My controller buttons don’t work and I can turn the Xbox on by the controller.

Hi there! My name is Darhlene and I'm more than happy to help you out!

According to XBF Houmaidi O, The Microsoft Agent | Moderator:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us...-working/6d858723-2d6a-42cd-bac7-f76bbf058c49

"I will list some solutions that can fix this issue. Please give it a try and let us know how it goes!

1- Power cycle your controller: Many controller issues can be resolved by putting the controller through a complete power cycle. To power cycle your controller:

Press and hold the Xbox button for 5-10 seconds, until the controller turns off.

Wait a few seconds, then press and hold the Xbox button again to turn the controller back on.

2- Power cycle your Xbox: By pressing and holding the Xbox button on the front of the console for 10 seconds, until the console shuts off. Then, turn it back on.

3- 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. Request an Xbox controller replacement

4- 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."

Kind regards,
Darhlene

What type of problem are you having with your controller?

MY CONTROLLER WON’T CONNECT TO MY CONSOLE OR PC -> it doesn't apply. the controller does connect to my pc

I CAN’T UPDATE MY CONTROLLER -> it doesn't apply. Xbox Accessories says it is up to date

MY CONTROLLER DOESN’T FUNCTION CORRECTLY -> somehow it doesn't. let's take this option

MY CONTROLLER WON’T POWER ON -> it doesn't apply. the controller does power on

SOME OR ALL OF THE BUTTONS ON MY CONTROLLER DON’T WORK AT ALL -> it doesn't apply. All buttons do work correctly

SOME OF THE BUTTONS ON MY CONTROLLER DON’T WORK AS EXPECTED -> it doesn't apply. All buttons do work as expected.

so:
Xbox One Wireless Controller Solution doesn't have an option for the "stops working" symptom

OMG!!! I tried that and it worked fine, I turned on my xbox with the controller attached via usb and I held the xbox button on the controller and it turned on my xbox and the controller is working like a charm now. THANKS a lot, thank you, thank you!!! Yay!

Yes, I'm trying to connect my controller via Bluetooth on my Windows 10 PC (It worked before yesterday). When I connect my controller via USB Cable it works fine.

The XBox Button flashing slowly when it's turn on. When I press the sync button to connect via Bluetooth, the XBox Button flashes for 1 second and the controller turn off.

I think I have found the answer to your problem. I honestly thought it wouldn't work, but this did perfectly for me. Hopefully this will work for you and everyone who's having this problem.

1. Plug in your controller to your Xbox One via cable.

2. As the controller is turned on, hold the Xbox button and turn the controller off, not the console.

3. Have your Kinect plugged in and turned on and face it to your controller.

4. Turn on your controller and hold the controller sync button.

This should work for you as it worked for me. If not, try it this way with an added step:

1. Plug in your controller to your Xbox One via cable.

2. As the controller is turned on, hold the Xbox button and turn the controller off, not the console.

3. Have your Kinect plugged in and turned on and face it to your controller.

4. Press the sync button on the left-side of your Xbox One console.

5. Turn on your controller and hold the controller sync button, facing the controller towards your system and Kinect.