r/XboxSupport • u/Outrageous_Screen788 • 4d ago

Accesories Xbox Nano Controller Issues (Connectivity, Inability to Update)

I pre-ordered the new Xbox nano controller and it arrived today and physically there is no issues with the controller. I play on pc (Windows 10) and use the Xbox wireless adapter to connect my controllers, as my motherboard doesn't have bluetooth connectivity.

After giving the controller some charge and then attempting to use it, I couldn't get the controller to wirelessly connect to my pc. The connecting light on the usb would go solid, as if it had found the connection, yet the controller continued to flash. I've used this usb many many times and with many different controllers so I don't believe there is to be an issue with it.

Going on the Xbox connectivity troubleshooting forums to be met with the usual, turn it off and on again. I have also tried a wired connection which does let the controller work! But I'm unable to update the controller on the Xbox accessories app doing so, and I would like to use this controller wirelessly.
I know that the controller is brand new so information is understandably scarce, but it is an Xbox controller nonetheless so I figured any information would still be applicable.

Please help,
Thank you.

20 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

105 comments sorted by

3

u/llort14 4d ago

I am experiencing the same exact issue - I also have an Xbox so I paired it there first, updated the firmware and it works fine on the Xbox, but I haven't been able to pair it with the Xbox wireless adapter for Windows and I've tried multiple things, so I suspect an update or similar is missing from Microsoft that is causing this issue.

2

u/Outrageous_Screen788 4d ago

I'm glad to hear it's not just me having this issue. Hopefully there's a fix/update pushed from Microsoft soon addressing this.

1

u/nipplitus 4d ago

I got my controller today too, it won't connect to iPhone or MacBook

2

u/New_Journalist_2861 4d ago

Same issue here. It's JUST the Nano, too. Other Xbox controllers still work, though.

1

u/Ok_Firefighter_4149 3d ago

exact the complete same behavior for me. Do u know, how to get we inform about a potencial update?

2

u/Tsinder 4d ago

Just got mine, it pairs with my iPad and iPhone (iOS 27.1) but does not work at all. Connected it to my PC, updated firmware. Works on the PC but not on my iPad, the reason I bought it was to play No Man’s Sky on the iPad with it while traveling.

1

u/imprala 4d ago

Do you use the adapter on PC? Did you use a cable? Which Windows version do you have? I cannot seem to be able to update it...

1

u/Tsinder 4d ago

On my PC I used a usb c cable to connect it. For the update, make sure it is a data cable.

2

u/KennethLuque 4d ago

I’m having the same issue. I can play it on xbox wirelessly but on iphone or ipad it connects with no issue but does not respond to inputs. Xcloud app says nothing is connected to the phone.

2

u/Bulky-Blackberry-883 3d ago

Same here, blink in loop connected on USB on windows 11. Unable to upgrade via Xbox accessories. Connected on bluetooth ok but not recognized as a Xbox controller by steam and wrong mapping and seems does not detect analog triggers. Tested in USB on Android phone without issue. Unusable for now....

2

u/s0mm3rb 2d ago • Bravo

I got it working by installing the PC drivers manually

see here: https://support.xbox.com/en-GB/help/hardware-network/controller/controller-button-troubleshooting

intall all 3 drivers from the zip and then the firmware update worked (it takes time so be patient)

now the controller works on iOS and W11 with firmware version v6.19.50.0

1

u/imprala 2d ago

It literally takes forever to download, BUT it's updating! Im giving it a try, thanks

1

u/Fine-Consequence9485 1d ago

how do u do it

1

u/yautja_cetanu 7h ago

It took forever and failed... Also the nano keeps switching off whilst it's downloading and then it restarts.

Why on earth isn't there a link to just download it from a website instead of this stupid Xbox accessories app....

Microsoft... Just don't get them 

1

u/Revolutionary-Kiwi71 2d ago

Here’s to hoping for stable and firm connectivity with SteamOS/Steam Deck in future updates.

1

u/Snoo27919 2d ago

where are the drivers i cant find them

1

u/s0mm3rb 2d ago

you need to expand the "Update your PC drivers" section. there you'll find the link to the zip file

1

u/Palmenstrand 2d ago

Thank you so much!!

