft has launched two models. One of them works for Windows 10 and 11, while the other is only compatible with Windows 7 and 8.1.
Via Bluetooth
This is another easy route, and also more economical. With this third option, you won’t have to buy any cables or adapters, all you need is an Xbox controller and a PC with Windows 10 or later. In older versions of the OS, you won’t be able to get it to work that way.
To connect your Xbox controller to your computer via Bluetooth, simply follow these steps:
- On your PC, go to Settings.
- Here, go to Devices.
- Go to Bluetooth and enable it.
- Choose Add Bluetooth or another device and start looking for your order.
- Press the link button on your Xbox when prompted by the computer. This button is located at the top of the controller.
Connect your Xbox Controller to macOS
Connecting an Xbox controller to a Mac computer is as simple as on a PC. You just have to follow these steps:
- Press the pairing button on the controller (located next to the top connector).
- Open System Preferences on your Mac.
- Login to Bluetooth.
- Locate the Xbox controller in the list on the right and double-click it.
So be simple.
Connect your Xbox controller to an Android device
Native support for Xbox controllers came to Android starting with version 5.1.1. Of course, compatibility with Google’s operating system is via Bluetooth only, so you will need an Xbox controller that supports this technology. On the other hand, the experience between each manufacturer is different, and will also depend on the version of Bluetooth and the optimization of the terminal. The process is as follows:
- Turn on the Xbox controller and press the pairing button.
- Enter Settings then Bluetooth on your Android phone or tablet.
- In the list of devices, select the Xbox controller. Follow the pairing process and you’re done.
Now you can download an app from the Play Store to map your Xbox controller buttons. However, hundreds of games are already adapted to work natively with them, so you just have to experiment to see what works best for you.
How to Connect Your Xbox Controller to an iPhone or iPad?
Starting with iOS 14.5, Apple added native support for Xbox controllers. The synchronization process, in turn, is quite quick and simple. Just follow the procedure and you will be able to pair your controller:
- Turn on your controller and press the pairing button.
- Enter Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
- go to Bluetooth.
- From the list of devices, select the Xbox controller when it appears.
- Follow the on-screen steps and complete the pairing.
In turn, Apple’s support for Xbox controllers extends to Apple TV. You just need your device to have a version of tvOS 13 or newer, and you can sync the controller to play titles from apple-arcade and other compatible.
