Why all the sudden when I get back home does everything but the home button work on my...

Hello, and thanks for getting in touch. I'm Aileen, and I'm here to provide you with advice as an Independent Advisor.

I understand your custom Xbox controller — the one you got around Christmas — suddenly won’t respond to the Xbox button. Everything else works, you can play games, but the home button won’t turn it on or open the guide, which makes it hard to switch or quit games. I know how frustrating that is, especially when it’s your preferred controller and the grips and sticks are just right.

Here’s what you can try to fix it:

1. Do a full power cycle of the controller

Sometimes the controller needs a reset, especially if the firmware bugged out.

Remove the batteries

Press and hold the Xbox button for 10 seconds to fully drain residual power

Reinsert fresh batteries

Try powering it back on

If the button still doesn’t work, continue below.

2. Update the controller firmware (wired method recommended)

If the button is working in-game but not for system functions, a firmware bug could be the cause.

On Xbox:

Plug the controller into your console with a USB-C cable

Go to Settings > Devices & connections > Accessories

Select your controller, then choose ... > Firmware version > Update

On PC:

Download the Xbox Accessories app from the Microsoft Store

Plug in your controller via USB

Check for updates in the app

If there’s an update, apply it — even if it’s minor.

3. Test on another device (if possible)

Try plugging the controller into a Windows PC or a different Xbox. If the Xbox button still won’t respond, it’s likely a hardware issue with that button specifically.

4. Inspect for physical issues

It may sound simple, but gently press around the Xbox button area. If it feels stuck, off-center, or mushy compared to normal, it could be dirty or jammed. Use a dry soft-bristle brush or compressed air to clean around the button without opening the controller.

5. If it's still under warranty

Custom controllers (like Xbox Design Lab) come with a limited warranty. You can check your warranty status here:

https://support.xbox.com/help/hardware-network/...

If it’s covered, you might be eligible for a free repair or replacement.

Let me know how far you get with these steps — if the firmware’s up to date and the button still doesn’t respond, I’ll help you look into warranty or other repair options.

Same problem here! Cannot figure out how to fix it. Cannot even get out of apps back to Home, where I would press the "X" button to get back to the Xbox menu... have to turn off the entire console and restart to get back to Home. But still, cannot at
all get to Settings!!! Happened all of a sudden, no update, etc.

Both my controllers home button do not work. I can not go to the home screen if in a game, nor can I open the side bar in order to make GameDVRs or check anything when playing a game. I have even tried using xbox one smart glass controller feature and even
then the home button on there doesn't work either. I have tried a few the suggestions about holding the home button and everything and NOTHING has worked at all.

Hi and thanks for reaching Microsoft Xbox gamer's community. My name is Josef.
I'm an Independent Advisor and a Microsoft Xbox user like you.

Hope you're doing great today despite this Froz7ybitez

Is this happening on Xbox, right?
If that's the case. May I know if you tried using the controller with a different device?
For example pair it with your phone or connect it to a Windows PC and see if the issue persists from there.

This helps us to isolate the issue a bit more

It does not.Only way my controller turns on and get to the menu when I need is when I press the home button and up and right on the D pad at the same time. My home button is completely unresponsive on it's own