Xbox controller not working at all, is it just old?

Tillie Proffitt · Jul 2, 2023

I’ve had my xbox one for a long time now and my controllers since 2017 and I’ve recently been having issues with my controllers connecting via Bluetooth.

This started last year when my controllers wouldn’t connect without a usb cable and, since a few weeks ago, they’ve not been connecting with the cable either. When I plug them in they’ll vibrate and flash on and off but won’t ever connect, or the light will be solid but they won’t actually do anything with regards to the Xbox.

I assumed I needed to update my controllers so I’ve been attempting to do so with my pc, which hasn’t worked either; I can’t get my controller to connect to my computer or show up on the accessories app to even update it. I’ve used a USB to connect the controller but no matter what I do it isn’t showing up on my PC.

Are my controllers just too old? Or am I doing something wrong?

:)

Rostom L

Hi Tillie! I am sorry to hear about your issue.

I am afraid that accessories such as controllers are prone to wear and tear. It may not work normally after you've used it for a several years. My suggestion here is to try to use a different USB cable or try new batteries. You can also check the link below for more troubleshooting steps for your controller:
https://support.xbox.com/help/hardware-network/...

If you've tried everything and you're still having the same issue, you may need to replace it already.

Best regards,

SogekingSenpai

Yes. The controller would connect to the Xbox just fine, with the batteries and without. It's just the old battery pack and chord I was using on my old Xbox one wouldn't stay connected. The light would be one for a second and if you moved the controller
around it would lose connection and the light would be off. I tried all my old controllers and the chord and battery pack worked just fine. So I figured the new controller was messed up and I had to exchange the whole system only to find the EXACT same thing
happen

jeffinatlga

So to make this even more confusing to figure out. I just dug out my old xbox one s, fired it up and tested all the controller on
it. The old ones still work fine. The black one that came with the new xbox series x works fine. The new style white controller that come with the new xbox series s and the new style black controller bought today from best buy BOTH have the headset low volume
problem on my old xbox one s. Totally confused at this point.

Zyoung23

So this happens on any controller paired to the Xbox, or just the one controller?

Ive tried 3 different controllers, none of them worked and 2 of those worked on my old xbox and the 3rd one i just bought the other day

Viewlesshompa

The headset works just fine with both computers, ipads and phones. It just does not work with any of my two original wireless xbox controllers.

I have been testing two other headsets with 3.5mm connectors, they also works fine on all other devices except my two original wireless controllers.

Im starting to think that the quality and function of the 3.5mm connection is an area of improvment in xbox original controllers. The controllers are not that old either so im thinking software issues here.

Xbox controller not working at all, is it just old?