Xbox Controller won’t connect to console wirelessly. I can only connect using usb

You have no way to connect your controller wirelessly? You can also take a simple USB cable, connect controller to console. The controller is then also wirelessly connected to the console. You can then remove the cable. Hope that helps.

Hey Vincent,

Yes, you can use the controller while connected to the console using usb cable. This won’t affect performance and won’t damage the controller. Using the controller wired of course means you don’t need to use batteries.

You can also update the controller while connected through USB cable.

Standard xbox one controllers require a micro USB cable. The elite series 2 and xbox adaptive controllers require USB type C cable.

Instructions on connecting an xbox one controller to console:

https://support.xbox.com/help/hardware-network/controller/connect-a-wireless-controller

Any questions, I’m happy to help 😊

If you can use your controller while connected through USB, that means that the wireless connection between your controller and your Xbox is working. Even when connected through USB, the communication between both devices is done wirelessly, with the controller only using power from the USB cable, not data. The controller is paired to your console when connected through USB, so the issue lies on your controller.

Check if the batteries inside of your controller are installed with the correct polarity. If they are, try to replace them with Alkaline batteries and check again.

I have this same exact problem. The xbox can communicate with the controller (the console will turn the controller on, and the controller will turn the console on wirelessly), but it will not do anything more than that unless plugged in with the micro USB
cable. The controller does bind when I use the connect button on the back and point it at the Kinect, but none of the buttons do anything wirelessly.

Hi Tx! Since your Xbox One sync or pair button is broken, I am afraid that you can no longer wirelessly connect your controller directly to your console. The best option we can do to use your controller is by connecting it using a USB cable.