Why Does Your Xbox Controller Keep Turning Off – Fix Guide

Did you suddenly notice that your Xbox controller keeps turning off in the middle of a gaming session, and you are wondering what could be wrong?

Well, you are not alone, as many Xbox owners are complaining of the same issue. Thankfully, today’s guide will provide you with some fixes on how you can resolve this issue.

But before we highlight the solutions, we would like to highlight some possible reasons why your Xbox controller keeps turning off. Let’s jump right in, shall we?

Why does your Xbox controller keep turning off or disconnecting?

There are many reasons why your Xbox controller keeps disconnecting or turning off. While this may freak you out initially, it isn’t such an issue you should worry about, as simple fixes will get your controller working smoothly again.

Here are some possible reasons why your Xbox controller is misbehaving and turning off:

1. Your Xbox controller batteries are bad and need replacement.
2. Your Xbox controller’s firmware is out of date and needs to be updated.
3. Your Xbox controller is somewhat far away from the gaming console
4. Your Xbox device has too many devices connected at once.

So, if you notice that your Xbox controller keeps turning off, one of these factors could be the likely cause. And because we want you to resume your playing session again, we will be showing you some possible fixes to resolve this issue.

How to fix an Xbox controller that keeps turning off?

As we mentioned earlier, there are many reasons why your Xbox controller keeps turning off. But not to worry, here are some fixes that should resolve your issues with your Xbox controller turning off.

1. Turn your Xbox controller off and on

One of the classic solutions for fixing an Xbox controller that keeps turning off is switching the controller off and switching it back on. As easy as this sounds, it has helped many gamers resolve their issues with their controller.

Doing this will help wipe off any mismatched signals. Here is how to go about it;

1. Start by holding down the Xbox power button for 5 to 10 seconds. This action should turn off your controller.
2. After turning off your controller, wait a few seconds and switch it back on.
3. Try again and see if the problem persists. If this action doesn’t resolve the issue, you can try the next solution we will highlight shortly.

2. Replace the batteries in your Xbox controller

As we reiterated earlier, one of the reasons why your controller could be turning off is because of an old battery that needs replacement. Thankfully, this isn’t an issue, as replacing the battery is a stroll in the park.

But before you take out the battery, we would love you to perform the following;

1. Tap the Xbox button on your controller. Scroll down to the home menu and locate the battery icon. You should spot it at the top right corner. If you notice that the battery is low, you can take out the old battery and replace it with a new AA battery. On the flip side, if you’re using a rechargeable battery, you can simply place it in its pack, connect it to a power source and let it charge until it is full.

3. Connect your Xbox controller to the console using a USB cable

If your Xbox controller keeps turning off, it may be because of a hardware issue. But to be sure, you’ll need to connect your Xbox controller directly to your console using a USB cable. It would be best if you had a USB to micro-USB cable to connect your controller directly to the console.

Also, remember that if you have an Xbox Series X, Xbox Elite Wireless, or Controller Series 2 controller, you’ll need a USB-C cable to connect your controller to the console.

If you notice that your controller works seamlessly when connected using a USB cable, then you can proceed to step four. If not, contact an expert to have it repaired, as the issue may be because of faulty hardware.

4. Update your controller firmware

Every Xbox controller has a unique microchip software known as firmware. The job of the firmware is to ensure that your controller works smoothly without any hassle.

Unfortunately, if the firmware is out of date, it may cause your controller to start misbehaving and turning off. Fortunately, Xbox allows users to update their controller firmware seamlessly. Here is how to update your controller Xbox controller firmware;

1. Start by connecting your controller directly to the console using a USB cable. Double-check to ensure that the cable is damaged-free and firmly connected to both sides.
2. Once that’s done, you can hit the Xbox button on your controller. Navigate to the home menu.
3. Go straight to the Profile and System option, scroll down to settings, choose devices and connections and finally, click on accessories. Choose the controller you’d like to update.
4. On your Xbox Wireless Controller screen, choose to check for the latest firmware version.
5. Should an update be available, simply follow the on-screen instruction to download the update. If there is no update available, it means that your firmware version is up to date.
6. Finally, allow your Xbox controller to sit for 5 minutes, as the firmware update usually takes a few minutes to complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Could an old battery stop my Xbox controller from connecting?

If your Xbox controller is misbehaving and turning off now and then, chances are the battery is low. To resolve this, check the battery level. If you notice the battery is low, you can have it replaced.

Can a firmware upgrade resolve my controller connectivity issues?

One of the reasons your Xbox controller keeps disconnecting could be because of outdated firmware. And should that be the case, you can update your controller firmware and test to see if it resolves your connectivity issue.

Does restarting my console help fix my controller connectivity issues?

One of the first things people do when their Xbox controller keeps turning off is restart their consoles. This has proven to resolve the issue of Xbox controller connectivity issues. So give it a try and see if it fixes things.