How To Hook Up Xbox Controller To Mac

It's common to use your console controllers with a Windows PC. Still, it doesn't mean the Apple alternatives offer no solution. There's an official method to connect Xbox controller to macOS PCs.

The process requires no actress dongles or 3rd-party software. It's the official solution Apple tree shares, and it'south simply every bit easy equally information technology is on Windows.

Using the Xbox controller on your macOS needs some extra steps though. On Windows, yous can employ it on Steam, Ballsy Games, or the Xbox app right abroad.

Apple tree computer users, though, demand some extra steps to brand it work on Steam. Alternatively, you could play on the visitor's native gaming service, Apple Arcade.

How to Connect Xbox Controller to Mac?

macOS is non a pop gaming system. Still, people find means to click, shoot, and WASD across all genres.

But if you don't like to play on a keyboard or mouse, you may also connect your Xbox controller or your PlayStation peripheral.

The connection works through Bluetooth, and it's bachelor for MacBook Pro, iMac, and MacBook Air. At that place's no demand for extra drivers, cables, or programs.

macOS Controller Back up

First, these are the Xbox controllers macOS supports:

Xbox Wireless Controller with Bluetooth (Model 1708)
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series two
Xbox Adaptive Controller
Xbox Wireless Controller Series S and Series X

You may want to cheque your controller's box or serial number online to find your exact model.

Not every Xbox controller has Bluetooth because they pair with the Xbox with Microsoft'south proprietary Xbox Wireless protocol.

Y'all would identify your controller has Bluetooth by looking at the front end faceplate. If information technology has a plastic casing around the controller's Xbox button and has the same material every bit the residuum of its front, it has Bluetooth.

Otherwise, if the Xbox button is within a casing that's a different fabric and oft color than the rest of the controller, information technology doesn't accept Bluetooth. If it doesn't have Bluetooth, there'south nothing else you can't practise; you can't use the Xbox Wireless adapter, every bit information technology but works for Windows PCs.

Connect Xbox Controller to macOS via Bluetooth

Here're the steps to connect your Xbox controller to macOS computers:

Turn off your Xbox console, so it doesn't interfere with the pairing process.
Press and hold the Xbox button on the controller for three seconds. It powers up the peripheral.
Press and concord the Sync push on the back of the controller for three seconds more. It initiates the pairing manner, and the lights will begin to flash when it happens.
On your macOS, click the Apple button at the top-right .
SelectSystem Preferences from the drop-downwards menu.
Become to Bluetooth.
Wait for the Xbox controller to announced.
ClickConnect.
When the controller's light stops flashing and turn into a solid color, the pairing procedure is completed.

You only demand to connect the controller once. It will remain connected until yous remove it. To remove the device, control-click its proper name.

Employ Xbox Controller on macOS Steam

Open Steam on your macOS PC.
Click theBig Picture Mode push button at the top right.
You'll encounter a Commuter Update pop-upwards. Click Ok.
The computer volition ask y'all to use youradmin privileges to install the update. Type your password when the system asks you to do it, and then click Install software.
Go dorsum toSteam'due south Big Picture Mode.
Go to Settings.
HitController Settings.
Check Xbox Configuration Support.

The procedure may give you some extra trouble. In many cases, afterwards supposedly installing the update, you'll open Steam and come across the Update pop-up again. If this happens, you lot can try a couple of times once again.

After a third time, though, hit Cancel instead and follow the additional steps.

Information technology may be that Steam already installed the drivers, just information technology failed to recognize them. Yet, you lot may be able to navigate the menu with your Xbox controller by this point.

Troubleshoot Xbox Non Working on macOS

Here're some things you lot can try if y'all're having trouble pairing your Xbox controller with macOS computers:

Plow off the controller by pressing its Xbox button, and turn off the PC's Bluetooth. Then, turn information technology on over again and try the pairing process.
Make sure you're not connecting likewise many Bluetooth accessories on your macOS simultaneously. Equally a general dominion of thumb, more than two devices per computer would be too much.
Ensure the macOS supports your controller.
Some Xbox peripheral functions don't work with Apple, such as the audio jack.
Ensure your Xbox is non turned on, as your controller may be connected to your Xbox automatically. Alternatively, it may be continued to a Windows PC automatically.
Brand certain the controller's battery is full.

On macOS Steam, you may detect boosted problems. In particular, subsequently you install the drivers and utilise the controller to browse its interfacer, you may discover the peripheral stops working on games.

Sadly, there's not much yous tin do. It's a matter of macOS compatibility with games, Xbox accessories, and Steam.

Notwithstanding, the result may be specific to the game you're trying. You can repair your Xbox, restart Steam, and endeavour the controller with another game.

How to Connect Xbox Controller to iOS

You can as well use your Xbox controller with any iOS device, and information technology will work with any game that controls supporters. It will also work for game streaming titles from the Xbox Game Laissez passer Ultimate service.

Here're the steps:

Turn on the Xbox controller by pressing its Xbox button.
Printing the Sync button on the controller.
On your iOS device, become toSettings.
Go toBluetooth.
Plough on Bluetooth.
Stay on the screen until the device appears.
Tap the accessory when yous run across it to connect. You may need to put your Pivot or passcode.