To connect your Xbox controller to your tablet, you need a Bluetooth-capable controller and a tablet running Android 9 or later (Android 10 or newer recommended) or an iPad with iPadOS. The process involves putting the controller into pairing mode, enabling Bluetooth on your tablet, and selecting the controller from the device list.
Check if your Xbox controller and tablet are compatible
Not every Xbox controller can connect wirelessly to a tablet. To identify a Bluetooth-capable Xbox One controller, look at the plastic around the Xbox button. If the plastic surrounding the button is a separate glossy piece that matches the front of the controller, it likely supports Bluetooth. If the plastic is part of the controller's top shell and is matte, it probably does not.
Compatible models include the Xbox Wireless Controller (Model 1708), the controller that ships with Xbox Series S/X, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, and the Xbox Adaptive Controller. Older Xbox One controllers (Models 1537 and 1697) typically lack Bluetooth and cannot connect wirelessly to a tablet.
For tablets, Android requires version 9 Pie or newer, with Android 10 or later recommended for the best experience. iPads need iPadOS. If you are exploring other options, the process for "connecting a game controller" is similar across many devices, though the steps for a PS5 controller that won't connect differ due to platform-specific pairing methods.
Put your Xbox controller in pairing mode
With a compatible controller and tablet, start by powering on the controller. Press the Xbox button to turn it on. Then, press and hold the small Pair button located on the top of the controller, between the bumper buttons. Keep holding it until the Xbox logo on the controller begins to flash rapidly. This rapid flashing indicates the controller is in pairing mode and ready to be discovered by your tablet.
Enable Bluetooth on your iPad or Android tablet
On an iPad, open the Settings app and tap Bluetooth. Make sure the Bluetooth toggle is switched on. Your iPad will automatically become discoverable and will scan for nearby devices.
On an Android tablet, go to Settings, then tap Connections. From there, tap Bluetooth and ensure it is turned on. Your Android tablet will now scan for available devices. If you have previously used a similar method to connect a controller to a PC, the Bluetooth discovery process on a tablet is essentially the same. For those wondering how to add a game controller to Bluetooth, this is the standard approach: open Bluetooth settings and let the device search.
Pair the controller with your tablet
Once Bluetooth is enabled, look at the list of available devices on your tablet. You should see an entry labeled "Xbox Wireless Controller." Tap on it to initiate pairing. Your tablet will attempt to connect to the controller. A successful pairing is confirmed when the Xbox logo on the controller stops flashing and stays lit solid.
Test the connection and fix common issues
To verify the connection works, launch a game that supports external controllers. Try using the joysticks and buttons to navigate menus or control gameplay. If the controller does not respond, troubleshoot with these steps:
- Ensure the controller is charged. Low battery can cause disconnections or prevent pairing.
- Disconnect the controller from any other device, such as an Xbox console. A controller can only be paired to one device at a time.
- Restart both your tablet and the controller.
- Update the firmware on your controller and the software on your tablet to the latest versions.
- In your tablet's Bluetooth settings, select "Forget" or "Unpair" the controller, then repeat the pairing process from the beginning.
Use a wired connection as a fallback
If your controller lacks Bluetooth (for example, an older Xbox One model 1537 or 1697) or if wireless pairing fails, you can connect it to an Android tablet using a wired method. This requires a USB On-The-Go (OTG) cable. Plug the OTG cable into your tablet's charging port, then connect your controller to the OTG cable using a standard USB cable. The tablet should recognize the controller immediately without any Bluetooth setup.