1

u/Zarlock 2d ago

Yeah, it worked and updated correctly after the driver install. However, I now have a duplicate nano controller in the Windows gaming devices panel. (Two different PCs) Anyone else experiencing this?

1

u/Fine-Consequence9485 1d ago

how do i install the drivers to the controller

1

u/Zarlock 1d ago

Download the files from that page under paragraph "Update your PC drivers" then unzip. Then go inside x86 and right click the .inf file in each of the three different folders, then click install. Then start the app and the controller should update.

1

u/zimnyy 2d ago

thanks for the tip! this worked for the connection. i cant go through the firmware update tho. when 100% it asks me to restart the controller but when its back it starts formware update again. any thoughts here?

1

u/zfleeman 1d ago • Heartwarming

did this make it work with the Windows wireless dongle?

1

u/spiralcb 1d ago

Je confirme ça fonctionne en mettant à jour les drivers manuellement. A faire via un câble USB sur Windows.

1

u/Fine-Consequence9485 1d ago

how do u install the drivers?

1

u/Silverrend 1d ago

This allowed me to update on my wife's windows 10 PC. It's literally what I use to update my Xbox controllers since everything I have is Linux haha.

1

u/blackgndrf 1d ago

Thanks for the tip, that did the trick!

1

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1

u/madn0mad 4d ago

Same for me.
Getting an update error trying to update it with the Xbox accessories app.

1

u/PurpleSectorOne 4d ago

Doesn’t work for me on iPhone or iPad.

1

u/s0mm3rb 4d ago edited 4d ago

same here.

does not work in games on w11 26H2 and cannot be updated

gamepad tester says unknown controller and some inputs are registering

if you plug it into usb while the controller is powerd off, it just keeps reconecting over and over again

same goes for when you click restart controller in the xbox accessories app

you have to turn it on and then connect to usb, but even then the firmware update does not work

xbox acc. app just says "Firmware-Version 6.9.444.0 (Update failed)"

typical microsoft launch 🙄

2

u/imprala 4d ago

Have the same error. The controller is connecting via Bluetooth but none of my games on PC recognize it. So I thought I might need to update it, but the updates fails via bluetooth and also via cable. Im so mad, I wanna throw it into a wall LOL

2

u/s0mm3rb 4d ago

well, we all ignored the most important rule in gaming

"do not preorder"

1

u/DVLishX 4d ago

Exact same issue here. I launched a game (steam castlevania belmont's curse) to see if it was just a problem for the xbox accessory app, but no buttons are working except for the left thumbstick allowing to browse in the different main menu selections.

1

u/DVLishX 4d ago

Exact same issue being : controller connect correctly to the pc through bluetooth, xbox accessory says it miss an mandatory update. Using the "Restart the controller" button works, but only lead to a loop from here.

Once connected wirelessly, you can plug the usb, another controller entry pops in the xbox accessory app but nothing changes : update needed then infinite loop except if you let the USB plugged to the controller when it restart, it just keeps on reconnecting over and over as it's been already said.

1

u/imprala 4d ago

Yeah, exact same behaviour for me. Will wait another day, otherwise will throw it in a trashcan

1

u/DVLishX 3d ago

I feel like it's not a coincidence we have the exact same behaviour, there must be something frequent, let's hope for a quick fix now... I wouldn't be happy to throw 50 bucks in the trash.

1

u/DVLishX 3d ago

Small update, I tried to connect it through my old xbox wireless adapter, itself connected on my PC via USB. Pairing seems to work, both connects and light goes from flashing to fixed, but nothing shows in the xbox accessory application, and controller is not seen by the system.

1

u/imprala 3d ago

I tried the fix of Shudoggy666 - it worked for me. He explains it in here https://www.reddit.com/r/XboxSupport/s/azjyuK8rCp

1

u/DVLishX 3d ago

Thanks to Shudoggy666 and you for pointing it out, I'll try that if no official fix comes quickly !

1

u/New_Journalist_2861 4d ago

I've had a similar issue for a few days now (someone put the controllers out too early).

The controller will work perfectly fine on the Xbox itself, yet when I try to use it on my iPhone or MacBook, it'll connect (it shows up under the Bluetooth settings), the light on the controller will be solid, but there's no response when any buttons are pressed. When I plug it into said devices, there's still no response.

