topic Xbox controllers won't pair in Galaxy S25

Xbox controllers won't pair

PoweredByMB — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 18:32:11 GMT

Hoping someone has a solution to this. I did a lot of searching and found several solutions, most of which were years old, none of them fixed my issue. I've also never used these forums, so maybe I'm just incompetent too lol.

I'm trying to pair my Xbox one controllers via Bluetooth, but they won't even appear in the Bluetooth devices screen.

I have tried multiple controllers, and multiple phones. No combination of controllers or phones will recognize one another. All 3 phones will work with both controllers via USB, but not Bluetooth. Before anyone asks, yes, the controllers were put into Bluetooth pairing mode via the button on top.

Both phones are fully upto date, I updated the firmware in both controllers via the xbox accessories app. Took the batteries out of the controllers for days and replaced with new ones. Confirmed that they both connect to the xbox wireless.

Below are all devices in question;

2x S25 Ultra's both are Android 16 OneUI 8.0

S20FE Android 13 OneUI 5.1

Xbox One base controller

Xbox One Elite V1

Hopefully I'm just ignorant or incompetent and you guys can tell me so. If not, I fear a software issue they I'll have to wait on a resolution for.

Thanks in advance guys!

Re: Xbox controllers won't pair

aoaahah — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 19:01:55 GMT

I think your controller Bluetooth module is faulty send to to a friend who knows how to repair or repair shop or Microsoft the owner of Xbox

Re: Re: Xbox controllers won't pair

PoweredByMB — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 19:03:49 GMT

Thanks for the reply. I would typically think that, but both controllers having a bad Bluetooth module at the same time? It's possible, but I'd think it would be unlikely. Also, they pair to the xbox. Do they pair to the xbox using something other than Bluetooth? 🤔

Re: Xbox controllers won't pair

aoaahah — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 19:04:55 GMT

Okay try to connect your phone to an tablet or computer tv etc maybe even the other phone

Re: Re: Xbox controllers won't pair

PoweredByMB — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 12:21:19 GMT

All 3 phones in question pair via Bluetooth to all other devices.