If the Xbox 360 Controller not turning on, then it might be because of a battery issue. Try to replace the drained battery with a fresh pair of AA batteries and check whether the issue has been resolved.
If you find corrosion around the edges of the battery, then you can try to remove them using alcohol, too. Otherwise, you can try to connect the controller using a USB cable rather than batteries.
Another reason why the Xbox 360 controller is not turning on is a faulty cable, outdated firmware, defective hardware, corrosion on the springs of the Xbox 360 Controller, and more. Also, there is a limit of controllers that you can connect with Xbox. If you have connected more than 4, then it will automatically turn off. So, go through the user manual and check the allowed limit.
Now, let’s get to know about the common solutions that can help you to turn on the Xbox 360 Controller.
1. Get New Pair of Batteries
Try to use a fresh pair of batteries. If you find that the battery is the main cause of the error because they are dead and the controller has turned off, then you need to get a new battery pack.
Match the specifications as you can get a variety of batteries in the market. Get a new one and replace them with the old one. Set the battery exactly in its position correctly and leave the Controller for a few seconds. Now, turn on the Xbox and check whether it is working or not
2. Clean the corrosion on Xbox 360 Controller
Often new batteries fail to work if there is corrosion on the Xbox battery springs or when the Xbox battery box is corroded. In this case, you need to get a new battery box and clean the present corrosion with a little alcohol.
Now, place the batteries in their rightful position, put the new batteries in the box, and try to use the controller. If you do not have alcohol, then you can substitute it with white vinegar. If it still does not work, then you can try to rub the batteries with sandpaper.
Remember, whatever you do to remove the corrosion, you must leave the Xbox 360 Controller without any function for at least 10 minutes and then try to use it. Finally, check whether the problem has been fixed.
3. Check whether the battery contacts are extended
The Xbox battery compartments usually go through different issues which restrict the function of the controller. So, you need to check whether there is a collapse contact. This usually happens when the contacts are not extended enough.
So, you need to open the battery compartment of the Xbox, check the contacts on the right, align them at an angle, and then try to use the controller. Remember, you should not try to fix the collapsed contact with the batteries still in its compartment. Rather take them out and then use the pins to fix collapsed contacts.
4. Disable connections that are interfering
If there is any connection between the Xbox and the Xbox 360 Controller which is restricting them from functioning, then you need to disable them. So, to proceed – Turn off the console and keep it aside for at least 10 minutes. Now, reconnect the Controller with the Xbox console and locate the X button on the Controller, Press it and hold it down for a few seconds.
Along with this, press the Connect button on the Console. You will find it on the front face of the box. Now, go to your controller and press the Xbox button for 20 seconds, and after this, press the Connect button for 30 seconds. This will definitely fix the issue, and you will see that the controller has been connected to the console after the lights start blinking.
Remember, before you proceed with the step, you must ensure that the Xbox 360 Controller is present within the range of the Xbox.
5. Fault within the hardware
If the internal parts of the Xbox 360 Controller are broken or faulty, then you might have to replace it. To confirm the case, you can use a screwdriver and open the controller and verify whether any of the passes is damaged or broken.
To solve this, you need to buy a new controller. In this case, instead of repairing, always go for a certified and compatible version of the Xbox 360 Controller instead of cheap replacements.
6. Keep the battery charging overnight
If the function of the controller depends on a rechargeable battery pack, then it might have been discharged, and the energy left is not sufficient enough to turn on the controller. In this case, you have to extend the limit of charging the battery.
To proceed – Open the battery compartment of the controller, put the battery, and align them with the contacts. Now, connect the Xbox 360 Controller with a charging cable and the other end of the cable with the console or a USB power source. You have to leave this setup for 24 hours to complete the charging process. Remember not to use the controller while it is still charging.
7. Reset the Xbox 360 Controller
If the Xbox 360 Controller won’t turn on, then try to reset it. However, Microsoft does not recommend this process. So, if you are ready to fix the controller at the earliest, then you can try out the receptors.
To proceed – you need to locate the Power button, which is usually present at the front of the Xbox, and hold it down for 30 seconds. Now, check whether the Xbox is on and press this button for another 30 seconds till the light keeps blinking and finally turns off.
Now, you have to disconnect all the external devices that are connected to the Xbox. Also, unplug the power cable and try to keep this Xbox 360 Controller aside for minutes. Now, connect the power cables and also connect the external devices. This would eliminate all the minor glitches, and you can connect the Xbox 360 Controller to the console with ease.
8. Try to update the Xbox 360 Controller firmware
If the firmware of the Xbox 360 Controller is outdated, then it might become incompatible and lead to the Xbox Controller not turning on. So, to remove the corrupted or broken files, you need to get a fresh update.
To proceed – you have to open the Xbox Accessories app on your computer and connect the controller to your laptop using the USB cable. Now, check whether you are getting any messages about the update required.
Simply, click on the notification and go through the update process. Your Xbox 360 Controller will automatically get the latest firmware update. Now, when the process is done, close all the tabs and remove the USB cable and wait for 5 minutes. Finally, check whether you are able to use the Controller to play your favorite game on Xbox.
Is it possible to replace all the batteries for all the Xbox controllers?
No, there are certain exceptions. Like, the Xbox Elite wireless controller series uses a built-in battery. So, you won’t be able to replace them. Rather, you can follow the other steps mentioned if it is not turning on.
Can you use the Xbox 360 Controller without a battery?
If the battery is the prime issue and you are unable to resolve the Xbox 360 Controller not working, then you can connect your controller to your console via USB. It will solve the problem as it will as a direct charging cable and will also be a smart replacement for the battery.
To connect your controller using USB, you have to check whether it is compatible with the controller as well as with the console. Now, plug one end of the controller and the other end into the console.
Now, power on the Xbox and wait for a while, the controller will turn on automatically, and you can use it. Moreover, if you want to check whether there is something wrong with the console, then you can plug the controller into your PC as well.
Is your Xbox controller blinking but not turning on?
Yes, the Xbox 360 Controller is blinking but not turning on, then you need to understand the indications to detect the problem. If the blinking lights are quite fast, then it indicates that the Xbox 360 Controller is trying to connect with the console, but it is failing every time.
Also, you can try to restart the controller to fix this issue. If the blinking is at a slow pace, then you need to check the battery, as it might be drained. So, it is a clear indication that you need to replace them.
Is it possible to control Xbox 360 without the Controller?
Yes, you can control the Xbox console without the controller by using a keyboard and mouse. If you are a Pro gamer, then you would rather prefer using a keyboard and mouse rather than a Controller.
