Xbox 360 no longer recognizes controllers - what to do?

If your Xbox 360 no longer recognizes the wireless controller, there can be several reasons. In this practical tip, we have put together several solutions for you so that the controller can connect to the console again.

Xbox 360: connection problems with the wireless controller

If your wireless controller is no longer connected to your Xbox 360 or the connection is constantly interrupted, you will usually receive the error message "Please connect controller" and the four lights on the " Guide "button. Such an error message can have the following causes:

• The replaceable batteries of the wireless controller for the Xbox 360 are exhausted or the battery of the controller is empty.
• Another wireless device, such as a cordless phone or a wireless router, affects the connection.
• Metal objects between the console and the wireless controller interfere with the connection. This can be, for example, metal partitions or shelves of a TV / HiFi cabinet.
• The maximum number of four controllers is already connected to your Xbox 360 console.

Solution 1: reconnect the controller to the Xbox 360

1. Restart the Xbox 360 console if the controller has not previously connected to the console.
2. Now hold down the "Guide" button on the wireless controller until the controller is activated.
3. First press the connect button on your console and for at least 20 seconds on your controller.
4. If the lights on the console's on / off button no longer light up, the controller is connected.

2nd solution: replace the batteries of the controller

1. If the performance of the batteries or rechargeable batteries is low, you must charge or replace them.
2. Press and hold the "Guide" button so that a battery display appears, on which you can see how much energy the batteries or the rechargeable battery still have.
3. If the battery power is low, you have to replace the batteries. The wireless controller requires AA batteries. If, on the other hand, they are batteries, charge them beforehand before reinserting them in the controller.
4. If, on the other hand, you use a battery pack for the controller and the power output is low, you must connect the wireless controller and the console via the USB ports with a charging cable provided for this purpose.

Solution 3: Remove objects between the game console and the controller

• Xbox's original wireless controller typically works up to ten meters away. However, the connection to the console can be prevented by objects or the range can be reduced by wireless devices.
• Therefore, remove or turn off any objects or wireless devices that interfere with the connection of the controller to the console.
• The following items or wireless devices can hinder the connection of the controller: microwave ovens, cordless telephones, wireless routers, metal partitions, shelves or doors of a TV / HiFi cabinet.

4. Solution: Disconnect all connected controllers and headsets

• As soon as all four lights on the on / off button on the console and on the controller light up green, it may be that all four controllers are already connected. In this case, remove all controllers and headsets.
• Press and hold the "Guide" button for at least three seconds to turn off a wireless controller.
• You can disconnect a wireless headset by switching off the device using a button provided for this purpose.
• To remove a wired controller, pull the appropriate cable out of the console.

Solution 5: replace the wireless controller

• If your wireless controller is still not working properly, it may be defective and you will need to replace the controller.
• If your wireless controller's warranty has not expired and you purchased the controller from Xbox, you can have your Xbox 360 controller repaired or replaced under warranty.
• Alternatively, you can order a replacement controller from the Xbox Online Service Center or contact support through the official Xbox site.

You can also check if the problem is with your Xbox 360 console by connecting the wireless controller to the computer. If the controller works properly, your console may be defective.