Basic Checks
1. To eliminate the possibility of a hardware problem with the controller, connect it to your Xbox console using a USB cable and see if the flashing stops. If it does, your controller is fine, and it’s the issue with the wireless connection.
2. Ensure that the batteries in your Xbox controller are not discharged. To rule out batteries as the cause of this issue, install new batteries and try again.
3. Are you using the controller from within its range? The Xbox controller’s range is about 40 feet, so if you use it from far away, move closer to the console and see if it resolves the issue.
When your Xbox Series X controller keeps flashing and does not connect to the console, unpair it from your console and then pair it back again.
To unpair your Xbox Series X controller, press and hold the Pair button on the controller until the controller vibrates twice.
Now, pair it back again. To do that, follow these steps:
- First, ensure the controller is on, and its Xbox light is blinking.
- Next, press the pair button on the Xbox Series X (small black button), and immediately after that, press and hold the pair button on the controller.
- Keep it pressed until the Xbox light starts flashing quickly on both the controller and the console.
If this does not work, power cycle the controller and update its firmware.
Power Cycle the Controller
Next, power cycle your Xbox Series X or S controller. Here’s how to do that:
- Turn off the controller by pressing and holding the Xbox button for 20 seconds.
- Remove the batteries and wait for 3 minutes.
- After 3 minutes, re-insert the batteries and turn on the controller.
Update Controller Firmware
Lastly, update your Xbox controller firmware. Since it is not connecting to the console, you will need to update the firmware using your PC. Here’s how to do that:
- First, install the Xbox Accessories app on your PC from Microsoft Store and open it.
- Connect your Xbox Series X controller to your computer using a USB cable.
- When the controller is connected, click on Update now in the Xbox Accessories app to install the updates.
Keep the controller connected to the PC until the update is fully installed.
If your Xbox controller still keeps flashing, it may have a hardware damage.
So, contact Xbox support, and they might repair it for you or offer a free replacement, if its covered under warranty.
