How to connect a joystick to the Xbox 360: what to do if you have problems

To connect an Xbox 360 wired controller, you need to insert the controller’s USB cable into one of the two USB connectors on the front of the Xbox console. If all the elements work correctly, then this will be enough to connect the gamepad to the console.

How to connect a wired joystick to the Xbox

For convenience and safety, a cable lock is installed on the cable of the Xbox wired controller. They should not be neglected. The connector retainer helps prevent the console from accidentally falling over if the cable is accidentally grazed. For example, if someone lags behind him or pulls too much, and the length of the wire is not enough.

Unfortunately, there are only 2 USB ports on the console, which makes it impossible to connect more than 2 wired controllers. But you can also connect wireless joysticks to the game console. For original Xbox 360 controllers, do the following:

1. Turn on the gamepad and console.
2. On the game console, click the connection button. It is near the USB ports
3. Then on the controller, click the connect button. To connect, you need to do this within 20 seconds, after pressing the search button on the console.
4. The indicator lights on the console and controller should start flashing and stop after connecting.

IMPORTANT. To disconnect the gamepad cable from the Xbox 360, you need to pull the connector, not the cable. Otherwise, you may damage the USB port, which will lead to the loss of the ability to use it in the future.

Why the Xbox 360 Joystick Doesn't Connect to the Console

Connection errors and problems can occur due to many different reasons. The main ones can be divided into two subcategories. These are errors when connecting a wireless and wired joystick.

Faults when connecting a wired joystick:

1. Non-original gamepad - if you took the controller from your hands or bought it in an uncertified store, you could be sold a fake. Unfortunately, it will be impossible to connect such a controller and you will have to buy a new original device.
2. Technical malfunction - this is often a wire contact break. This is due to the frequent bending of the main cable. But also the breakdown can be more serious, for example, burnout of the tracks on the board.

Faults when connecting a wireless joystick:

1. The battery pack does not work - this is not necessarily a breakdown, maybe the battery just ran out of power. To verify the reason, try charging the controller. If after that it does not work, then perhaps the cause is a malfunction of the batteries themselves or the batteries.
2. Electromagnetic interference - if near the console there are powerful emitters of electromagnetic waves, then they may well simply drown out the signal coming from the controller. For example, it could be a microwave.
3. Damage to the gamepad - the causes of the damage can be different. This is the failure of the transmitter, and the violation of the power contacts, and the sticking of the button sensors. It is, unfortunately, impossible to pinpoint the cause without dismantling the joystick.

Also, do not forget that the reason may be hidden in the console itself. But they can only accurately determine such a breakdown in the diagnostic center.

IMPORTANT.If you decide to disassemble the controller or game console yourself and try to fix the malfunction, such actions will lead to loss of warranty service. And you will no longer be able to repair your warranty for free Xbox 360 in a specialized service.

Ways to solve the problem

If you find yourself having a problem that does not require opening the warranty seals, then you can try to solve it yourself.

If the controller does not turn on due to a battery malfunction, just start by charging it. If charging does not work, replace your battery pack with another one. It’s not necessary to buy a new one, borrow it from your friend or take it from another gamepad. If the problem is solved, then you just need to buy a new battery, it is freely sold in stores with computer electrical equipment.

To get rid of electromagnetic interference, unplug all possible devices that emit them. If after that the controller successfully works, then it is necessary to find the main source of interference, including the devices in turn. And when a source is detected, move it away from the console or turn it off during the game.

Other technical malfunctions will have to be repaired at a service center.