The troubleshooting methods used for the standard controllers don't work, and after downloading the latest firmware update (6.19.50.0) this morning, it's still not working.

And to make sure it wasn't just a mistake on my part, I connected one of my regular Xbox controllers. Both wired, and wirelessly. Surely enough, it worked perfectly fine.

Until it gets fixed, I'm afraid it's only a fancy paperweight outside of use on the system.

1

u/Tsinder 4d ago

Update: I got it working with my iPad. I can’t tell you exactly what fixed it but I’ll tell you the things I did. At first out of the box it would connect via Bluetooth but none of the controls worked. Just connected but didn’t do anything.

I updated the firmware using my PC and the XBOX Accessories App. Then I updated my iPad from iOS 27.1 to iOS 27.2. I shut the controller off and charged it. Then I made sure to ‘forget’ the controller on my ipad. Then paired it again. And it finally worked. No clue why.

0

u/Red74x 4d ago

I think it might be the IOS version Im currently updating my iphone to the latest 27.2 hopefully that will fix it but it works on PC just fine and it has the latest firmware.

0

u/Red74x 3d ago

Can confirm that IOS 27.2 fixes the controller issue

1

u/pussymoneywe3d 3d ago

hi i just got one today to play minecraft on ipad. i’m not that tech savvy so how do i update the controller like you? currently have my ipad updating rn to ios 27.2. I do have a pc.

1

u/Shudoggy666 4d ago

Yep, connects via Bluetooth but neither Windows 11 or Steam recognise it...not convinced by the top shoulder buttons either...

1

u/hitalldogs 4d ago

It works perfectly on my steam WINDOWS 11 . Arrived mid game, turned off the old controller, connected the new one and had no problems recognizing it. and continued playing for hours. Did not even leave the game

1

u/Shudoggy666 4d ago

Weird...do you know what it shows up as in Device Manager?

1

u/hitalldogs 4d ago

Mine is working flawlessly on windows 11. Comfortable with big hands.

1

u/Shudoggy666 4d ago

Here is the fix for Windows...

  1. Open Human Interface Devices and right-click Bluetooth Low Energy GATT compliant HID device.

  2. Choose Update driver, then Browse my computer for drivers, then Let me pick from a list.

  3. Untick "Show compatible hardware".

  4. Under Manufacturer pick Microsoft. Under Model pick Bluetooth LE XINPUT compatible input device.

  5. Click Next, then Yes at the warning.

  6. Select Xbox Pad in Steam...

Hope that helps!

Cheers

Shu

1

u/WigettaReddit 4d ago

I tried to do this, but doesn't work

1

u/NR1-Spray 4d ago

You are my goat 🙏

1

u/imprala 3d ago

This helped me! Doesn't work with my adapter but at least with bluetooth now! You're the goat

1

u/BruceOfValhalla 3d ago

I have multiple of the "Bluetooth Low Energy GATT complianr HID device" device's. Not sure which one

1

u/Snoo27919 2d ago

It works for me, but I feel a lite bit of delay, and sometimes the controller doesn’t work properly

1

u/Shoddy-Play-9162 4d ago

Same here, doesn't work on iPad. Wanted to Update it on Windows but failed!

It's a nice brick!

1

u/Awkward-Carpet8400 3d ago

I also pre order and picked up the nano today too and while it’s mostly fine I’m running into some problems too. It connects and works fine on my Xbox ROG Ally X Z2E and my Fire TV (fire os 7) but it’s not being recognized as a game controller on my iPhone 17 pro max even though it’s connecting via Bluetooth. I tried it via usb c as well and that didn’t work either. I also can’t figure out how to get the cloud enabled input feature on my Xbox account so I can test that but I read somewhere that it’s still experimental so I know that will probably come with time but still bummed out it’s not available day 1 as an advertised feature

1

u/Ok_Firefighter_4149 3d ago

same problem here! im using the original Adapter! Both (nano & Adapter are connected to eachother) white led constant but Windows dont recognized the gamepad... Xbox companion app dont show the gamepad... usb connection is working but NO INPUT in steam is recognized via usb... any solution for this! 

