Xbox 360 Controller does not work correctly

1. Verify that the controller is connected correctly:
   • Xbox 360 Controller
     1. Verify that the controller is correctly connected to one of the front or rear USB ports on your Xbox 360 console.
     2. Disconnect and then reconnect the inline release connector on the Xbox 360 controller cable.
     3. If another inline release cable is available, test your Xbox 360 console with this new cable. If the controller works with the new cable, Microsoft may have to service the inline release cable.
     4. If another inline release cord is not available, examine the cord for any visible defects. If there is any physical damage, Microsoft may have to service the controller cable.
     5. Test the controller in all three USB ports. If the controller works in some USB ports but not others, test the ports again that didn't work the first time. If a particular USB port is not working with the controller, but the other USB ports do work with the controller, Microsoft may have to service your Xbox 360 console.
   • Xbox 360 Wireless Controller
     1. Make sure that you have fresh batteries and that they have been put in your controller correctly.
     2. Make sure your controller is turned on. Press and release the Xbox Guide button on the center of your controller. If no light encircles the Xbox Guide button to indicate that your controller is turned on, Microsoft may have to service your controller.
     3. If you use the Xbox 360 Rechargeable Battery Pack, try the following:
        • Make sure that the battery pack is correctly installed in your controller.
        • Check the Battery Meter in the Xbox Guide to make sure that there is enough power in the battery pack. Press and hold the Xbox Guide button until the Xbox Guide appears. The Battery Meter shows the power level of the battery in the upper-left area of the Xbox Guide.
     4. If you use the Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit, try the following:
        • Make sure that there is an Xbox 360 Rechargeable Battery Pack installed in your controller and that the cable is correctly connected to your controller and to one of the USB ports.
        • Connect the charge cable into each USB port on your Xbox 360 console. If the charge cable works in some USB ports and not others, test the ports again that didn't work the first time. If a particular USB port doesn't work with the charge cable, but the other USB ports do work with the cable, Microsoft may have to service your Xbox 360 console.
2. If the controller doesn't appear to work with one particular game, or if the controller doesn't work in any one of the USB ports, make sure that the disc tray is empty, and then restart the Xbox 360 console.
3. If you cannot see different areas in the Dashboard, verify that you're using the controller that came with your Xbox 360 console.
4. If your controller doesn't appear to vibrate, verify that you have set the vibration or rumble function. If your controller or controllers still don't appear to vibrate as expected, connect to Xbox LIVE, and then test the vibrate function again.
5. If you are unable to resolve the issue, your controller may need to be replaced.

Back to the top

Additional support

Back to the top