Can’t update Xbox controller. Says it’s not connected using USB.

You say the update failed, but the batteries are good? I believe the controller can only be updated by USB wire. Try connecting the controller to the Xbox via USB, and then try updating it again.

Hello There ! Please follow the steps bellow to troubleshoot the issue :

Step 1: Connect your controller to the console with a USB cable

You can use a USB to micro-USB cable to connect your controller to your Xbox. Plug the micro-USB end into the top of the controller, and the USB end into the USB slot on the side or back of the console. The cable will provide both power and a wired connection to the controller.

Note The new Xbox Wireless Controller (included with Xbox Series X|S) and Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 use a USB-C cable for charging.

If your controller works when connected to your console with a USB cable, continue to the next step. If it doesn’t work when connected to your console with a USB cable, your controller needs to be replaced.

Request an Xbox controller replacement

If you are unable to create the order on that link please contact our live support:

Contact us | Xbox Support

Step 2: Update your controller

If your controller connects when using a USB cable but doesn't stay connected after removing the cable, reconnect the cable and see if there’s an update available for your controller:

1. Press the Xbox button to open the guide.
   
2. Under Profile & system, select Settings.
   
3. Under Devices & connections, select Accessories.
   
4. On the Xbox Wireless Controller screen, select “…” to check the firmware version for your controller.
   
5. If it says there’s no update available, your controller is current. If it says “Update,” follow the steps provided.
   
6. Once your controller is updated, disconnect the USB cable and try connecting wirelessly again.
   

Hi,Adolfo! I'm Luis, a fellow Xbox Gamer . Thanks for reaching us out here.

Have you been able to test your controller while connected with a USB cable?

If your controller works when connected to your console with a USB cable let´s try updating it.

Press the Xbox button  to open the guide.

Under Profile & system, select Settings.

Under Devices & connections, select Accessories.

On the Xbox Wireless Controller screen, select “…” to check the firmware version for your controller.

If it says there’s no update available, your controller is current. If it says “Update,” follow the steps provided.

Once your controller is updated, disconnect the USB cable and try connecting wirelessly again.

If it doesn’t work when connected to your console with a USB cable, your controller needs to be replaced.

Hello, IsaacR5. Thanks for reaching out! My name is Lucas, and I'm an Independent Advisor and a Microsoft user just like you. I'll be happy to assist you today.

Have you tried to connect the controllers by USB?

If your controller connects when using a USB cable but doesn't stay connected after removing the cable, reconnect the cable and see if there’s an update available for your controller:

- Press the Xbox button to open the guide.

- Under Profile & system, select Settings.

- Under Devices & connections, select Accessories.

- On the Xbox Wireless Controller screen, select “…” to check the firmware version for your controller.

- If it says there’s no update available, your controller is updated. If it says “Update,” follow the steps provided.

Once your controller is updated, disconnect the USB cable and try connecting wirelessly again.

If you can't try to connect it with a USB cable, please let me know.

Hello Glover Glover,



Greetings!



Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community.



Based on the description, you are experiencing issue with Xbox controller that keeps on disconnecting. Let us check and see on what we can do to help resolve your concern in a timely manner.



We would like to ask few questions to help us isolate the issue further.

1. When did the issue start?

2. What type of Xbox controller are you using? Is it the Xbox Wireless controller of Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2?

3. Has there been any changes with the controller like installing the updates before the issue happen?

4. What troubleshooting steps have you done so far to help resolve the issue?

5. Are you seeing this behavior in ALL game and apps or happening in ONE game or app?



For the meantime, here are the troubleshooting steps that we can perform:

1. Manually power cycle your controller.

• To turn off the controller, press and hold the Xbox button for 5-10 seconds, until the controller powers off. Then press and hold the Xbox button again for the controller to turn back on.
  

2. Connect your controller to the console with a USB cable.

• You can use a USB to micro-USB cable to connect your controller to your Xbox. Plug the micro-USB end into the top of the controller, and the USB end into the USB slot on the side or back of the console. The cable will provide both power and a wired connection to the controller.
  
• If your controller works when connected to your console with a USB cable, continue to the next step. If it doesn’t work when connected to your console with a USB cable, your controller needs to be replaced.
  

3. Update your controller.

If your controller connects when using a USB cable but doesn't stay connected after removing the cable, reconnect the cable and see if there’s an update available for your controller:

• Press the Xbox button to open the guide.
  
• Under Profile & system, select Settings.
  
• Under Devices & connections, select Accessories.
  
• On the Xbox Wireless Controller screen, select “…” to check the firmware version for your controller.
  
• If it says there’s no update available, your controller is current. If it says “Update,” follow the steps provided.
  
• Once your controller is updated, disconnect the USB cable and try connecting wirelessly again.
  

If you’re unable to update your controller, see the “I can’t update my controller section” of this page: Troubleshoot your Xbox Wireless Controller | Xbox Support

We look forward to your response. Kindly let us know, if there is any misunderstanding or clarifications of our description by sending us a reply.



Sincerely,