What is wrong with my controller?

Chris Butterbaugh · Oct 24, 2023

My Xbox series S controller is charged synced and can power on my Xbox but after powering the console it won’t respond. I was previously watching YouTube with my son and when the video we were watching came to an end I went to select a new one, powered my controller back on and that’s when I noticed this communication error. I’ve tried forcing both the Xbox and the controller off I’ve unsynced and resynced the controller and tried a few other troubleshooting methods but nothing seems to work.

:)

EDDS86

My Halo 3: ODST special edition controller does this too, I find if I plug in a wired headset a few times and jiggle it around it usually fixes it.

XBF Chris J

Hey Yuyuyuy,

Thanks for coming back. I still believe this issue to be coming from your controller. Especially since it is affecting your keyboard when it is turned on.

If all troubleshooting on the link I provided above has been done then you may need to think about a replacement.

Yuyuyuy

It says that my controller is up to date, but as for using another controller, I haven't tried that yet, I will add the results here when I get the chance. Thank you!

XBF Chris J

Hello Yuyuyuy,

Thank you for bringing this to our attention. by any chance have you been able to test a different controller to see if the issue persists?

Aside from that, I recommend Updating your controller.

Double-tap the Xbox button to open the guide, then select
System > Settings > Kinect & devices >
Devices & accessories. Choose the “…” and check the Firmware version. If it says there’s no update available, your controller is current. If it says “Update,” follow the steps.

If you can’t complete a needed update, see
Troubleshoot update issues with your Xbox One Controller.

Hope this helps and let us know the results!

David Wirsching

Hello Chris B, My name is David. I am an independent advisor, happy to help you today.

I understand your frustration. Here are some suggestions that might help you fix the problem with your Xbox Series S controller:

Full controller power cycle: Press and hold the Xbox button for 5-10 seconds, until the controller turns off. Wait a few seconds and press and hold the Xbox button again to turn the controller back on.

Check the batteries: Check that the remote control batteries are not causing this problem. If the controller does not turn on at all, replace the batteries in the controller with new ones and make sure you place them correctly in the controller.

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

Best regards.

What is wrong with my controller?