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How to fix issue with Xbox Series X and S controller not turning on

The new controller that comes with the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X console may not properly power on when you press the Xbox button. You can tell that the gamepad is turned on as the Xbox button should be lit up with a white LED light.

So, if you are experiencing power issues with the new Xbox controller, then you can check out this troubleshooting guide from Seeking Tech to find some potential fixes.

1. The first step we recommend taking it to open up the battery compartment of the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X controller.

  • In order to do so, flip the controller over and then slide the battery cover off.
  • For the uninformed, you should can only use AA batteries or a battery pack. For the battery pack, make sure you are using one that was designed for the new Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X controller as the battery pack for the Xbox One controller may not work.
  • Inside the battery compartment of your controller, make sure that the batteries or battery pack is correctly placed. The + and – connectors on the gamepad, as well as the batteries or battery pack, should not be damaged. If the connectors are damaged, you may have to send your controller in for repair.
  • If the batteries or battery pack are correctly inserted, try to power on your controller again. If nothing happens after pressing the Xbox button, then you can either try using different batteries. If you are using AA rechargeable batteries or a battery pack, then you can recharge your batteries before trying again.

2. If your Xbox Series controller still won’t turn off after getting new batteries or recharging your batteries, then we suggest connecting the controller to your console with a wired USB connection.

  • For the uninformed, you will need a USB-C to USB-A cable, which unfortunately isn’t included with the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X console. If you don’t have one on hand, then we recommending picking up the Anker USB-C to USB-A cable, which you can find on Amazon with this link.(#CommissionsEarned).
  • Now that you have the compatible USB cable, connect the USB-C end of the cable to your Xbox Series controller and the USB-A end of the cable to one of the available USB-A ports of your Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X console.
  • Next, press the Xbox button on your controller to turn it on. With or without batteries (or a battery pack), the gamepad will draw power from the USB connection. If your Xbox Series controller still won’t turn on when you are using a wired connection, then you may want to try another USB cable.
  • If controller is not turning on after trying multiple USB cables, then it is highly likely that your gamepad has some kind of hardware damage that may need to be repaired by Microsoft.

3. If your controller managed to turn on successful when you are using a wired connection, then you can try updating the firmware of it.

In order to do so, you need to do the following:

  • Press the Xbox button to open the Guide quick menu.
  • In the Guide menu, scroll to the Profile & system tab by pressing the RB button on your controller several times.
  • On the Profile & system tab, select Settings.
  • Inside of the Settings menu, first select Device & connections on the left column.
  • On the right side of the same screen, you then need to select Accessories.
  • Locate your problematic Xbox Series controller and then select the “…” option underneath it.
  • You should have opened the “Xbox Wireless Controller by Xbox” menu. Here, the top-most option will show whether or not a new firmware update is available for the gamepad. If there is, make sure you update your controller.
  • If your controller is not updating, turn off your Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X by holding the power button on the console for 10 seconds. Disconnect and then reconnect the USB-A end of the cable to the USB port of your console (you may want to try a different USB port on the console or use a different USB cable). You can then try to update the controller once again.
  • After updating the firmware of your controller, disconnect it from the USB port.
  • The gamepad should remain turned on after you removed the USB connection.

If none of the aforementioned potential solutions help fix issues with turning on your Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X controller, then there is a chance that your gamepad has some sort of hardware damage.

If you believe that your controller may need to be repaired and is still under warranty, then you need to contact Microsoft, which you can do so with this link.