Xbox One controller won't connect wirelessly

[Foosty]

So when I initially connect to the deck, my controller shows as paired on the deck but stays in pairing mode and doesn't work at all controller-side.

Then if I try just turning it off and back on to reconnect stuff, it goes into this state where it's constantly disconnecting / reconnecting on the deck side and still doesn't leave pairing mode.

I found another post that described a similar issue:

https://steamcommunity.com/app/1675200/discussions/1/3186865169882157042/

But my fully updated xbox accessories app only updates both of my controllers to 5.7.2688.0 and claims that's the latest while people in the comments are listing a later version. The responses make it seem like that fixes the problem but that was 3 months ago and maybe it's broken again somehow?

Has anyone else run into this problem? I don't have an xbox to try updating through that or anything...

Update:

- Xbox accessories app was refusing to update fully, uninstalling and reinstalling fixed that but created a new error that prevented the app from working at all because of my windows version being out of date.

- Windows update continuously gets stuck at 60% and fails preventing any progress.

Solution:
Hooked up a really old pc, updated windows fully, installed firmware. Is working now! God I hate microsoft so much...

[ReBoot]

Assuming you got a PC which is not the Deck, does the gamepad pair to that?

[Foosty]

Originally posted by ReBoot:

Assuming you got a PC which is not the Deck, does the gamepad pair to that?

It does and works just fine.

Quick update: Figured my accessories app just wasn't updating so I tried uninstalling it entirely and reinstalling it and now that isn't functional either. Says, "To use this app, first get the latest version of windows". I'm fairly certain I'm on the latest for windows 10.

[Marlock]

try this to ensure it's not a bluetooth rf chip instability preventing the controller to stay connected wirelessly:

1) enable developer mode
2) go to the new "developer" tab in steam settings
3) disable wifi power savings

[Foosty]

Originally posted by Marlock:

try this to ensure it's not a bluetooth rf chip instability preventing the controller to stay connected wirelessly:

1) enable developer mode
2) go to the new "developer" tab in steam settings
3) disable wifi power savings

Okedoke, so I disabled "Wifi Power Management" and I'm still seeing the same issue.

[Marlock]

does it behave better if plugged in via usb cable?

does it behave the same way in desktop mode?

[Foosty]

Originally posted by Marlock:

does it behave better if plugged in via usb cable?

does it behave the same way in desktop mode?

Works fine when plugged in. Haven't tried desktop mode but it wouldn't be all that helpful if it did work there lol

[Marlock]

it's useful for debugging, but it's also playable on the go if from desktop mode you open steam and enter Big Picture Mode (the old fullscreen interface for using controllers on steam on a PC, laptop, etc... not perfect but usable until you find a permanent fix for this issue

[Foosty]

Originally posted by Marlock:

it's useful for debugging, but it's also playable on the go if from desktop mode you open steam and enter Big Picture Mode (the old fullscreen interface for using controllers on steam on a PC, laptop, etc... not perfect but usable until you find a permanent fix for this issue

Gotcha gotcha. Yeah, I figured something out and updated the OP

[Master0fN0thing]

I have same issue. Seems to connect but won't let me control steam deck. Stays in reconnect disconnect mode till xbox controller shuts off. I don't have a pc or and xbox stuff. Any ideas guys?

[Foosty]

Originally posted by Master0fN0thing:

I have same issue. Seems to connect but won't let me control steam deck. Stays in reconnect disconnect mode till xbox controller shuts off. I don't have a pc or and xbox stuff. Any ideas guys?

There's not really a way as far as I can tell without that stuff. You could find a friend with a pc who's willing to do it. Or maybe take it to a computer repair shop and ask if they'll do it for you? Or you could even install windows to dual boot on the steam deck itself. I haven't tried that last one and I'm not sure if it's really worth it.

[haroon]

how embarrassing they make a console and have an issue with bluetooth on it actual purely embarassing

[Mahjik]

Originally posted by haroon:

how embarrassing they make a console and have an issue with bluetooth on it actual purely embarassing

Well, it's not a console.

[deaddoof]

Originally posted by haroon:

how embarrassing they make a console and have an issue with bluetooth on it actual purely embarassing

Can you not necro an old thread?

[kaileallen82]

It doesn't work for me and I'm having the same issues. It's absurd that anyone would defend the steam deck that fails to use Bluetooth. It IS a console, be it handheld. But you must be an employee because this is indefensible. You can buy a PS5 cheaper than this thing! Give solutions not ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ like "It's not a console dehuh dehuh!!".