Xbox sync button not working [Fix]

The sync button on Xbox consoles and some Xbox wireless controllers is used to connect the controller to the Xbox console wirelessly. If the Xbox sync button is not working, you cannot connect your wireless controller to your console. In this article, we will show you how to fix this problem.

Fix Xbox sync button not working

Use the following fixes if the Xbox sync button is not working.

Preliminary fixes
Update the firmware of your Xbox console and controller
Power Cycle your Xbox console and router
Use the USB cable
Reset your Xbox console
Send your controller or console for repair

Let’s see all these fixes in detail.

1] Preliminary fixes

Before you try the fixes provided in this article, we suggest you try some preliminary fixes.

First, test your controller on your PC or another Xbox console (if available). You can also use your friend’s Xbox console. This step will let you know whether your controller is working fine or not.
The next step is to connect other wireless devices to your console. You can connect the wireless keyboard or mouse to your Xbox console. This step will let you know whether the issue is associated with your Xbox console or not.
Sometimes, a dying battery causes connection issues. Hence, we also suggest you replace the batteries of your Xbox controller and see if it syncs properly this time.

2] Update the firmware of your Xbox console and controller

If the issue persists after trying the above fixes, you need to check for the console and controller updates. The following steps will guide you on how to update your Xbox console and controller.

To update your Xbox console, first, make sure that it is connected to the internet. Now, press the Xbox button. Now, go to “Profile & system > Settings > System > Updates” to update your Xbox console.
You can update your Xbox controller via three methods, wirelessly, with USB, and on PC. Because your controller is not syncing to the Xbox console, you can update its firmware on your PC.

3] Power Cycle your Xbox console and router

Power cycling the Xbox console usually fixes most of the issues. We suggest you do this step. Go through the following instructions:

Turn off your Xbox console by pressing and holding the Xbox button for 10 seconds.
Now disconnect all the wires.
Wait for 10 seconds.
Connect the wires and turn on your console.

You can follow the same steps to power cycle your WiFi router.

4] Use the USB cable

You can also connect your Xbox controller to your console by using the USB cable. Simply plug in the USB cable to the USB port of your console and the micro USB port of your controller. Your controller will automatically start working.

5] Reset your Xbox console

If the issue still persists, the last resort is to factory reset your Xbox console. The following steps will guide you on this:

Open the Guide on your console and go to Profile & system > Settings > System > Console info.
Select Reset console.
Now, select Reset and keep my games & apps.

The above steps will reset your Xbox console without deleting your data.

6] Send your controller or console for repair

The issue may also be associated with the sync button on your Xbox console or controller. We suggest you send your Xbox console and controller for repair.

That’s it. I hope this helps.

How do I fix my Xbox not syncing?

If the Xbox console is not syncing your game data to the cloud, there might be an issue with your internet connection. Also, make sure that you are using the right email account. If the console is not syncing with the controller, make sure that the controller’s batteries are not dead.

How do I sync my Xbox without the sync button?

You can sync your controller with your Xbox console without the sync button by using the USB cable. Connect both devices via the USB cable, then let the controller sync to the console. Now, you can disconnect the USB cable.