Xbox wireless controller will not work unless plugged in

SwerveDriver117 · Jun 30, 2022

Hi.

My son's wireless Xbox One S controller will not work unless it is plugged in via USB (either to the Xbox or an external power source).

When turned on using battery power, it will only work if the Home button is held down - as soon as that is released, it immediately shuts off.

The batteries in the controller are fine and fully charged - they have been tested with another controller, which connects perfectly and runs perfectly.

We have done a hard reset on the Xbox, re-synced the controller - all the usual stuff.

I can't find a fix anywhere for this but I'm hoping someone hr will be able to help.

Thanks in advance.

:)

SwerveDriver117

Thank you for all of your help, Lucas - I really do appreciate the time you've taken to talk me through this tonight.

I hope you have an excellent day

Thanks again!

Lucas Lauer

If it is already updated (or you updated it and it is still not working), probably your controller is faulty. Maybe it is not being able to use the battery charge correctly.

Are you able to test it on other console to see if has the same issue?

SwerveDriver117

Thanks Lucas -

I tried that, both with the controller plugged in, and (with some nimble fingerwork...) while holding the home button down to keep the power on while it was unplugged - the issue, sadly, persists.

Lucas Lauer

Hello, SwerveDriver117. Thanks for reaching out! My name is Lucas, and I'm an Independent Advisor and a Microsoft user just like you. I'll be happy to assist you today.

Sometimes a Xbox controller disconnecting is caused by an outdated controller firmware. Please see if it is updated:

Press the Xbox button.

Under Profile & system, select Settings.

Under Devices & connections, select Accessories.

On the Xbox Wireless Controller screen, select “…” to check the firmware version for your controller.

See if it needs an update or if it is already updated and let me know.

Lucas Lauer

I think the same as you: people who repaired your controller may have broken something else. If the controller is on as long as you keep pressing the home button but turns off as soon as you release it, something is broken inside it and it is not a battery issue at all.

They will probably be able to fix this too.

Unfortunately by all that you mentioned, it's not just a software or pairing issue. It is something physical, on the controller hardware.

Xbox wireless controller will not work unless plugged in