Xbox Series X Controller buttons have stopped working after firmware update

WilhelmNope · Oct 16, 2022

Hello,

Recently I've experienced some connectivity issues with my xbox series x controller.

Through official Microsoft channels, I've found out that it is possible to do a firmware update.

I have followed the procedure, the xbox accessories app showed that update was applied correctly.

For some time I've played games on pc through bluetooth, it was okay, then I tried playing with cable and I noticed that none of the clicky buttons worked (except for both sticks and triggers, which were fine).

I didn't think it was a problem, maybe some hiccup, so I continued playing wireless.

But the next day (after turning pad off and then on) the buttons stopped working in wireless as well.

What's worse, the pair/sync button apparently does not work now either so I can't even try it with other pc.

I have tried:

- power cycling

- removing the battery and leaving it without power for couple of hours

- resetting to default configuration

- updating windows

- removing the device from device manager and plugging again

- checking for new firmware from xbox accessories

- verified that the problem occurs in exactly the same manner in two other PCs

- downgrading through official guide - I've received error: the controller is already up-to-date

The question is - whether the pad is fixable in any way (since I know for sure this isn't hardware defect but probably faulty firmware),

and if so - how?

The controller is no longer on warranty (since January 2022) and the service quotas listed on official site seem to be almost twice the price of the new controller where I live.

Thanks for all the feedback and suggestions.

:)

ClausReich

In this case, it wouldn't be a bad idea to update your controller's firmware. You can do this on your Series X or your Windows 10 PC. To do it on the Series X, connect it using the USB cable and then go to Settings > Devices & connections > Accessories, and then select the controller you want to update. On the Xbox Wireless Controller screen, select “…” to check the firmware version for your controller. Then, select the Firmware version square, and then press Next to start the update process.

To do it on Windows 10, just download the Xbox Accessories app from the Microsoft Store. If you already have it installed, just run it. After opening the app, the procedure to update is the same one as on the Series X, press the "..." button and follow those steps.

Check if your controller works correctly after doing this.

WilhelmNope

In case anyone would have the same problem, the MS replaced my controller for free (it was still on warranty).

I did not receive any additional explanations, so I can neither confirm nor deny that it was firmware.

WilhelmNope

Additionally, I have connected the gamepad to the linux system and printed out the data that it received. While moving the joysticks and pressing the triggers I have received some output (random characters), but nothing is appearing when I press any of the buttons, so this is most likely the problem with the gamepad itself

JosefLBohorquez

Hi and thanks for reaching Microsoft Xbox gamer's community. My name is Josef.
I'm an Independent Advisor and a Microsoft Xbox user like you.

Hope you're doing great today despite this WILHELMNOPE

How did you tried to downgrade the controller firmware?
Using this guide?
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/xbox/forum/...

Or this other guide and using the Windows method?
https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/hardware-ne...

If yes, the problem is happening no matter how you connect the controller? (Wired or bluetooth)

JosefLBohorquez

Yes, in the meantime and just to cover the corrupted firmware possibility
Please report this problem with the Xbox team:
https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/account-pro...

Xbox Series X Controller buttons have stopped working after firmware update