You can connect an Xbox One controller to Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S, which might come as a surprise for some players since the latest consoles offer a range of new accessories, but for those who don't want to stray from the last generation, you'll still be able to utilize your equipment.
So, if you want to connect an Xbox One controller to your new Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S in place of the Xbox Wireless Controller, you're in luck. Whether you're still using your trusty 'Day One' Xbox One controller or recently picked up the top-of-the-range Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, we'll show you how to connect your Xbox One controller to Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S.
How to connect an Xbox One controller to Xbox Series X/S
Better still, you can also use your new Xbox Wireless Controller on your Xbox One, Xbox One S, or Xbox One X, too, meaning you'll always have a pad to hand for that player two in your life. So, if you're ready to get setup, here's everything you need to know.
How to connect an Xbox One controller to Xbox Series X/S
Turn on your Xbox Series X or Xbox Series X by pressing the power button and turn on your Xbox One controller by holding down the 'Xbox' button. The Xbox button will flash, which means it's not connected to the console yet.
On your Xbox Series X, press the Pair button which is located on the front right of the console above the USB port. The Xbox Series S Pair button is located on the front left, right of the USB port. You should see the illuminated Xbox logo begin to flash.
Within 20 seconds, press and hold the Pair button on your Xbox One controller until the Xbox button starts flashing rapidly. The Pair button can be found on the top of the controller between the bumper buttons and next to the controller's charging port. The Xbox button will remain lit once it's successfully connected to the console.
How to connect your Xbox Series X/S controller to Xbox One
The process is exactly the same as above. Simply press the Pair button on your Xbox One console and controller until both lights start flashing. Once a connection has been established, the controller's Xbox button will remain lit.
You can find the Pair button on the front right of the Xbox One X, below the power button, and the same is true on the Xbox One S. On the Xbox One, the Pair button is located around the corner of the disc tray.
Connecting an Xbox One controller using a USB cable
You can also connect your Xbox One controller to the Xbox Series X/S the old fashioned way using a wire.
If you have an Xbox One controller, you'll need to use a micro-USB cable. For Xbox Series X/S controllers, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 and the Xbox Adaptive Controller, you will need to use a USB-C cable.
