Unable to connect Xbox Series X controller to Steam Deck via Bluetooth

[Neoncloudff]

After prompting bluetooth controller search on controller, Steam Deck recognizes and connects to the controller. However, The Xbox controller remains in "connecting mode" but shows connected on Steam Deck Bluetooth Menu.

Connecting this same controller with a USB cable works perfectly fine.

Xbox controller firmware is updated with latest FW via Xbox Accessories App on windows.

[Lawrence]

This is on our list. Do you happen to have access to an Xbox? We've had reports that updating firmware directly from an Xbox solves the connection issue.

[Squiddy]

I can confirm across two pads, that upgrading the Firmware on them makes them work perfectly.

[Neoncloudff]

No, I don't have an Xbox. I did update the FW on Xbox Accessories App, but I guess the xbox one is different?

[Fatal Error X]

Originally posted by Neoncloudff:

No, I don't have an Xbox. I did update the FW on Xbox Accessories App, but I guess the xbox one is different?

you mean the one on PC? its the same firmware update in that case.

[Lawrence]

Quick clarification - it previously was the case that updating from XBox would give you the latest firmware, while updating via PC would not. We've reached out to Microsoft and they are pushing out a fix to the PC updater today (3/9/22) to bring them to parity.

So after today, you should be able to update to the latest firmware successfully either via XBox or from the Windows updater.

[Neoncloudff]

Wow awesome Lawrence! I will be on the lookout!

[Neoncloudff]

Awaiting FW update.
Current FW is 5.9.2709.0

[76561198870432598]

There should be an update to the Xbox Accessories app that was pushed yesterday. You may need to check the MS Store app to force the update to the accessories app. I was just able to update a Series Controller to FW 5.13.3143.0 this morning.

[Neoncloudff]

Ah that was it! I had to update my Xbox Accessories app! Now I'm running FW 5.13.3143.0 and it now works wirelessly! Thank you all!

[SeeGeeArtist]

what about controllers that require a wireless dongle, such as the Elite v1?

[vmopbz]

So if you have no Xbox and only use macs you are kind of stuffed

[Gimmelots]

I updated the firmware. It. Sill. Does. Not. Work. Is there ANY other fix? This is very frustrating.

EDIT: PS5 and PS4 controllers connect without issue.

[Neoncloudff]

Man that stinks, I'm sorry. I would open a new bug report so the team can investigate what's going on.

[amiller653]

Updating the controller and then pairing is the ticket. Thanks smart people!

[[MSFT] Jeff Kaplan]

Originally posted by vmopbz:

So if you have no Xbox and only use macs you are kind of stuffed

You can use a USB-C cable but I agree with you this is not an elegant solution.

I use Linux primarily as my OS and don't own an Xbox, luckily I dual boot though but I'm sure there are others like you who are going to be SoL on this.

I'm just curious why the firmware that Microsoft installs to the controller can't be applied through the Steam Deck / Steam? Has Microsoft said no, hell it would be good for them to offload some controller firmware update downloads to your severs.

Originally posted by SeeGeeArtist:

what about controllers that require a wireless dongle, such as the Elite v1?

I'm not sure if you're having a problem or if you're just asking, as far as I know this works fine, I have used the dongle with Xbox 360 controllers and the Steam Deck and it worked fine.