XBox One Chatpad for Windows 10 woes (blinking orange light)

[dancingcrab]

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the XBox One Chatpad on Windows 10? I received mine today. I plugged it in to my (regular XB1) controller (can't remember if it was cabled or wireless, I alternate), and, hey presto, it worked! I went into Big Picture, went to Search and was able to type away. Fantastic.

Until I opened up the XBox Accessories app. The app proceeded to install an update (firmware version 2.3.2381.0) and since then, the Chatpad has ceased all functionality. The orange circle on one of the bottom keys is just constantly blinking.

Now I've looked around online regarding this. This is what I've dug up:

1) Flashing orange light = Chatpad wants the controller to be updated before use. This is obviously (a) problematic because I'm not being offered any further updates, and (b) irritating because it worked BEFORE the update.

2) Chatpad is happier when connected via USB. I use my controllers both wired and wirelessly, but obviously I'm focusing on getting it working whilst wired as that seems to be the way forwards.

3) The Accessories app is a turd.

4) The Anniversary Update has cause people trouble with their controllers, but that doesn't appear to be a problem for me - they work fine, it's just the Chatpad that is bust.

And that's kinda it. I've rebooted my machine, I've unplugged/reconnected the Chatpad, unplugged/reconnected the controller, done all of those aforementioned things in myriad different sequences, tried using the controller and Chatpad on another Windows 10 machine, all to no avail.

Is anyone able to offer any insight? It would be much appreciated!

[Bad 💀 Motha]

Try uninstalling the devices for the Controller then re-scan for new devices; while the Controller + Chatpad are connected via USB cable.

[dancingcrab]

Thanks for the response! I uninstalled the device, unplugged it (with the Chatpad attached) and reconnected it. Windows automatically detected it and reinstalled. Controller still works, Chatpad still doesn't :-( Appreciate the suggestion, though.

[Bad 💀 Motha]

When you clicked Uninstall via Device Manager I forget the device name but if it is the correct one; it should have option to also remove extra software associated with that. Check that box.

Upon a reconnect, yes the OS auto-re-installs it, but before using it, go to Windows Updates > Check for Updates.

[dancingcrab]

In the Device Manager, it is located under XBox Peripherals > XBox Controller. When I uninstall it, it does not give me an option to remove additional software. Upon reconnecting it, after Winodws installs it again, I run Updates, but nothing changes :-(

Thanks again for the suggestion.

[Bad 💀 Motha]

Then in Device Manager, try manually changing the device driver.
Update Driver > Browse > Pick from a list on my computer
Then you should see multiple versions of the available; choose the older version

Some people said under Win10 it does not show different versions; but it shows a slightly different name; try that, as described here:
https://steamcommunity.com/app/320140/discussions/0/535152276586519371

However please know that if you ever plug the controller into a different USB port, this issue may return, to which you can simply repeat.

[dancingcrab]

Thanks once more for the response. I will try this tomorrow. Out of curiosity - the thread you link is about controllers not working, not Chatpads. It seems to help fix people's issues with the Windows 10 driver. I have been assuming that my issue is firmware based. Do you think a driver issue is more likely?

[Bad 💀 Motha]

The driver you select for the Controller directly affects the Chatpad

[dancingcrab]

Okay, so I could change it to Microsoft XBox One Controller (it was set to XBox Controller). However, that doesn't stop the orange light flashing. I tested it anyway, but no luck. I thought maybe going into the XBox Accessories app might cause the firmware to update with the new driver, but instead it just didn't recognise the controller at all.

I went on to try a couple of the older drivers (XBox Gaming Device). One was from July this year, and the other from 2014. Both worked with the Accessories app, but neither fixed the Chatpad. When I went to uninstall the 2014 version, it let me delete the drivers (the checkbox you'd previously referenced). I thought that might help (fresh install and all), but it just went back to using XBox Controller and still no Chatpad functionality.

Thanks again man. I'm really frustrated that this Chatpad is just a waste of time and money right now.

[Bad 💀 Motha]

Firmware is a ROM onboard the device. This is basically instruction/features coding.
Rules for what it can/cant do. Much like the BIOS on a Motherboard.

That does not affect Driver.

[dancingcrab]

I know what a driver is, and I also know what firmware is. The problem with the Chatpad is a documented firmware problem (the flashing orange light indicates the need to update the controller firmware). I thought maybe the driver would control how the Accessories app sees the controller. And it does, in a way, but mostly it just stops the app from seeing the controller at all.

Point is, at least as far as the symptoms are concerned, I need a firmware update for my controllers. My firmware is v2.3.2381.0 and I know that there is v2.3.2385.0 in the wild. I just can't get mine to update. I've tried all your driver tricks, but unfortunately they didn't work. I appreciate you taking the time to offer some ideas.

[MAX]

I wonder if you already solved this problem. I am having the same problem and I couldn't find a solution yet.

[dancingcrab]

Hey MAX. I solved it, but I had to have a friend plug it into his XBox One with a USB cable and force it to update. The issue is that the firmware in the Chatpad isn't updating via the Windows XBox Accessories app. Hopefully MS will fix it at some point.

If your symptoms are the same as mine (blinking orange light on the Chatpad), then it is NOT a driver issue. Find someone with an XBox One and they can fix it for you. My Chatpad works great now :-)

[MAX]

Thank you very much for such prompt reply. You just saved me from potentially countless hours of frustration. I can sleep well tonight! I hope Microsoft release the fix soon.

[Markus]

I'm still having the same issue. And I don't know anyone who owns an XBox One. I spent 50€ on the Wireless Adapter + the Chatpad and these guys ♥♥♥♥ everything up. When I consulted Microsoft Support (before I found your post) the woman seriously didn't even know how to spell "Keyboard". I'm so frustrated right now..

[Bad 💀 Motha]

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=xbox+one+controller+and+chat+pad+win10