Xbox wireless controller serial number can't be recognized

Hello, My name is Jesse. I'm an Independent Advisor and a member of the Microsoft community and I'd love to assist you today.

Here's an excerpt from the controller replacement support page;

- Controller serial numbers are 14 characters long and don’t include dashes.

- Your controller serial number may not be recognized if you’ve never connected your controller, or if you connected for the first time within the last 48 hours.

- If you have the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, the 14-character serial number is in the lower center on the back of the controller.

Also make sure you're not typing O as 0 or 1 as I etc.

It says "We didn't recognize this serial number" and I got the number from behind the battery and from the box the controller came in

Hey there, Borgersen! El Capitaine is right here and you need to register a console to get a replacement controller through us. Returning it to the retailer is definitely a valid step here if you do not have a console. This thread is a little old. If you
need further assistance, please post up a new thread detailing what you're running into and troubleshooting you've completed. This way our community can get you the individual support that works best on the forums.

Hello WoodlandCross7.

I faced the same problem and contacted an Xbox Ambassador via chat. He (or she) told me that it is only consoles that can be registered, not hand controllers.

As you say; the manual and also the support-pages refers to the Myservice web site. Seems like Microsoft can't agree with themselves in this matter.

(The ambassador is not an Microsoft/Xbox employee.)

From the FAQ on getting an Xbox 360 Accessory replaced:

"If you purchased the Microsoft Xbox accessory within the last 30 days, you can return it to the retailer with your original proof of purchase. If you purchased the accessory more than 30 days ago but within the accessory warranty period, you can order a
replacement accessory from our Xbox Online Service Center (console registration is required). Make sure you click Replace an Accessory instead of Request Service. Follow the on-screen prompts to place an order."

support.xbox.com/.../getting-your-product-serviced-faq

You do not need to register your controller, just your console.