Xbox controller won't enter pairing mode

Hello, I hope you are well.

Please check these steps below.

What you are seeing with the LEDs is an indication that the Xbox 360 Explorer controller is entering pairing mode, not working mode. In order for the controller to function on your PC, you must first pair it with the Xbox 360 Wireless Adapter.

Steps to pair the controller with the wireless adapter:

Connect the wireless adapter: Connect the Xbox 360 Wireless Adapter to a USB port on your PC.

Press the pairing button on the adapter: On the wireless adapter, there is a small button (usually near the USB port). Press and hold this button for a few seconds. The LED on the adapter should start blinking.

Turn on the controller: Press the Xbox button in the center of the controller to turn it on.

Hi JG143. My name is Kyle and I'm an independent advisor.

Just to confirm, you are putting the controller into pairing mode before trying to connect, is that correct?

To put it in pairing mode, turn on your controller by pressing the Xbox button then press the controller's Pair button for 3 seconds and release.

Then it should be pairable via Bluetooth.

Thanks,
Kyle

This is how I fixed my controller. Put your controller on pairing mode and restart your Xbox by pressing holding the start button. Then turn your Xbox on and pair the controller. Your controller will start working again.

Hi there Silverr007, my name is Gerardo, and I'm an Xbox player, just like you. I'll be happy to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.

Don't worry, the Wireless Adapter for Windows that comes included with the controller can be used with any controller, not just the one it comes with.

The adapter has a button that needs to be pressed to enter pairing mode. Then, you'll need to put the controller you want to pair with the adapter into pairing mode as well, using its respective button, so that they can be linked.

For more information on this, please visit the following link and navigate to the section that says "Connect your controller via Xbox Wireless Adapter":

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

I hope this helps and if you have further questions please let me know.

Kind regards,
Gerardo.

Hi ÃÑĜ3L, my name is Rodrigo. I'm an Independent Advisor and a member of the Microsoft community and I'd love to assist you today.

I am sorry to hear that.

You can unpair it and then pair it again.

To unpair it, press and hold the pair button on top of the controller for a few seconds until it vibrates twice.

Then, pair it again.

Turn on your controller by pressing and holding the Xbox button.

Press and release the Pair button on the Xbox.

Within 20 seconds, press and hold the controller’s Pair button (a circular button on top of the controller as you hold it in your hands) until the controller's Xbox button flashes a few times.

That means it's searching for a console.

The Xbox button stays lit once it's connected.

Then, check the controller test on the Xbox Accessories App.

Press the Xbox Guide Button > Settings > Devices & Connections > Controllers & Headsets > Enter Test Mode (Click on the Conical/Lab Flask Icon beside the three dots ...).

See if any button is being pressed on its own.

Let me know if it works!