The Xbox controller has always excelled as quality hardware, providing a sleeker interface and more ergonomic design with each console generation; with the Series X controller implementing improved wireless input speed and feedback. From improved latency feedback to an elegant diagonal press D-pad, Microsoft’s flagship gamepads are better than ever for both serious and casual gamers alike.
But what if you want to bring that exemplary controller with you when playing games off of or incompatible with an Xbox console? Well, you’re in luck, the best modern console controllers on the market have wireless connectivity options that enable their use on other devices like Windows 11 PCS, iOS, and even Android’s best bargain tablets. The Play Store’s finest Android games with gamepad support can be a whole new experience using an Xbox controller, and getting connected is a piece of cake. Here’s what to do.
How to connect your Xbox Wireless Controller with an Xbox
1. Turn on your Xbox
- Press the large Xbox logo on the front of your Xbox. This will cause the button to start flashing.
- When the button becomes a steady light, the console is turned on.
Source: Microsoft
2. Activate your controller and put it in pairing mode
- Press and hold the large Xbox logo button on your Xbox Wireless Controller. This will power it up.
- Press and hold the small button located at the top of the controller, next to the charging port. Once it starts to flash, the controller is in pairing mode.
3. Put your console in pairing mode
- Press the pair button at the bottom of your Xbox, it’s next to the USB charging port.
- Once the Flashing light on your controller stops flashing and stays lit, it is connected to your Xbox.
Source: Microsoft
How to connect your Xbox Wireless Controller to an Android device
- Repeat the steps at the top of the page to switch on your Xbox Wireless Controller and put it into Pairing Mode.
1. Navigate to Android’s Bluetooth menu
- On your Android device, navigate to the Settings application and tap Connections.
- Tap Bluetooth to bring up the Bluetooth menu. Toggle your device’s Bluetooth function by tapping the blue toggle bar at the top of the screen.
2. Select your Xbox Wireless Controller’s name to connect
- If in pairing mode, your Xbox Wireless Controller should appear under Available Devices.
- Tap the controller’s name and wait a few seconds, the controller will then be connected to your Android device
How to connect your Xbox Wireless Controller with Windows 11
- Repeat the Previous steps to switch on your Series X controller and put it into Pairing Mode.
- On your Windows 11 desktop, navigate to the start button. Click it to open your start menu and click Settings.
2. Click your Xbox Wireless Controller’s name and connect
- Navigate to Bluetooth & Other Devices and click on it. Make sure your Bluetooth is switched on.
- Click Add Device. Your PC will begin scanning for nearby Bluetooth devices.
- Select Xbox Wireless Controller to connect the controller to your Windows PC.
How to connect your Xbox Wireless Controller to an iOS device
- Repeat the steps at the top of the page to switch on your Xbox Wireless Controller and put it into Pairing Mode.
1. Navigate to your device’s Bluetooth settings and connect
- Navigate to and tap the Settings Application on your iOS device.
- Tap Bluetooth to bring up a list of available devices.
- Tap Xbox Wireless Controller to connect the controller to your iOS device.
Now you can show off your Xbox Wireless Controller skills across multiple devices
While Microsoft has some great studios and titles under its mantle, it’s unlikely they’ll have everything you want on a single console and users shouldn’t feel shackled to a single device; not to mention an Xbox isn’t exactly convenient to carry around. An Xbox controller is far better suited to use across multiple devices, unlocking a level of play quality and convenience equal to the best Android gaming phones.
Connecting a wireless Xbox controller also provides a good compromise between touch interfaces and physical keyboard setups, providing wonderful precision and snap inputs while keeping the design succinct and uncomplicated. Cutting-edge Android controllers are great for handheld enthusiasts, but Xbox controllers open a whole new world of intuitive design and advanced responsiveness. Get synced and enjoy the games you love with the superior play of a wireless Xbox controller.
