Wireless Xbox controller is on but isn’t accepting input

Isabella Boudreaux · May 12, 2023

My wireless controller is on, but it doesn’t respond to anything I press. It isn’t due to a specific game or something like that. It doesn’t work even on the menu or profile selection screen. I’ve tried connecting by the charging wire and resyncing it and that doesn’t work. I’ve tried turning it off for awhile but that doesn’t work either. It just won’t respond to anything I press.

:)

Darhyl Mayte Amizola

Thank you for your response!

Kindly try to use your controller on a different device such as Windows PC/laptop to see if it works.

If it does work. please update your Xbox controller on your PC using a wired USB connection, here's how:

Update your controller on Windows 10/11 by using the Xbox Accessories app:

If you don’t already have the app installed, get it in the Store:

https://apps.microsoft.com/store/detail/9NBLGGH...

Open the Xbox Accessories app.

Connect your Xbox Wireless Controller by using a USB cable or the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows.

When the controller is connected, you'll see the message Update Required if an update is mandatory. Install the update.

Things to keep in mind

The Xbox Accessories app is available only on Windows 10/11.

Updating the controller over Bluetooth is not supported.

Once updated, try to use the controller on your Xbox series S console to see if it works.

Please take your time and let me know if it works.

Reference link: https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/hardware-ne....

Isabella Boudreaux

I’m not sure. I only have the one controller. I’m also using it on an Xbox series S

Darhyl Mayte Amizola

Hey Isabella!

Nice to meet you! I'm Darhyl, a fellow gamer. I'm sorry you are experiencing this. I am here to help. If I may ask, does the error occurs in other Xbox controllers or just for this specific controller?

Also, are you using the controller on Windows PC or Xbox console?

Pukingt0n

This isn’t to do with the controller, but regardless, I have three controllers and it’s the same with each. I don’t think you know the product. The product in question is the Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset. It doesn’t need to plug into a controller. It’s a BT headset and connects directly to the Xbox.

This product: https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/accessories/headsets/xbox-wireless-headset

kyle_m4496

Hi . My name is Kyle and I'm an independent advisor.

Steam should recognise it as a standard Xbox controller, and accept inputs based on what was mapped in the Xbox Accessories app.

Go into your Steam settings, go to Controller, and ensure 'Enable Steam Input for Xbox controllers' is enabled. From there, it should work in almost any game.

Wireless Xbox controller is on but isn’t accepting input