Xbox 360 Wireless Controller disconnects often or can't connect

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SYMPTOMS

When you use the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, you experience one of the following problems:

You cannot connect or maintain a steady connection to your Xbox 360 console.
Four green lights flash continuously on the wireless controller.
You frequently receive the following error message:
Please reconnect controller.

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CAUSE

These problems typically indicate interference issues that may be caused by one or more of the following factors:

Other wireless devices operating at the same frequency, 2.4 gigahertz (GHz), such as a microwave oven, a cordless phone, or a wireless router
Metallic objects between the console and the wireless controller, such as a chrome faceplate or metal dividers, shelves, or doors on an entertainment center cabinet

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THINGS TO TRY

Remove any metallic objects from the front of the console.
Move the console away from any metallic surfaces, such as entertainment center cabinets.
Move the console.
Move other wireless devices away from the console.
If other wireless devices don't work correctly, move the wireless devices or move the console to determine whether interference is causing the issue.
If you continually receive the "Please reconnect controller" error message or if the four green lights on the controller flash continuously even after you try to "bind" the controller to the Xbox 360 console, follow these steps:
1. Turn off your console.
2. Carefully disconnect the console power supply from the console.
3. Wait 10 seconds, and then carefully reconnect the power supply to the console.
4. Turn on your console, and then perform the connection steps that are provided in the user manual for your wireless controller.

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Metallic objects may shield the wireless signal. This prevents the signal from reaching either device. Some faceplates may contain metal and may interfere with the wireless signal between the controller and the console.

Note All licensed faceplates are tested and will not interfere with licensed wireless devices.

The Xbox 360 Wireless Controller runs in the 2.4-GHz range of radio frequency and is designed to share the frequency with other devices. However, sometimes the wireless controller may not function correctly or may interfere with other wireless devices.

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Additional support

If the steps in the previous section did not resolve your issue, your controller may have to be replaced or your console may have to be repaired.

For more information, please visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.xbox.com/support/ (http://www.xbox.com/support/contact)

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APPLIES TO

Microsoft XBox 360 Video Game System
Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Controller
Microsoft Xbox

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