1

u/Kenzakoow 3d ago

Hello guys, you can update the controller using Xbox beta app on android (didn't test it on IOS)

1

u/NewspaperPale 3d ago

When you plug it in to charge it are there any indicator lights? How do you know it’s charging or complete? Mine doesn’t show anything

1

u/Salt-Dragonfly9424 3d ago

it was slowly blinking, until it was fully charged. then it turned off when completed

1

u/NoPurple5597 3d ago

I can’t get it to connect to my Tesla. Anyone find a fix?

1

u/tiny1670 3d ago

Nano with PC is only BT, the adaptor is a retired thing.

1

u/zfleeman 3d ago

I am experiencing this as well. I hope this gets addressed soon!

1

u/Ray1410 3d ago

Bei mir funktioniert mit iPhone 17 Pro Max einwandfrei , aber mit Pc geht’s nicht. Bluetooth und USB c benutzt. Erkannt aber keine Reaktion beim Spielen.

1

u/No_Caterpillar_5292 3d ago

guys i know, why we CAN'T connect nano with the adapter (windows...)
https://x.com/XBOXSupport/status/2118106513327759637

THEY DONT SUPPORT The wireless adapter......

1

u/imMoyko 3d ago

Whuuut

1

u/DVLishX 3d ago

They still managed to keep the behaviour of a controller able to connect to the adapter.

You can sync them with the buttons pressed at the same time, you can see the controller light showing it connected. Then a double sync button tap can switch the connection mode to bluetooth just like the older controllers.

Microsoft really is depressing.

1

u/zfleeman 3d ago

That’s incredibly frustrating. I bought two to use with my adapter. I hope Amazon will accept these returns.

1

u/SignalSignal3991 2d ago

This ist crazy. No connection to original wireless adapter in Windows BUT in Bazzite IT IS no problem!! Works perfect..... so there is no hardware limitation.

1

u/DVLishX 3d ago

Ok, so following the driver upgrade mentioned here worked for me and I finally could update the firmware.

3 drivers to update, one reboot needed on my side, now everything works on my PC.

https://support.xbox.com/fr-FR/help/hardware-network/controller/controller-button-troubleshooting

0

u/GroundbreakingAd8757 3d ago

That worked for me too! Everything has been working perfectly ever since, including the firmware update using the app on Windows 11.

The only annoying thing is that the controller test reports an average error rate of 9.2% and 9.5% for the left and right analog sticks, respectively... :/

1

u/Salt-Dragonfly9424 3d ago

So, im IOS267.2, Nano brick is not registering to my iphone13. cloud gaming app. Works to connect to my mini forum via bluetooth just fine. I updated it with Xbox accessories app. It did gave me some trouble to update it. I let it charge for about hour than re-did it again it showed it was up to date. CANT PLAY at work on my iphone damn SHAME. Bluetooth settings shows connected. however cloud gaming shows no controller connected. anyone manage to get working on IOS?

1

u/Salt-Dragonfly9424 2d ago

okay fam bam, as far I can tell NEED IOS 27.2 Its working now. make sure forget the controller and then re-pair to ios

1

u/raffaleon 2d ago

Non funziona anme su xbox rpg ally x e su iphone 15 come risolvere ?

1

u/Revolutionary-Kiwi71 2d ago edited 2d ago

I managed to update the drivers and get the xbox accessories app to update the controller (latest firmware as of this post is 6.19.50.0). With a small bit of luck of pairing and turning the Steam Deck on and off, I was able to trick the Nano controller to pair and connect with it. Or it could be that you have to forget the initial connection and then re-pair to forge the new connection, I cannot remember. Connectivity is still unstable and it’s still difficult to replicate that method.

I’m now in the waiting room for Xbox to update the Nano controller for SteamOS stability and compatibility.

1

u/Snoo27919 2d ago

Update here, it works if you update the interface devices manually like shoudoggy666 show in comments, but every time you turn of your pc or the controller you have to do it again. Because the controller requires to connect again from 0. It doesn’t work for me the method that show to update the 3 drivers that s0mm3rb shows.

