(2023) Fix: Xbox Series S sync button not working

Last updated on January 2nd, 2023 at 05:29 pm

You can only do one of two things when it concerns to pairing your wireless Xbox controllers to your Xbox gaming systems.

For a wired connection, you may use a USB or micro-USB cable, or you can use the pair button on the console itself.

However, one of the most prevalent faults with Xbox Series consoles currently is that the Xbox sync button does not function all the time, and this issue may sometimes continue for two to three days.

This is one of the most typical problems with Xbox Series S.

Fixing this issue is not too difficult, despite the fact that it is a rather prevalent one that may occur at random intervals in the future.

Why is Xbox Series S sync button not working?

Short Answer: The Xbox Series S sync button might not be functioning properly due to dead batteries, being outside of the zone, an outdated version of the controller software, the presence of Bluetooth devices nearby that interfere with signals or a damaged USB cable.

1. Issues with battery

It’s possible that the controller’s batteries have run out of charge and are no longer able to provide any more power to the device.

Weak batteries are another potential cause of the Xbox Series S Controller not syncing issue.

2. Controller outside the range

The range of the wireless Xbox controller is between 6 to 9 meters.

When you are attempting to sync your controller with the console, you should make sure that you are not too far away from the console.

Once again, the button for syncing and the function for pairing may not be the problem here.

It’s possible that the Xbox can’t identify your controller because you’re too far away.

3. Nearby Bluetooth devices

Your Xbox and its controller communicate with one another via the use of Bluetooth.

As a consequence of this, they are vulnerable to interference from other devices that generate radio waves within the same range and frequency as their own.

4. Outdated controller software

The issue may manifest itself in the event that the controller software is corrupt or out of date.

It is one of the most prevalent problems that prohibit your controller from syncing up in the correct manner.

Perform a check to see if there are any updates available for the most recent version of the firmware.

5. Damaged USB Cable

If you have connected your controller to your Xbox Series S via a micro-USB connection, then it is conceivable that a damage or flaw in the USB cable may prevent your controller from syncing correctly.

If this is the case, then you will need to replace the cable.

You may be tempted to replace your controller with a different one or to purchase a new one; but, if you follow some basic instructions and hints, you can fix your controller in no time at all.

Fix: Xbox Series S sync button not working

Method 1: Disable any Bluetooth devices nearby

All that is required of you is to check that any Bluetooth devices in the vicinity, whether they be speakers, a mouse, a microphone, or anything else, are switched off.

If you power off all of these devices, there will be no interference of Bluetooth signals between your Xbox Series S controller and the console.

Method 2: Check the Status of your Controller

When you notice that the Xbox Sync button is not functioning properly, the first thing you need to do is check the status of the controller to see whether or not it is connected to the console.

If there is a white light on the controller, then it is an indication that the controller is still linked to the console even while the light is off. That’s not a problem.

If, on the other hand, the light on the controller is not steady, this suggests that the controller is not properly attached.

In such case, you need to reboot the console and do the check again.

If the problem persists, you will need to investigate the connection state of the controller as well as the battery status of the controller.

Method 3: Replace Your Xbox Series S Controller Batteries

Weak batteries are another potential cause of the Xbox Series S Controller Not Syncing issue.

To fix the problem of the Xbox Series S Sync Button Not Working, you may either check to see whether the controller batteries are still OK or replace them.

Batteries have a finite lifespan, which will be shortened according to the amount of time you spend using your controller.

Therefore, it’s possible that the batteries in your controller have run out of juice as a result of constant usage.

And at this point, all that is required of you is to switch them out with a brand new one.

Method 4: Re-sync the Controller

As part of the process to fix the problem, attempt to re-synchronize the controller with the console. Take the following steps to ensure that this solution is implemented correctly:

For wireless Xbox controllers:

• Step 1: Find the button labelled Connect and then press the button.

The Connect button can be found on Xbox Series S consoles on the front left side, just to the right of the USB port.

• Step 2: Continue holding the Connect button begins blinking, then release.

Keep holding Connect until the Xbox button begins blinking. After the light has been steady for roughly 10 seconds, the controller has been synced again.

For wired Xbox controllers:

• Step 1: Connect the controller to the Xbox console via a USB cable.

• Step 2: Hold the Xbox button down for a few seconds.

Wait until the light becomes completely stable. When you see that, it indicates that it has been properly synced.

Method 4: Ensure that your controller is within range

There is also a possibility that something is causing the communication between your console and the controller to get garbled.

Make sure that your controller is within range and that there is nothing that is disrupting the signal by checking both of these things.

Try to re-synchronize your controller by positioning it adjacent to the gaming system as you do so.

If it changes from blinking to a steady light, it indicates that your controller is properly linked and synced.

Method 5: Restart your Xbox Console

It’s possible that this one is apparent, but a simple reset of the Xbox system may frequently fix the majority of the inconsequential issues that arise.

Simply hold down the Xbox button to turn off your system, and then wait for around ten seconds before you try to restart it again.

After it has been restarted, you should attempt to re-synchronize your controller using the sync button once again.

Method 6: Check for Software Updates

Outdated software is one of the most prevalent factors that contribute to your controller not correctly syncing with your console.

Perform a check to see if there are any updates available for the most recent version of the firmware. To do this, just follow the step-by-step instructions below:

• Step 1: On your console, press the Xbox button.

• Step 2: The Guide will open up once you press the button.

• Step 3: Click on Profile & system from the guide.

• Step 4: Select Settings then Devices & connections then go to Accessories.

• Step 5: Select “…” to check for software updates for the controller.

• Step 6: Follow the on-screen instructions to update your controller.

• Step 7: Check if Xbox Series S Sync Button is working now.

Method 7: Perform a hard reset on the Xbox Console

It has also been shown that doing a factory reset on the Xbox console may be helpful in resolving the problem of the Xbox Series S Sync button being inoperable.

Follow the steps below in order to do a hard reset on your Xbox Console:

• Step 1: Locate the Power button and press it.

While holding down the Power button on the console, wait for it to fully power down before releasing it.

• Step 2: Turn on the console.

Wait about ten seconds after the console has completed its shutdown process before turning the console back on.

• Step 3: Sync the Xbox controller.

If the problem still persists after the Xbox console has completed its restart, try re-syncing the Xbox controller with the console.

Method 8: Connect the Console to your computer using a Micro USB Cable.

After attempting each of the aforementioned solutions, your last option is to make a direct connection between your Xbox controller and your Xbox console using a micro-USB cable.

After you have successfully connected to the console, the console will show a notification that says it is linked to the controller in a successful manner after you have done so.

You might try disconnecting the USB cord and retrying the sync to see if it works this time.

However, a wired USB connection would often alleviate the majority of the issues that arise as a result of the malfunctioning of wireless technology.

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Abhigyan identifies himself as a tech geek, gaming cognoscenti, and also a connoisseur of music. Unidentified and mysterious phenomena never fail to gather his undivided attention. When not reading about bizarre and perplexing entities across the Universe, he can often be found cheering for his favorite teams in Football.