How to Fix Xbox Series X Controller Disconnecting

With new technology comes new bugs — The same is the case with Xbox series X controllers as they keep disconnecting for no obvious reason. However, you can fix this issue by using following the solution

  • Update your Xbox Series X controllers firmware
  • Charge your Xbox Series X controller
  • Your Xbox Series X controller could have a faulty or weak battery
  • Power cycle your Xbox Series Xconsole(restart)
  • Replace your controller batteries

I know the feeling when you’re in the middle of a game, and the controller disconnects at a very crucial checkpoint. 

If you have experienced the same with your series X controllers, then you’re sharing the same pain of Xbox series X owners whose joypads keep disconnecting.

In this article, I will explain how you can prevent Xbox series X controllers from getting disconnected and what’s the reason behind it — Read on to find out.

Get the best Xbox Series X Accessories on Amazon here.

Why Your Xbox Series X/S Controller Is Disconnecting

Many Xbox series X owners have reported that their series X/S controllers keep getting disconnected at random intervals. The reason is not identified yet. but Microsoft is aware of the issue and is working on a solution for it.

This 42-page thread is a clear sign that it’s been a huge mess from Microsoft’s side. More than 3000+ people and counting have reported that their X/S controllers lose connection with the console at no particular time.

According to a Microsoft statement given to The Verge, it’s apparent that they are aware of the issue and commit to releasing a fix in the next updates.

Here’s their statement:

At Microsoft, we put all of our products through rigorous quality assurance testing and are committed to providing customers with an unparalleled gaming experience. We are aware some players may be experiencing disconnects with their new Xbox Wireless Controllers and our teams are actively working on a solution to be included in a future update. For the best experience, we encourage customers to update to the latest controller firmware by following the steps posted here or visiting https://support.xbox.com for assistance.

Microsoft

Meanwhile, as an Xbox Series X/S owner, what options do you have to make the controller work until a permanent fix comes from Microsoft?

How To Fix Xbox Series X/S Controllers Disconnecting

Use Xbox One Controllers Instead of Xbox Series X Controller

You must have heard of the backward compatibility of Xbox Series X consoles with Xbox One controllers. Although the compatibility wasn’t meant to solve this particular issue, who cares as long as it’s working?

So if you have an old Xbox one controller resting on your shelf, take it out and plug it into your Xbox Series X console. Since Xbox one controllers work in a similar fashion to Series X controllers, apart from some minor differences with the grip improved d-pad and a dedicated share button you’ll barely differentiate between them.

However, it’s still unknown whether the issue is with the controller or the Xbox Series X itself. So, if your Series X/S controller disconnects again, replace it with an Xbox One controller and check if it’s working okay.

In most cases, it’s a problem with the Series X controller that makes the connection terminate again and again. If that’s the case, your Xbox One controller will work just fine with the Xbox Series X console.

You can continue playing using the Xbox One controller as long as you want to.

Use a Wired Cable (Avoid Wireless Connection)

Believe it or not — Wireless connections are less stable than a wired connection. Xbox consoles haven’t really been efficient in providing a stable connection for wireless controllers, especially the Series X.

Even though the Xbox Series X controllers are supposed to be used wirelessly, you can use a wired connection by plugging in a cable to the USB-C power port at the back of the controller.

Once you plug in the cable to the USB-C power port of the controller, plug in the other end of the USB cable to the USB ports at the front of the console (it will be easiest and will give you more space to roam freely with the controller)

Quick Note: I would recommend using only the official Microsoft USB cable that comes with your Xbox controllers. Using a duplicate USB cable might cause damage to the controller’s or console’s USB ports.

To see how to get the FASTEST internet for your Xbox Series X check out my article.

Re-Sync Your Series X Controller With Your Console

If you still want to play wirelessly only with your Series X controller, you will need to try resyncing it with the console.

You don’t need your console to be connected with the controller in order to perform resetting or resyncing.

How To Connect An Xbox Series X Controller With Xbox Series X

  1. Press the Xbox Button for 5-6 Seconds
  2. Wait for the Light to Stop Blinking or Illuminating
  3. Switch it On Again By Pressing Xbox Button Again
  4. Check if it Resolves the Connectivity Issue

You can also try taking out the batteries of your controller and then placing them back again. It’s proven to solve some disconnectivity issues for some Xbox players.

If the Series X controller is still not working or getting disconnected randomly, then the only method left to fix it is hard-resetting of your Xbox console.

Hard Restart Your Xbox Series X Console

Press & hold the console’s power button until the light stops illuminating. Once the console is completely turned off, wait for a few seconds and tap the power button. You’ll see the Xbox logo screen before your dashboard shows up, which is a sign that your Xbox has been restarted.

I don’t know why but — Turning a device on and off fix most of the problems — Magically.

Don’t try this as your first option when you were in the middle of a game, and your controller got disconnected. Restarting your Xbox console means that all of your unsaved game progress will be lost. 

Quick Note: When switching off your console with the power button, don’t just tap the button as it will make the console sleep; it won’t hard-restart, which is what you want to happen to fix the Xbox Series X controller disconnection.

That’s it for today — You have several workarounds for making the Xbox Series X controller work until Microsoft releases controller updates.