Why is My Xbox Controller Blinking? (+ 8 Tips on How to Fix It)

Xbox controllers are amazing. They make games seem even more realistic, and there are various colours to choose from. One of an Xbox controller’s primary functions is connecting you with others. Whenever a new game is released, or a friend wants to play, your Xbox controller becomes an important part of the gaming experience.

It is also designed to immerse you in your gaming experience, but sometimes they don’t. When this happens, you may wonder how to fix a blinking Xbox controller. Read on from this post to find out why your Xbox controller is blinking and how to fix it.


Why your Xbox Controller is Blinking?

Your Xbox controller might be blinking due to the following reasons:

A Software or Microprocessor Bug

A Software or Microprocessor Bug

This is the most common reason for a blinking controller. This can happen when you have an older version of the Xbox software, and it doesn’t work as well with newer versions. Your controller will slowly blink red and blue at random intervals until it stops working altogether.

Internal Component or Power Failure

Internal Component or Power Failure

Sometimes electronic devices like Xbox controllers stop working because they run out of battery juice or lose power altogether due to being left unplugged overnight or during a power outage somewhere in the world!

A Minor Problem Related to Your Use

The blinking light on the back of the controller means that there is a problem with the controller. The blinking light indicates that the controller needs service.

A Malfunction of the Bluetooth Circuit or the USB Cable

A Malfunction of the Bluetooth Circuit or the USB Cable

The blinking light on an Xbox controller can mean your controller has been paired with another device (like a mobile phone or computer) that’s using Bluetooth technology. This will affect the regular functioning of your controller.


Ways to Fix an Xbox Controller that is Blinking

Here’s how to resolve issues with the Xbox controller blinking:


Make Sure Your Xbox One Controller is Paired and in Range

Make Sure Your Xbox One Controller is Paired and in Range

Connecting a controller to an Xbox One console via Bluetooth or USB will require you to pair it with the console first. This can be done by pressing and holding “X” on your controller until a ring around its center lights up blue and then releases it. After doing this, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth > Select your Xbox One controller from the list. If you’re using a wireless Xbox One headset, make sure it’s turned on before pairing another device with it.


Make Sure Everything is Wired Correctly

Make Sure Everything is Wired Correctly

Ensure that all of your cords are connected properly and that they’re not loose or broken. If you have a wireless adaptor, make sure it’s firmly plugged into your console. If you encounter any problems while trying to connect, try restarting any devices involved in the process and moving them around until they’re connected properly.


Pair Your Xbox One Controller to Your Console Again

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If you’ve found that your controller is blinking, it’s likely that you’ve paired it with your console and want to pair it again.

Step 1: Press the Xbox button on the front of your controller to select it from the list of wireless devices in the Xbox Accessories and Devices section.

Step 2: Click the “Pair” button on the top right of this screen if you have not already done so.

Step 3: A new dialog box will appear asking you to confirm that you wish to pair your controller with your console again. Click “Yes.”


Connect Your Xbox One Controller to Your Console with a Micro USB Cable

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If your Xbox One controller is blinking, it sometimes means its battery is low. You’ll need to connect your Xbox One controller to your console with a micro USB cable to fix this problem.

Step 1: Press the Guide button on your controller.

Step 2: Select Settings > All Settings > Power Settings > Change Adapter Settings > Change adapter settings for “Xbox Wireless Controller” (varies per country).

Step 3: Select Yes when prompted to confirm that you want to disconnect the current adapter and connect to another one, or No if you do not want to do so.

Step 4: Connect the new adapter by plugging it into an open USB port on your PC or Xbox One console.


Checking the Batteries on Your Xbox One Controller

Checking the Batteries on Your Xbox One Controller

The first thing you should do if your Xbox One controller is blinking is check your battery. The battery may be dead if you haven’t charged your controller in a while. To check, plug in an external charger and charge the battery for at least 10 minutes. If the light on your controller doesn’t go off when you take it out of the charging station, it means there isn’t enough power left in the battery.


Restarting Your Xbox One Console or Updating Your Controller

Restarting Your Xbox One Console or Updating Your Controller

If you have already charged your Xbox One controller but still see the blinking light, try restarting your console or updating it. This will fix some software-related issues, such as updates and features not working properly.

You can restart by pressing the Xbox button on your controller in quick succession (the same number of times you would press the power button on a smartphone). Alternatively, you can update your device by pressing and holding the red X button on its left side for 10 seconds until it turns orange, then release it and press Y to go through updates.


Check Interferences

The first thing you want to do when troubleshooting a gamepad is to make sure that other devices don’t create any interference in your house or workplace. If you have wireless routers or Wi-Fi extenders nearby, they could interfere with the signal between your controller and console. Try moving them away from your console’s location and see if that makes a difference in how well it works on other devices connected wirelessly within a range of both devices (e.g., laptops).


Too Many People are Connected

Too Many People are Connected

If your Xbox controller is blinking, this could mean that too many people are connected to the same console. The Xbox can only recognize one controller at a time, so if someone else is using it, their controller won’t work. You can fix the issue by disconnecting from the console and then reconnecting again.


Wrap Up

Your Xbox controller may flash and beep for various reasons, but many problems can be solved by resetting the controller. Try switching out the batteries, cleaning your Kinect port, and recalibrating your camera. If none of those work, it may be time to contact Microsoft customer service or purchase a new controller.

However, preventative maintenance is a good way to ensure your Xbox controller stays in good working order for as long as possible.

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