Dilum Senevirathne · February 24, 2025 · 3 min read Some games on the Mac are more fun with a controller than with a mouse and keyboard. The good news? You don’t need to buy a new controller if you already have an Xbox controller. macOS supports Xbox controllers, and this guide will show you how to connect it to your Mac.
How to Connect Your Xbox Controller to Your Mac
Macs are compatible with all Xbox controllers from 2016 and onward—these include controllers for the Xbox One S, Series S, and Series X. macOS also supports the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 and the Xbox Adaptive Controller.
To connect your Xbox controller to your Mac, just go through the following steps:
- Press the Xbox button on the controller to turn it on.
- Open the Apple menu on your Mac and choose System Settings.
- Select Bluetooth on the sidebar.
- Press and hold the Pair button on the forward-facing side of the Xbox controller until the Xbox button begins flashing.
- The controller is now in discovery mode, and you should see it appear underneath Nearby Devices on your Mac’s Bluetooth. Once that happens, place your cursor over Xbox Wireless Controller and select Connect.
That’s it! Your Xbox controller is now paired to your Mac. It should also automatically connect when you turn it on going forward. To customize your Xbox controller, go to System Settings, select Game Controllers on the sidebar, and choose Xbox Wireless Controller.
What to Do If Your Xbox Controller Is Not Working on Mac
If your Xbox controller doesn’t pair to your Mac or work correctly for some reason, here’s what you can do:
- Check the Batteries: Make sure that the controller’s batteries aren’t depleted. Replace them if they’re removable, or charge the controller if it has an internal battery.
- Restart your Mac: Restarting can resolve any unexpected technical issues preventing your Mac from recognizing the controller. Go to the Apple menu and select Restart.
- Update macOS: Compatibility issues can crop up if macOS is outdated. To update the system software, go to System Settings > General > Software Update and select Update Now.
- Forget and Re-pair the Controller: If the controller is already paired but not working, go to the Bluetooth settings, select the controller, and choose Forget This Device. Then, pair it again to resolve potential issues with corrupt Bluetooth pairing.
- Reset the Controller: If connectivity issues persist, reset the controller. To do that, press the Xbox button to turn it off. Then, press and hold the Pair button for about 20 seconds until the controller vibrates. Once reset, go through the pairing process again.
- Adjust Controller Settings: If the buttons aren’t working as expected, go to System Settings > Game Controllers to customize the controller’s configuration.
It’s Gaming Time
As you just found out, pairing an Xbox controller with your Mac is pretty straightforward. If you run into any issues during or after pairing, just follow the troubleshooting steps above, and you’ll have things sorted out in no time. By the way, did you know that you could also connect an Xbox controller to your iPhone or iPad?
