Xbox controller flashing like a Christmas tree gone haywire? It can be a right pain. And it’ll put an end to your gaming session quicker than an in-game quick time event. Don’t sweat it though. There are a few easy fixes that’ll have you back to your mission ASAP.
In our mini guide, we’ll cover why your Xbox controller might be blinking and recommend a few ways to get it back to normal. Let’s get going…
Common causes of a blinking Xbox controller
Anything from simple battery problems to a complex hardware issue could be the culprit. We’ve rounded up some of the most common causes down below:
Low battery – This is usually the number one reason for the blinking. When you’re nearly out of juice, the controller blinks to let you know it needs a top up.
Connection issues – If the controller isn’t connected to your console or PC properly, it’ll blink. This can happen if it’s out of range, or something’s creating interference.
Firmware issues – Outdated or corrupted firmware can make the controller go a bit loopy.
Hardware malfunctions – Sometimes it’s not software based, and faulty buttons or internal parts could be the issue.
Wireless interference – Other wireless devices in the house might be interfering with the controller’s signal.
How to fix a blinking Xbox controller
Now that you know a bit about what might be causing it, let’s check out how to actually fix it…
Check and replace the batteries
The first and easiest step is to check the batteries. If you’re lucky, it could be a simple case of the battery just being low…
Remove the batteries - Take the batteries – or rechargeable battery pack – out from the back of the controller.
Inspect the batteries – Check for any signs of corrosion or damage.
Replace the batteries – Insert a full charged battery pack (or some new AA batteries) into the controller.
Test the controller – Turn on the controller and see if the blinking has stopped.
Re-sync the controller with the console
If the batteries aren’t the issue, the next step is to re-sync the controller with your Xbox console. Here’s how:
Turn off the controller – Press and hold the Xbox button on the controller until it turns off.
Turn off the console – Power down your Xbox console.
Re-sync the controller – Turn on the console and press and hold the pairing button on the controller (it’s near the USB port) until the Xbox button on your controller lights up solid.
Update the controller’s firmware
Outdated firmware can cause a few issues with your controller, including blinking lights. Follow these steps to update your controller’s firmware:
Connect the controller – Use a USB cable to connect the controller directly to your Xbox console or PC.
Open Settings or the Xbox App – On PC, head to the Xbox App and go to the ‘Settings’ menu. If you’re on an Xbox, just head to ‘Settings’.
Check for updates – Navigate to ‘Devices & Accessories’ and select ‘Update & Manage’. This will then check for any available firmware updates.
Install updates – If there are any updates, follow the on-screen instructions to install them.
Reduce wireless interference
If you’ve got other wireless gadgets near your controller, they might be causing interference. Here’s how to reduce that…
Move the controller closer – Try moving the controller closer to the console/PC to see if the blinking stops. Sometimes it’s the simple fixes that work the best!
Turn off other devices – Temporarily switch off any other nearby wireless devices, like your Wi-Fi router or Bluetooth speaker. Then, you can work out if they’re causing the interference or not.
Use a wired connection – If the wireless interference continues, think about using a wired connection. They’re usually more stable – and it’s easy to plug the controller straight into your console or PC.
Do a hard reset of the console and controller
Turning stuff off and back on again is the oldest trick in the book. But a hard reset can genuinely help to fix any software glitches that might be making your controller blink. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
Turn off the console – Press and hold the power button on the console until it turns off.
Unplug the console – Remove the power cable from the console and wait for at least 30 seconds.
Plug in the console – Reconnect the power cable and switch the console on.
Reset the controller – Press and hold the Xbox button on the controller for 10 seconds until it turns off. Then, turn it back on and re-sync it with the console.
When to seek professional repairs or replacement
If you’ve tried everything above – and your controller is still blinking – it might be time to get the pros involved. Here’s some signs that you might want to seek out a repair or replacement…
Constant blinking – You’ve followed all of our troubleshooting tips, but the controller’s still flashing away. This might mean it’s actually a hardware issue, instead of a software one.
Physical damage – Cracks or broken buttons will eventually stop you from playing completely. Get them fixed before they get worse.
Warranty coverage – Controller still under warranty? Get in touch with Microsoft Support for some help. They’ll be able to guide you through how to get it repaired or replaced.
Cost-effectiveness – If your controller’s out of warranty (and it’s going to be expensive to fix), it might actually be cheaper to just buy a new one.
Need more advice?
So, that’s how to fix a flashing Xbox controller. Want to get even more from your console? We’ve created a mega guide containing everything you need to know about the Xbox Series X. And when it comes to new adventures, here’s all the upcoming Xbox games in 2025 that we know about so far.
