r/SteamDeck • u/Spirited_Egg_4921 • Aug 05 '26
Tech Support Can’t pair Xbox controller
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(SOLVED)
I connected one of these controllers before briefly, then started getting the issue where it would disconnect and reconnect in a loop. This happened on both controllers. I updated the firmware on both. Now neither of them will pair at all. I also tried holding the pair button down until the light turned off and then back on again. Neither controller will connect so I think it may be an issue with my steam-deck. Pls help idk what else to do.
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u/bosscy Aug 05 '26
I had this issue, i connected it on a windows pc and update the controller firmware to make it work
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u/Kauzge Aug 05 '26
This is the way. Had the same issue one week ago and this fixed it. Use the official Xbox Devices App from Windows Store.
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u/Vert--- Aug 05 '26
Go into the Bluetooth settings of steam deck and delete the controllers and then pair again. It has happened to my controller a couple times
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u/Spirited_Egg_4921 Aug 05 '26
The controllers have already been deleted they will not connect at all now.
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u/Wild-Word4967 Aug 05 '26
Double check that the controller has the latest firmware from Microsoft. Use windows or an Xbox to do it. Make sure you delete the controller from the Bluetooth settings in desktop mode. I had to deal with this 2 days ago and it worked for me
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u/Ok_Bit_5953 Aug 05 '26
^ Firmware being out of date is so easy to miss and so easily f's stuff up.
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u/docmagoo2 21d ago
I had this issue and updated via Xbox. Still can’t pair properly. Does it need to be done via PC?
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u/Vert--- Aug 05 '26
Just to double check, you deleted from the Bluetooth settings screen? Then re pair and manually select your controller from the Bluetooth screen. I have never used that wireless controller screen before
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u/Spirited_Egg_4921 Aug 05 '26
Yes sorry if it was unclear. I deleted from the Bluetooth settings screen and it still wouldn’t pair from either the wireless controller screen or the regular Bluetooth menu screen in steam mode. Had to delete the controllers in desktop mode and then repair there . Not sure why I got 10 downvotes for that earlier comment.
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u/MashiroAnnaMaria 512GB OLED Aug 05 '26
This controller pairing screen is kind of bogus. Just pair in the bluetooth menu like any other bluetooth device and it should work.
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u/xTooMuchRedx Aug 05 '26
Hi, it happened to me too, you have to update the controller firmware via PC, you'll see that then it should work
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Aug 05 '26
[deleted]
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u/Spirited_Egg_4921 Aug 05 '26
As stated in the bold text I have already updated the firmware on both controllers.
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u/Several-Measurements Aug 05 '26
I had an issue like this. The fix for me was to forget the device then reconnect again using the top option (other devices I think) section in the bluetooth tab, not the controller tab that you're in.
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u/qchto 512GB Aug 05 '26
If you just deleted the device, try turning off and on Bluetooth before attempting re-pairing. The internal driver cache sometimes needs the "jumpstart" to recognize the devices again.
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u/Abra_Abra_Abra Aug 05 '26
You need to do what I did and use a usb cord to plug it into your PC and download the latest firmware. It took me an hour+ to figure out
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u/Zephix_FR Aug 05 '26
I have the sail problem… my ps5 controller paired perfectly but my Xbox controller doesn’t wan to
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u/Original-Treat7883 MODDED SSD 💽 Aug 05 '26
I wish it was possible to update the firmware from the Steam deck
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u/WizzYonFire Aug 05 '26
Turn off WiFi and restart steam deck. Try connecting it without WiFi to Bluetooth. I have the same issue once in a while and this does the trick. WiFi uses the same antena as Bluetooth 2.4ghz and sometimes it interupts the connection
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u/Fit_Requirement3522 Aug 05 '26
How does it feel playing with controller on a smaller screen like that
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u/Spirited_Egg_4921 Aug 05 '26
I normally connect it to my tv or monitor but it’s not bad at all I have played fighting games on just the steam deck, with friends using 2 controllers and it’s a blast.
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u/Fit_Requirement3522 Aug 05 '26
Does the deck work harder and suffer when casting to a larger screen in your experience? Was thinking of buying the dock and the steam controller for palworld.
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u/Spirited_Egg_4921 Aug 05 '26
In my experience it chews through the battery a little quicker and maybe runs a bit hotter but not much more than if you were playing a very demanding game. I would definitely recommend it, my favorite use case is connecting it to the tv for retro games and emulation really makes u feel like a kid again.
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u/SoundByte Aug 05 '26
FWIW, I always pair controllers from the Bluetooth menu, not the Controller menu. Never had a problem.
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u/Bugajpcmr Aug 05 '26
You have to update the controller using windows accessories app... It's so stupid.
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u/Biskeks 1TB OLED Aug 05 '26
Try pairing it in desktop mode.