Xbox controller turns on the Xbox but it is unable to utilize the buttons

Jeremy Boulter · Feb 2, 2025 at 5:33 PM

We received a customized Xbox controller for Christmas. It has been working fine until a few days ago. The controller will turn on the Xbox but ithe buttons don’t register after. I have done a reset, repair, and connected it directly to the Xbox. When I try to repair it won’t sync, but I am still able to turn on the Xbox afterwards.

Any help is appreciated.

:)

Alvaro A-

Hi Jeremy,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Xbox Community. I'm sorry to hear that you're having issues with your customized Xbox controller. As part of our initial troubleshooting, please power cycle your controller: Press and hold the Xbox button for 10-15 seconds until the controller turns off. Wait a few seconds, and then press and hold the Xbox button again to turn the controller back on then try to sync it with your console.

Would you happen to have a Windows PC to test if it will work? If there is, connect the controller directly to your Windows device using a USB-C cable then I would recommend that you update its firmware as well to the latest version through Xbox accessories app.

Regards,

Alvaro

Bookt

I am not sure this would work, as in most games on Xbox all of the controller buttons are utilized. An inline push to talk button could possibly be integrated into 3rd party headsets or even a Microsoft branded headset. I do not see this being a controller
button though.

FrontlineKhan

Hello SiBarton133,

When your Xbox is on, press and hold the Xbox button on your controller (the button you press to turn the controller and console on) until the controller vibrates, then press the View button (the small button to the left of the Xbox button on your controller).
This should turn off the magnifier.

CutRiver94

While not a similar issue, I am unable to turn off my controller manually. Pressing the "XBox" button for 3 seconds should bring a pop up on screen asking if I want to turn off the controller or the console. That doesn't seem to be happening. I tried removing
the batteries and powering the controller on again. Did not work then either.

SilentJay76

It's a bit hard to figure out what the problem might be based on the given information.

When you turn on your controller, does it automatically turn on your Xbox? If not, then it's not connected and you might need to sync it first.

To do so:

- Turn on Xbox

- Turn on controller

- Press "connect" button on Xbox

- Press and hold "connect" button on controller

- Release button when the Xbox logo on the controller stops flashing.

Xbox controller turns on the Xbox but it is unable to utilize the buttons