Is my Xbox Series X controller defective?

NickB149 · Mar 23, 2023

I bought an Xbox Series X controller about a year ago and have been using it on my PC (with Windows 10). It is important to note that my controller is connected with a USB, not wireless.

Since then, the controller has been inconsistent with its functionality. Right out of the box, the controller would not connect properly. I kept on seeing "Unrecognized Device" with the controller only blinking. After about a week of trial and error (specifically I tried manually downloading the driver for the controller), I finally got it to work.

Fastforward about two months (with no errors), I go away for about a week. When I come back, the PC forgot the controller again. I go through the same process of deleting and reinstalling the driver, as well as downloading the Xbox Accessories app to make sure the firmware is updated. Again, I managed to get it to work. I also made sure the driver was automatically updated when the connection was secure.

And yet this cycle repeats. From the moment I got the controller I've had these issues. Sometimes it's triggered by long periods of inactivity. Other times it just happens out of nowhere. Most recently, it seems to have occurred when I updated my GPU software (AMD Adrenaline). There are times when it seems to work and I am able to test the buttons on Xbox Accessories, but the moment I hop into a game it stops working. The logo in the center of the controller will continue glow and I can still get it to vibrate with Xbox Accessories, but the buttons will not register.

From what I can tell, typically Xbox controllers with wired connections should have no issues, as most troubleshooting is for wireless connections. I was expecting to be able to simply plug it in and play but instead I have to wait a week for the controller to decide to work again. The worst part about this is, since I thought the issue would be once-and-done, I refrained from returning the controller and getting a new one. Now I am well past the return date and am stuck with controller that consistently annoys me.

From my explanation, are these errors something that can be fixed? Is this controller defective?

:)

Rostom L

Hi NickB149!

There's a possibility that it may be a firmware issue only with your controller. For us to further isolate the issue, it would be best if you could try to use your controller on a different PC if the issue reoccurs there. If possible, try to test a different controller as well on your own PC.

I would also suggest to try a different USB cable and also try different USB ports on your PC.

NickB149

I was able to do a general test using my roommate's computer (I believe it was running Windows 11) and the controller instantly connected. I wasn't able to test it on an actual game, but pressing the home button brough up the xbox UI and I was able to navigate it with the joystick.

Unfortunately, I don't have another controller to use for testing.

As for the cable, I was able to connect my phone (which also uses USB-C) to my computer with no issues.

To explain in more detail, there are two specific errors I have. The first is that the device is not recognized and cannot connect. As of right now, I am not really having this issue. The second is the controller connects (as in the logo has a solid glow/no blinking), I am able to test the buttons on Xbox Accessories, but within a minute all button inputs do not register. This is typically triggered the moment I hop into a game but it can happen at other points. This is the issue I am currently having. Also, when it is connected, I checked the Xbox Accessories and, sure enough, it says the firmware is updated.

Fadda23

my xbox series x did the same thing its a defective unit sent mine back and a new one is back on its way to me

Michael Paillé

My controller stop working too series x , factory controller . Last night working and today my samsung tv remote control my xbox and the xbox controller no longuer view by the xbox , i use another controller from my other xbox seris s , and this controller work but not the one work last night , i try the little button to match xbox with but nothing , the controller do no longuer view on my xbox series x , can control de series s but can't be view or connect to the series x anymore

D4vid 360

This is the major problem of this generation xbox one’s accessories: too fragile/defective. Hope they will do better on series x

Is my Xbox Series X controller defective?