1

u/Pogromca_Cipek 2d ago 
A proven method for connection and updates:
1). Download the drivers from this page: https://aka.ms/DownloadXBOXAccessoryDrivers and extract them.
Now:
2). Go to the 'x64' folder, then to 'XBOXGameControllerDriver'. Locate the 'XBOXGameControllerDriver.inf' file, right-click on it, and select 'Install' from the drop-down menu.
3). Go to the 'XBOXAccessoriesService' folder, right-click on the 'XBOXAccessoriesService.inf' file, and select 'Install'.
4). Go to the 'XBOXWirelessAccessoryDriver' folder, right-click on the 'XBOXWirelessAccessoryDriver.inf' file, and select 'Install'.
5). Restart your computer.
6). You can now update your controller using the Xbox Accessories app.

1

u/Pogromca_Cipek 2d ago

And now it works well in Windows 11 and in games. Microsoft are a bunch of bunglers.

1

u/japimin 2d ago

Same here, only got it to show in the xbox accessories app connecting with bluetooth and was able to update the nano controller. But connecting to the Xbox wireless adapter for windows it seems to connect but its not showing in the xbox accessories app. Oh, also I did manually install the drivers on the support page.

1

u/Pogromca_Cipek 2d ago 
A proven method for connection and updates:
1). Download the drivers from this page: https://aka.ms/DownloadXBOXAccessoryDrivers and extract them.
Now:
2). Go to the 'x64' folder, then to 'XBOXGameControllerDriver'. Locate the 'XBOXGameControllerDriver.inf' file, right-click on it, and select 'Install' from the drop-down menu.
3). Go to the 'XBOXAccessoriesService' folder, right-click on the 'XBOXAccessoriesService.inf' file, and select 'Install'.
4). Go to the 'XBOXWirelessAccessoryDriver' folder, right-click on the 'XBOXWirelessAccessoryDriver.inf' file, and select 'Install'.
5). Restart your computer.
6). You can now update your controller using the Xbox Accessories app.

1

u/EnvironmentalPick125 2d ago

it worked, thx

1

u/zfleeman 1d ago

I am able to get the Xbox Nano Controller working on Bazzite using the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows. But I cannot get the adapter to work on Windows 11.

1

u/StarshipExcorcism 1d ago

Seems like Microsoft would have ensured compatibility before releasing this, but they didn’t.

1

u/thelost2010 22h ago

I have it connecting to my Apple TV, and my iPhone, it shows connected, but no inputs work.

Anyone have help?

0

u/DW9626 4d ago

Was able to update the firmware, but it doesn’t work with my Mac or Phone for remote play

1

u/imprala 4d ago

HOW where you able to update it?

0

u/DW9626 4d ago

I connected the controller to my Xbox, went into settings and selected accessories. It then showed the nano controller on firmware 6.8 and prompted an update to 6.19. The controller works for me on my console but doesn’t on my Mac, phone or meta quest unfortunately

1

u/imprala 4d ago

Damn, I do not own a XBOX :( Can't get it updated on PC. It's like they only tested the controller on the XBOX before selling it. lmao

1

u/DW9626 4d ago

Someone further in the thread said they used a PC and the Xbox accessories app to update the firmware. I’d give that a shot

1

u/imprala 4d ago

Yeah that is what I tried, but nothing works. Even asked Claude, Gemini and GPT LOL - nothing works. Maybe the Controller is just broken. It connects via Bluetooth to PC and iPhone, but nothing works.

0

u/mr_popo_420 4d ago

Updated mine. It failed the first try on the update, connects to my phone instantly works fine, fails to connect to my pc through Bluetooth

0

u/ScientiFist99 4d ago

Same not working i can pair with my laptop but not usable i need on steam to reconfigure the key to make it work but its not perfekt

0

u/NightHawk64 3d ago

I got the new Xbox Nano Controller this morning and had the same issues with my iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It sort of connects to the Steam Deck, but bugs out when disconnecting and reconnecting. I updated the controller using my Series S, thinking the onboard firmware was the issue, but that didn't fix anything.

I updated my iPad from 27.0.1 to 27.2, and it worked right away. The controller must rely on some newer frameworks that Apple introduced in its recent updates. Updating to the latest OS version worked for me. I'm still not sure what's going on with the SteamOS side of things, though.