How to connect and sync your Xbox 360 controller

Even years after its release, the Xbox 360 can still provide gamers with endless hours of fun, entertainment and uninterrupted enjoyment. However, if it’s been a while, you might need some help syncing your controller to your Xbox.

You can choose whether you want to sync or set up your Xbox 360 controller wired or wirelessly, and each option has a separate way to sync your controller with your Xbox. Check out how to set up your Xbox One controller with Windows 10.

Sync your Xbox 360 controller with your game console wirelessly

Using your Xbox 360 controller wirelessly eliminates the need for cables and is the most convenient way to set up your controller on your Xbox 360.

To set up your Xbox 360 controller wirelessly, you only need:

• Press the power button on the Xbox 360 controller to turn it on.
• Press the guide button in the middle of the controller, or the button that looks like the Xbox logo, and a green light will begin to flash around the edges of the button.
• Now press and release the call button on the controller, and the lights around the power button will start flashing.
• For the original Xbox 360, the Connect button is to the right of the memory card slots.
• On the Xbox 360 E and Xbox 360 S, the connect button is located next to the controller ports.
• While the power button lights are flashing, press the sync button on the back of your Xbox 360 controller. The guide button should flash until it completely syncs with the gaming device and displays one steady light.
• For the original Xbox 360 and Xbox 360 S, one steady light will appear in one of the four sections of the ring around the controller’s power button.
• For Xbox 360 E controllers, a solid green light on the front of the controller indicates that it has synced with the game device.

Once both your controller and Xbox 360 are synced, and both show steady green lights, you’re ready to start using your Xbox 360 wireless controller. Check out how to use Xenia – the best Xbox 360 Emulator for Windows 10.

Connecting your Xbox 360 controller with a cable

Aside from the wireless connection, using a wired connection to sync your Xbox 360 controller with your game console is also relatively easy.

To connect your Xbox 360 controller with a cable, simply plug your Xbox 360 cord into the controller’s upper port.

Then connect the same wire to one of the USB ports on the front of the game console.

Once you press the guide button on the controller, the controller and game console will sync automatically, and you’re ready to use the controller. You can also connect your Xbox controller to a computer with a cable.

Still unable to sync your Xbox 360 controller?

If you still can’t connect your Xbox 360 controller to a game console wirelessly or through a wired connection, you may have a physical fault with your dedicated game console or controller.

As mentioned in Xbox support page There are three main ways to troubleshoot your Xbox 360 controller:

• Replace the batteries you are using in your controller.
• Replace the battery pack for the gaming device.
• Try a rechargeable battery pack.

Furthermore, trying a wired connection to a different USB port, or changing the cable itself may also help correct your issues with syncing your controller.

Likewise, trying to sync your Xbox 360 controller with a completely different gaming device, or trying a different controller with the same gaming device, may help determine if it’s an issue with your gaming hardware or the Xbox 360 controller itself.

If none of these methods helped you sync your Xbox 360 controller, it might be worth trying to reset your Xbox 360. Check out a comparison of PlayStation Now and Xbox Game Pass: Which is better?

Use your newly synced Xbox 360 controller

Now you know everything you need to know about syncing your Xbox 360 controller with your dedicated game console!

With the added benefit of troubleshooting the most common problems, you should be on your way to playing on your Xbox 360. Now you can check out how to connect an Xbox One console to a macOS device.