My Xbox 360 controller isn’t connecting to my Xbox 360 s

Hello

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community.

We understand that you're having trouble connecting your Xbox 360 controller to your Xbox 360 S. Here are some steps you can try to troubleshoot the issue:



1. Make sure that your Xbox 360 S is turned on and that the controller is within range (about 30 feet) of the console.



2. Press the Xbox button on the controller to turn it on. If the controller doesn't turn on, try replacing the batteries or charging the battery pack.



3. Press and hold the connect button on the front of the Xbox 360 S console until the ring around the power button starts flashing.



4. Press and hold the connect button on the top of the controller until the Xbox button starts flashing.



5. Wait for the controller and console to sync up. The Xbox button on the controller should stop flashing and stay lit, indicating that the controller is connected.



If these steps don't work, you may need to try resetting your Xbox 360 S console or replacing the controller. I hope this helps!

Sincerely,



Microsoft Community Moderator

Good day!



We haven't heard from you, so we assume that your issue has already been addressed. We will not be monitoring this thread moving forward so, if you need further assistance, please create a new thread to discuss these concerns by clicking this link: Create a new question (microsoft.com).



Thank you for your understanding.


Respectfully,



Microsoft Community Moderator

Hello,

What console are you referring to - Xbox 360, Xbox One or Series X|S? What exactly happens when you try to connect/sync the controller?

For Xbox 360:

Connect a controller to your Xbox 360 | Xbox Support

Xbox 360 Wireless Controller disconnects or can’t connect | Xbox Support

For Xbox One and Series X|S:

Connect an Xbox Wireless Controller to your console | Xbox Support

Troubleshoot your Xbox Wireless Controller | Xbox Support

Hope this helps.

1

Connect the Xbox 360 controller that you want to use to the Xbox 360 and turn on the Xbox 360.

2

Scroll to the "My Xbox" option on the Xbox 360's main menu.

3

Press the "A" button. This will immediately open the Xbox 360 disc drive. If a game is already in the Xbox 360, you will need to press the "X" button instead.

Hi,

Powering on Xbox 360 controllers is the same as powering on a Xbox One controller - press the guide button until it flashes green. The guide button is silver on Xbox 360 controllers and white on Xbox One/Series X|S controllers.

Support guides for Xbox 360 controllers can all be found on the Xbox Support website (https://support.xbox.com) simply by typing ‘Xbox 360 controller’ into the search box. I’ve added them here though, to refer to.

How to turn on/off your Xbox 360 console and wireless controller

And for wired controllers:

Connect a controller to your Xbox 360

More Xbox 360 controller guides:

Xbox 360 wired and wireless controllers

Set up an Xbox 360 Controller for Windows

Xbox 360 Wireless Controller disconnects or can’t connect

How to replace the batteries in your Xbox 360 Wireless Controller

For help with a Xbox One/Series X|S controller (I understand you’re enquiring about Xbox 360, but I’ve also included the guides for Xbox One in case needed, and to help others):

Connect an Xbox Wireless Controller to your console

Get to know your Xbox One Wireless Controller

Troubleshoot your Xbox Wireless Controller

Update your Xbox Wireless Controller

This applies to both Xbox One/Series X|S and Xbox 360 controllers:

If the controller light is flashing and doesn’t eventually turn to a solid colour, then this means something is preventing it from connecting/powering on (it’s possible it could be all these factors and reasons so be sure to consider this and verify everything):

1. You need to replace the batteries.

2. It’s out of range from your console - try moving closer.

3. It’s not synced to your specific console - try resyncing it, referring to the guides above. The re-sync should be instant but can take a few seconds.

4. The console is off (if the controller is synced to your console, then the power supply would be disconnected, as turning on the controller automatically turns on the console).

Sometimes the light is incorrectly flashing (indicating that it’s resyncing even when it isn’t), although if the controller is working okay, then you can ignore the blinking light - you may want to restart your console if this persists.

Hope this helps!