Are your Xbox controller buttons not working? Don't worry! Here are some easy steps and tips to help you get your controller back up and running.
Is your Xbox controller not working correctly? Are the buttons unresponsive or sticking? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This is a common problem with Xbox controllers, but it’s usually easy to fix.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common troubleshooting steps for Xbox controller buttons that are not working. We’ll also provide some additional tips that may be helpful.
In this article, the word “button” refers to any control on the Xbox wireless controller, including:
The steps below should be the same whether you’re using an Xbox One controller, an Xbox Series X/S controller, or an Elite controller. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Here are the common cause of Xbox controller buttons not working, which can help you avoid some of them again:
If your Xbox controller buttons are not working, here are an easy five steps you can use to fix the problem:
Let us look at these five steps in more detail, explaining why each of these fixes might work or how it helps to solve button problems relatively easily as suggested by the official Microsoft support team.
If you have any problems with your Xbox controller, it is always a good idea to try power cycling it first. This is a quick and easy way to fix many minor issues without resorting to more complex troubleshooting steps. To power cycle your controller:
If you have access to another controller or can borrow one, this can speed up the “testing” phase. Connect the second controller to your Xbox console or PC. Open a game or app that uses the controller buttons. Try pressing the buttons on the second controller. If they work, the problem is likely with the original controller. If they do not work, the problem may be with your Xbox console or PC.
If you can’t use a second controller, don’t worry; we can use the “Xbox Accessories App” to figure out all the problematic buttons on your controller.
With the Xbox Accessories app, you can customize your controller buttons and triggers, especially if you have minor issues like dead zones.
The Xbox Accessories app only supports Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S controllers. To ensure compatibility, update your app (on PC or Xbox) and ensure you have the latest version.
Most features are not supported over Bluetooth, so use the Xbox Wireless Adapter or a USB cable to connect and configure your controller.
To open the Xbox Accessories app on Windows 10 or 11, press the Start button, type Xbox Accessories, and select it from the list. Then, sign in. If you don’t have the Xbox Accessories app yet, you can get it from the Microsoft Store.
To use the Xbox Accessories app on your PC, connect your controller with a USB cable. If you have a laptop, however, you can use Bluetooth to connect the controller. Remember that if your controller is from before 2016 (before Model 1708), it might not have Bluetooth support.
To use the Xbox Accessories app on your console, connect your controller with a USB cable to the console, then follow these steps:
In Test Mode, you can check the functionality of all the buttons and triggers on your controller, as well as the vibration motors and rumble triggers.
The Test Mode can help you find underlying issues with your controller, even if the buttons have issues you haven’t identified yet.
Here are some specific things you can do in Test Mode:
To exit Test Mode, click the View button + Menu button together.
If you find any problems with your controller in Test Mode, try adjusting the settings (like dead zones) or updating the firmware. If you’re still having problems, follow next steps.
Before going to the next phase, we must remove all the controller batteries, like AA (LR6) alkaline batteries, Xbox rechargeable battery pack, Xbox One Play & Charge Kit, or any other third-party rechargeable batteries.
The best way to fix unresponsive Xbox controller buttons is to clean them. Yes, you heard it right. Confirming nothing is lodged in the thumbsticks or buttons is a very understated, simple solution. To clean your controller properly, you must follow a specific process.
As mentioned above, we strongly recommend disconnecting your controller’s batteries before cleaning it. Here’s what you will need:
Once you have some or all of them, here’s how to go ahead:
While using compressed air, hold the stick in all directions and blast the opposite side of the base in short, quick bursts.
Allow the alcohol to dry completely before inserting the batteries and turning the controller back on. It is best to let the controller sit for a while before reinserting the batteries.
Don’t immerse your controller in alcohol/soap solutions or use harsh chemicals or scrubbers. If you’re using isopropyl alcohol, test it on a small area first to confirm it doesn’t damage the finish.
These simple solutions should fix the problem and get you back to gaming quickly. Dirt and grime can build up on the buttons and sticks and prevent them from working accurately.
Head to the Xbox Accessories app and tap the beaker icon in the bottom right. Now, test your buttons for any issues.
If your Xbox controller still doesn’t work after you’ve followed the previous steps, try the next steps.
If you have an active warranty, updating your controller’s firmware is a last resort to minimize controller issues. If that doesn’t work, we’ll need to explore more in-depth solutions.
You can update your controller over the air or with a USB cable.
To update your controller, press the Xbox button to open the guide, then go to Profile & system > Settings > Devices & connections > Accessories. Select your controller and look for the “Update” button. If it’s there, tap it and follow the prompts.
All Xbox Wireless Controllers except the original one can update wirelessly. If you have an original, plug in a headset and stereo adapter to turn on the adapter and update the controller with a USB cable.
The adapter requires a headset to be plugged in to turn on.
Plug a USB cable into the USB port on the front of your Xbox console. Then, plug the other end of the USB cable into the top of your Xbox controller. Now, on-screen instructions will guide you through the update process.
Follow the on-screen instructions and keep the USB cable connected until the update is finished. It can take up to 3 minutes.
Now go back to the Xbox Accessories app main page and click the lower right “Beaker” icon. Test the buttons for any defects.
If you’ve tried all of these solutions and your controller is still not working, then it may be time to contact Xbox support to request an Xbox controller replacement.
Don’t worry about your warranty when following the cleaning solutions we mentioned above. All of these methods are recommended by Xbox support, so you can safely use them to clean your controller without worrying about voiding your warranty.
If you’ve tried all the solutions above and your controller is still not working, you may need to contact Xbox support for further assistance. They will be able to troubleshoot the issue and determine if your controller needs to be replaced.
Once connected with an Xbox support representative, they will work with you to resolve the issue. If they determine that your controller needs to be replaced, they will send you a new one free of charge, provided that it is still under warranty.
Before you contact Xbox support, check if your controller is still under warranty. You can do this by visiting the Xbox website and entering your controller’s serial number. If your controller is under warranty, Xbox support will be able to replace it free of charge.
If your controller is not under warranty, you may still be able to get it repaired or replaced, but you may need to pay a fee. Xbox support can provide you with more information about your options.
Sign in to your Microsoft account and check your controller’s warranty status under Device coverage. If your warranty is active, start a service order under Info & support.
If this controller belongs to someone else and you’ve never connected it, it won’t appear in your Microsoft devices list. You will have to check the warranty on the Xbox Warranty Support page. You can request controller replacement from this page, too. You only need the controller’s 14-character serial number (without dashes).
The serial number is located inside the battery compartment, under the barcode. However, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 serial numbers are on the back of the controller due to the fixed rechargeable battery.
US customers can get further in-person support at a participating Best Buy Service Center.
If your controller is no longer under warranty, you can purchase a replacement from any store or online. But if you don’t want to buy a new controller, you can try one last step. It’s time to safely disassemble your out-of-warranty controller to clean the inside and possibly repair it.
Here are some options for repairing an out-of-warranty Xbox controller:
Here is a link to the official Xbox video on how to disassemble, clean, and even repair your Xbox controller. The video is for the Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, but the process is very similar to the standard Xbox wireless controller:
I hope this guide helped you to fix your Xbox controller buttons. If you need more help with your console, check out our dedicated Xbox section for more tips & tricks.