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As we all know, gaming controllers are essential for a better user experience while playing games on a PC or Console. Many gaming enthusiasts prefer Xbox controllers because of their easy-to-use design and compatibility with many devices. Although Xbox controllers usually come with Bluetooth connectivity, some models, like Xbox 360, do not have Bluetooth connectivity built-in. This model needs additional accessories to be connected with other devices like a PC, Android, or iOS device. Today, in this blog, we will discuss the ways to connect a non-Bluetooth Xbox controller to an Android device.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Connect a Non-Bluetooth Xbox Controller to an Android Device
The non-Bluetooth Xbox controller is an old model that doesn’t have built-in Bluetooth connectivity and cannot be paired directly with other devices. That means if you have an old Xbox 360 controller, you cannot connect it to an Android phone without additional accessories. Moreover, some gamers have an emotional attachment to the old Xbox 360 or want to save some money by not buying a new controller. Therefore, knowing how to connect a non-Bluetooth Xbox controller to Android is essential for gamers looking for a better gaming experience.
Method 1: Connect Xbox Controller via OTG Cable
OTG stands for “on the go,” which means that this cable is used to connect devices like mobiles, tablets, or gaming controllers that support OTG devices. Here we will use the Xbox 360 controller, which means we need a wired connection to connect it to an Android device. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Attach the OTG cable to your Android device.
2. Now, connect the Xbox 360 controller with the OTG cable via the USB port.
3. Switch on the controller; light will blink around the Xbox logo on the controller.
4. Now press the sync button on your Xbox controller.
5. Open the Bluetooth and input devices option from the settings menu on your Android device.
6. Tap the Xbox controller option from the list of available devices.
7. Congratulations! Your Xbox controller is now connected successfully to your Android device.
Pros:
– A wired connection means no connectivity issues between your device and controller.
– The connection is reliable as it is directly connected to the device without the use of any additional techniques.
Cons:
– The wired connection may lead to the cable tangling with other peripherals or getting in the way while gaming.
– The setup needs more steps to complete.
Method 2: Connect Xbox Controller via Xbox 360 wireless receiver
The Xbox 360 wireless receiver is a small device that connects non-Bluetooth Xbox controllers to your PC or Android device via USB. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Plug-in the wireless receiver to an available USB port on your Android device.
2. Turn on your controller; light will blink around the Xbox logo on the controller.
3. Press the sync button on your Xbox controller.
4. If there are any additional drivers or software needed, download them using your device’s browser.
5. Wait for the receiver to detect your controller.
6. Now press the sync button once again on the controller.
7. Congratulations! Your Xbox controller is now connected successfully to your Android device.
Pros:
– Wireless connectivity means you’re not stuck in one position while gaming.
– The connection is stable and reliable.
Cons:
– You have to buy an additional Xbox 360 wireless receiver, which may be costly.
– The wireless receiver needs some time to detect the controller.
Method 3: Connect via Bluetooth and third-party app
Some third-party apps help connect your controller to Android devices via Bluetooth. Here we will use the app- Bluetooth Auto Connect.
1. Download and install the Bluetooth auto-connect app from the Google Play Store.
2. Turn on your controller; light will blink around the Xbox logo on the controller.
3. Press the sync button on your Xbox controller.
4. Open the Bluetooth and input devices option from the settings menu on your Android device.
5. Search for the available devices and connect with the controller.
6. Open the Bluetooth auto-connect app from your device’s apps menu.
7. Find and tap the "add a new device" option.
8. Select the controller from the list of available devices.
9. Tap "Save config" to save your controller settings.
10. Congratulations! Your Xbox controller is now connected successfully to your Android device via Bluetooth.
Pros:
– No need to buy any additional hardware or cables.
– You get a wireless connection with this method.
Cons:
– You need to download additional third-party software to connect the controller.
– Setup can be more complicated than the other methods.
What to Do If You Can’t Connect Your Xbox Controller to Android Device
If you have followed all the steps mentioned above and still cannot connect the Xbox controller to your Android device, here are a few things you can do.
1. Restart your Xbox controller: Resetting your controller often solves connectivity issues.
2. Update your device’s drivers and software: The outdated drivers and software might cause issues with Xbox Controller connectivity.
3. Use a different controller: If the one controller is not working, try another one and see if that works.
Bonus Tips
1. If you want to map your Xbox controller buttons to specific keys, download an application like Tincore Keymapper from the Google Play Store.
2. Use the Xbox controller with games that support a controller only.
3. Keep your Bluetooth and Controller’s firmware updated to avoid connectivity issues.
5 FAQs
Q1: What if My Xbox Controller is Not Working?
A: If your Xbox controller is not working, you can try the following solutions-
– Try the controller with a PC to check if it’s working or not.
– Replace the cable or port if you’re using a wired connection.
– If you’re using wireless connection try to switch to wired or vice versa.
– Update your Xbox controller’s firmware.
– Try resetting the controller.
Q2: How Do I Connect Multiple Controllers to Android?
A: Connecting multiple controllers to an Android device is straightforward. Just follow the same process of the above methods for each new controller and pair it to your Android via Bluetooth, OTG, or wireless receiver.
Q3: What Android version is compatible with Xbox Controller
A: Xbox controllers are compatible with Android devices running on Android 4.4 or above.
Q4: Can I Connect Xbox One Controller to my Android Device using the above Methods?
A: Xbox One controllers support Bluetooth connectivity, which means you can connect them with your Android device using the same method mentioned in the article.
Q5: Why is My Xbox Controller Not Detecting on My Android?
A: If your Xbox controller is not detecting on your Android device, try the following solutions:
– Turn off your controller and restart it.
– Make sure your controller is not connected to any other device.
– Check your device settings and permissions for Bluetooth and OTG usage.
– Use a different cable or wireless receiver if the previous ones aren’t working.
Final Thoughts
Connecting non-Bluetooth Xbox controllers to Android can seem like a daunting task, but with the correct method, it’s a straightforward process. In this blog post, we discussed three methods to connect the controller to an Android device, along with their pros and cons. We also suggested what to do if you cannot connect the controller to your device and added some bonus tips for better gaming experience. We hope this article helps you connect your Xbox controller, and you can enjoy your favorite mobile games with ease.