How to Connect an Xbox Controller to a Smart TV

To connect an Xbox controller to a Smart TV, put the controller in Bluetooth pairing mode, open the TV’s gamepad or Bluetooth accessories menu, and select Xbox Wireless Controller. The menu path depends on the TV’s operating system, and pairing alone does not guarantee that every app accepts gamepad input. Check both controller support and the game service before you start.

Check compatibility before pairing

Bluetooth support is model-specific. Xbox Series X|S controllers and many Xbox One-era controllers support Bluetooth, but not every Xbox One controller does. Xbox 360 wireless controllers use a different wireless connection and cannot be paired as ordinary Bluetooth gamepads. For older pads, use a wired connection only if the TV maker confirms that the exact model accepts that controller over USB.

A TV that pairs Bluetooth headphones may still lack gamepad support. Look in the TV manual or its game hub for “game controller,” “gamepad,” or supported-device information. The game itself must also accept controller input.

Xbox’s TV app currently supports select Samsung, LG, Fire TV, and VIDAA devices. Model eligibility and service availability can change by country. Most cloud games require an eligible Xbox Game Pass plan, while some exceptions may apply. The current device list and plan details are in Xbox’s official Xbox on TVs guide.

1. Put the Xbox controller in pairing mode

1. Turn on the controller by pressing the Xbox button.
2. Press and hold the small Pair button for about three seconds, then release it when the Xbox button begins flashing. The button is usually along the top edge, near the USB port.
3. Keep the controller close to the TV while it searches. If it reconnects to a console, phone, or computer, disconnect it there and try pairing again.

Microsoft’s controller pairing instructions describe the Pair button and Bluetooth setup. The exact method depends on the controller model; consult the Xbox Wireless Controller setup guide if the light does not flash.

2. Connect it on a Samsung Smart TV

1. Open the TV’s Gaming Hub or Game tab.
2. Choose the controller icon or controller accessory option.
3. Put the Xbox controller in pairing mode as described above.
4. When the controller appears, select it with the TV remote and confirm the connection.

Samsung’s current Gaming Hub guidance lists several Xbox models, including Series X|S, Xbox One S, Elite Series 2, and Adaptive controllers. It notes that some controls or vibration may vary, Xbox pads may need a firmware update, and Tizen supports XInput mode for compatible controllers. The TV’s Gaming Hub is available only on selected products; see Samsung’s Gaming Hub compatibility and pairing steps. On some TVs without that hub menu, Samsung documents Settings > External Device Manager > Input Device Manager > Bluetooth Device List; exact menus depend on model and software. The Samsung controller pairing guide shows this alternate path. Menus and supported features vary by region and model.

3. Pair an Xbox controller with an LG TV

1. Press Settings on the LG remote.
2. On many webOS 6.0-or-later TVs, open All Settings > General > External Devices > Connect Bluetooth Controller > Connectable Devices.
3. For 2026 TVs running webOS 26, LG lists the path as All Settings > System > Devices > Connect Bluetooth Controller > Connectable Devices.
4. Put the controller in pairing mode, select it when it appears, and confirm.

LG says supported input devices depend on the TV model. Also verify Xbox app eligibility separately: Xbox currently lists select LG TVs with webOS 24 or newer, including some 2022 and 2023 models updated to specified software. See LG’s Bluetooth input-device instructions and the Xbox TV compatibility list.

4. Pair it with Google TV or Android TV

1. From the home screen, open Settings.
2. On Google TV, choose Remote & Accessories > Pair remote or accessory. On Android TV, the wording may be Remote and accessories > Add accessory.
3. Put the controller in pairing mode and select it from the available devices. Confirm the Bluetooth request if prompted.

Google documents game controllers as Bluetooth accessories for Google TV, but a connected controller works only with apps and games that support it. The Xbox app’s current TV list does not include Android TV or Google TV. Read Google’s Bluetooth pairing instructions or the Android TV gamepad guide for model-specific help.

5. Pair the controller with Fire TV

1. Open Settings on the Fire TV device.
2. Select Controllers & Bluetooth Devices > Game Controllers > Add New Game Controller.
3. Put the Xbox controller in pairing mode and choose it when it appears.

Amazon’s menu applies to compatible Bluetooth controllers; Xbox app streaming is separately limited to supported Fire TV models. Check the exact device on the Xbox on TVs page before installing or subscribing.

6. Confirm the connection in the game you want to play

After pairing, use the D-pad or thumbsticks to navigate a menu that accepts gamepad input, then launch the intended game or streaming app and test a few buttons. A controller can appear as “connected” in TV settings while a particular app ignores it. In an Xbox cloud gaming app, sign in and check that the game is available in your region and plan. You need a reliable internet connection for streaming; a responsive Bluetooth link cannot compensate for a weak Wi-Fi or cloud connection.

Troubleshoot Xbox controller pairing problems

If the controller still fails, update its firmware using an Xbox console or the Xbox Accessories app on a supported Windows PC, then repeat the pairing steps. Use Microsoft’s controller update instructions and Xbox’s smart TV cloud gaming troubleshooting guide. Firmware updates and app features can vary by controller and device.

Official support references

• Xbox: connect a controller to a smart TV or streaming device
• Xbox controller compatibility across operating systems
• LG: set up a game controller for webOS gaming
• Amazon: pair a controller to play games on Fire TV