Why are my controllers only working when plugged in? (not a battery issue)

DE_828 · Mar 1, 2023

I have an xbox Series X and for a few months now, every once and a while, my wireless xbox controller will just start going haywire midgame. After it goes crazy for a few seconds, it disconnects for a few seconds and then comes back to online and to back normal function. But when it starts happening, it happens constantly and persist for a few minutes at a time. I've had this controller for about a year so I figured it was just time for a new one. Its also important to note that this controller runs on a 3rd party battery that I've had for a while.

So I bought a brand new controller from the Microsoft website and yesterday when my older controller started doing what it does, I decided to breakout the new controller. Problem is, almost immediately in playing with the new controller, I was having the same connectivity issues. All of a sudden midgame, the new controller would stop responding, I would wait a bit and then it would come back online but the problem persisted on and off. And this controller was using double A batteries.

So I'm now having the same issue with both controllers which obviously means this isn't a controller issue. I've updated both controllers and the problem still persist for both...and its happening more frequently. However, I found out today that when I play with the controllers plugged into the xbox via a cable, i experience no issues at all. I have no idea how to get my controllers to work properly without being plugged in. Please help

:)

Rostom L

Hi DE_828!

Sorry to hear about the issue. Just a heads up that it's currently listed from the support link below that there's a known issue where controllers are randomly losing sync or disconnecting from the console. It's under the February 2023 update.
https://support.xbox.com/help/hardware-network/...

Be sure to report the issue via the Report a problem app on your console for the Xbox team to properly investigate the matter. You may check your guide here https://support.xbox.com/help/account-profile/m... on how to report it.

Alternatively, try to connect one of your controller using a Windows PC via USB cable and try to update it with the Xbox Accessories app if there's a new update from PC side. On your console, we could try to perform a factory reset. There's an option to keep your games and apps. Check the guide here https://support.xbox.com/help/hardware-network/...

antonisawesome97

I don't think you understand what the problem is. Batteries aren't the issue. My controller works fine with my batteries. The issue is, as soon as I plug a USB cable and connect it with the console, the battery level suddenly changes to critical. That's
why I'm not able to update my controller WITH the controller plugged into the console. I have no battery issues whatsoever in normal gameplay.

Shane Taylor1

When I plug my controllers in with no battery pack they will not turn on, is this a separate issue?

ArminatorX

What do you mean the controller works with the "batteries out"?

If you are using rechargeable batteries, be aware that rechargeable batteries have less Volts than disposable batteries (which is not really a problem).

However, when rechargeable batteries get older, the Voltage drops more when they discharge with use, while disposable batteries hold the Voltage more constant, and only at the very end the voltage drops sharply before they die.

So it might be that in the short time you use the controller with rechargeable batteries, the controller hasn't got enough power to power it's wireless radio properly.

Please try the following:

Remove your batteries and connect a USB charging cable to the controller. Plug the controller into an USB power plug or powerbank (not an actual device like a PC or console), to power the controller.

Does the controller work wireless when connected to a powerbank or USB power plug?

MadCheese1337

not really but my guess is that your controller has some issue with the batterys. tro to get some padding between the batteries and the casing could be that your batteryes are losing connection causing that issue.

while you have the controller plugged with a microusb cable to the xbox it will act as a wired controller getting its power from the console, thats why it worked at your friend's place.

IF anything else you should replace that controller.

Why are my controllers only working when plugged in? (not a battery issue)