Xbox 360 Controller Not Turning On? – (Easy Fix!)

Are you wondering why your Xbox 360 controller not turning on? Let us share how we were able to fix this problem in a matter of minutes!

The Xbox controller not turning on is one of the most common issues you can face with your console.

You can imagine how hard it is to play with your Xbox without your controller.

So, let’s get to it and find the ways to fix this particular error!

If your Xbox 360 controller won’t turn on, the cause is usually a battery issue. Replacing a fresh pair of AA can quickly confirm and resolve this issue. If there’s corrosion in the battery contacts, you can also remove it by using rubbing alcohol.

Connecting your controller via a USB cable also allows you to use it without batteries.

Why Won’t My Xbox 360 Controller Turn On

Let’s first look at the reasons that can cause your Xbox controller to turn on. If this happens to you, the likely culprits are battery-related.

We recommend examining your controller's batteries and battery compartment for possible issues.

Here are the culprits that could have occurred to your controller and are causing this problem:

1. Battery Issues

Dead batteries are one of the most common culprits that can cause this error. This usually happens if you have not used your controller for some time.

2. Corroded Battery Contacts

Corrosion in the battery compartment can cause your controller not to power up properly.

Rust is a poor conductor of electricity and will interrupt your controller’s power requirements.

3. Faulty Charging Cables

If your charging cables don’t work, it’s impossible to charge your rechargeable battery kit.

It wouldn’t be able to supply enough power to turn on your controller even if you did not put batteries in.

4. Outdated Firmware

If you have not updated your controller’s firmware in a while, there could be incompatibilities with your system that prevent it from turning on.

These are the main problems that are going to impact your Xbox controller.

We can now proceed to the troubleshooting steps to resolve this as soon as possible!

How to Fix Xbox 360 Controller Not Turning On

Before we go into the troubleshooting steps, let’s look at some quick fixes to take care of your problem.

The first thing you want to do is to replace the batteries with a brand new pair. If you’re using a rechargeable battery kit, you can use two AA batteries as an alternative.

If new batteries do not do the trick for you, let’s look at other solutions that you can perform:

Solution #1: Make Sure the Battery Contacts are Extended

If you have an Xbox 360, you need to check the battery compartment as there could be many different issues.

You want to know the condition that it’s in, especially the contacts. One of the problems you are likely to face is collapsed contacts.

This happens when the contacts are not extended enough to have the proper connection to power your controller.

Here’s how to know if the battery contacts are collapsed:

1. Open your Xbox 360 controller’s battery compartment.
2. Check the contacts on the right side.
3. The contacts should be at an angle.
4. You can use a paper clip to bend it back if it’s collapsed.

Note: Don’t pry the contacts with the batteries in. Take them out first.

Solution #2: Clean the Battery Contacts

Your battery contacts can also get corroded. If this happens, the contacts will not be able to get power from the batteries to run your controller.

You’ll need to clean the contacts so your Xbox controller can power on again.

This usually occurs if you have not used your controller for some time and have not stored it properly.

You want to keep it away from any moisture as that’s the primary cause of rust on your contacts.

Here’s how to clean your Xbox controller’s contacts:

1. Open your controller’s battery compartment.
2. Take out the batteries from inside.
3. Check for signs of corrosion inside the compartment.
4. Wet the end of a cotton swab with vinegar and clean the metal contacts.
5. Dry the contacts off and replace the batteries.

Note: You can also use rubbing alcohol to clean the contacts.

Solution #3: Connect the Controller via USB

If your issue is a battery problem that you can’t seem to find the root of, one option that you can take is to connect your controller to your console via USB.

The USB cable also serves as a charging and power cable capable of providing power to your controller even if it doesn’t have batteries.

Here’s how to connect your controller via USB:

1. Get a micro USB cable that’s compatible with your controller.
2. Plug the small end into the slot at the back of your controller.
3. Plug the USB end into a port in your Xbox.
4. Power on your Xbox and wait for your controller to turn on.

Tip: You can also plug your controller into your PC to check that there is nothing wrong with your console.

Solution #4: Recharge Your Battery Pack Overnight

If you’re using a rechargeable battery pack, it may become discharged that a normal charge process is insufficient to give it enough power.

One of the ways that you can address this is to charge your battery pack for an extended period.

This process will confirm if it can continue to hold a charge to power your controller.

Here’s how to charge your Xbox controller battery pack:

1. Open your controller’s battery compartment.
2. Place the battery pack and make sure to align the contacts.
3. Connect the charging cable to your controller.
4. Connect the other end to your console or a USB power source.
5. Leave it charging for at least 12 to 24 hours.

Note: Make sure not to use your controller while charging this way.

Solution #5: Update Your Xbox Controller Firmware

Outdated or corrupted firmware can cause your Xbox controller to stop working.

It may not have the updated software version and can suffer incompatibilities with the console’s software.

Updating your controller’s firmware refreshes it and removes the corrupted or broken files allowing it to run again.

Here’s how to update your controller’s firmware:

1. On your computer, open the Xbox Accessories app.
2. Connect your controller to your PC using a USB cable.
3. Check for the Update Required message on your computer.
4. Click on it to start the upgrade process.
5. Select Close after your controller is updated.

Note: We recommend using the Windows PC method since you might have difficulty controlling your console without your controller.

These steps should help you use your Xbox 360 controller to play your favorite games on your console.

If none of these troubleshooting steps resolve the issue, it’s best to contact Microsoft customer support for more assistance.

Your controller may need repair or replacement, and they’ll be able to advise you on the steps you can take.

Read Next: Why Does Xbox Series X Won’t Load Games?

Bottom Line

Now that you know the reasons and fixes for your Xbox 360 controller not turning on, you can start following the troubleshooting steps.

These solutions should help you get your controller in working order within a few minutes.