How To Connect Xbox One Controller To Android Bluetooth

An Xbox One controller (Image credit: Android Central)

Did you lot know it's possible to use an Xbox One controller with your Android device? With the release of the Xbox One S, Microsoft started outfitting its Xbox One controllers with Bluetooth radios. While this characteristic was fabricated mostly for PC gaming, you'll exist happy to know that it works surprisingly well with Android phones and their games. While more appropriate controllers for mobile gaming are available, this is a nice play tricks to have in your dorsum pocket. So for those wondering how to utilise an Xbox 1 controller on Android, hither'due south how.

Products used in this guide

A unproblematic, quality controller: Xbox One Wireless Controller: $85 at Amazon

How to pair an Xbox I controller with your Android telephone

For starters, you'll desire to ensure the Xbox I controller you have uses Bluetooth. As a rule of pollex, newer versions of the Xbox One Southward and Xbox One 10 come up with Bluetooth past default. If you're buying a new controller, Amazon has them for $l. Assuming your phone works just fine with the Xbox I controller, the pairing process is painless. Here's how to get connected:

On your Android phone, swipe down from the top to pull down the Notification Shade.
Long printing the Bluetooth icon.
Make sure your Bluetooth is toggled On.
If your telephone doesn't automatically start scanning for devices, select Browse at the top correct of the screen.
Turn on the Xbox 1 controller past property the Xbox button.
Look for the sync push button on the meridian left of the Xbox controller. Hold it for a few seconds until the Xbox button begins blinking.
On your Android telephone, tap Pair new device. Source: Android Cardinal

Xbox One Controller Bluetooth Connection Android

Later some fourth dimension, you lot should come across the Xbox One controller appear in the list of nearby devices. Tap it to pair.
If all goes well, your phone should show a connectedness to your Xbox One controller, and the Xbox button volition end blinking.

For some phones, you lot'll see bear witness of the controller working right away, with the directional pad and buttons existence used to navigate the arrangement UI. Then, fire up your favorite game with Bluetooth controller support to test it farther and get familiar with how it all works.

I've tried several games with an Xbox One controller, including Modern Combat 5, Riptide GP, and BombSquad. Non simply did the games work with the controller flawlessly, they even show proper on-screen control prompts appropriate for the Xbox One controller. And for emulators, you should accept no trouble mapping the buttons still you adopt.

How can I make sure my Xbox controller has Bluetooth capability?

For those looking to use their existing controllers, the easiest fashion to check is to look at the controller. If the area around the Xbox button is office of the same piece of plastic as the rest of the controller, it has Bluetooth. On the other hand, if your Xbox button is recessed inside a separate slice of plastic, it doesn't have Bluetooth. Reference the epitome below if you need aid. If your controller has Bluetooth support, it should look like the lesser photograph.

Xbox One Controller Example — Source: Microsoft (Image credit: Source: Microsoft)

The best thing to practise for those who already own the controller is to effort it out. If you don't ain one, be sure to search effectually for your specific phone to see if others take had success, as you lot don't desire to be dropping greenbacks for something that doesn't work. (Of course, Amazon'south return policy is incredible, so if you're buying from Amazon, it may be worth the hassle.)

Our top equipment picks

Upwardly your game

Xbox One Wireless Controller

Piece of cake to utilize
The Xbox 1 controller is a solid option that, when using Bluetooth, can easily elevate your Android gaming feel.

Anthony Nash has been writing about games and the gaming industry for nearly a decade. When he'due south not writing about games, he'due south usually playing them. You can discover him on Twitter talking about games or sports at @_anthonynash.