How to Fix Xbox Controller Keeps Turning Off [9 Easy Fixes]

Today, we’re going to take a look at a number of troubleshooting ways to fix the Xbox Controller keeps turning off itself.

Playing video games with a controller on a console or a PC is the best way to enjoy your games. There are a good number of controllers that you can purchase, whether it’s anything to do with first-party controllers or third-party officially licensed controllers. The controllers from Xbox are one of the most popular ones that are used by PC gamers. The wireless controllers from Xbox work flawlessly with a Windows PC.

While everything about owning a wired or wireless Xbox controller is excellent, there can be a particularly annoying issue. That issue is when your Xbox controller keeps turning off, especially mid-game. There are a good number of troubleshooting methods you can follow before you go ahead to purchase a replacement controller.

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Why Does My Xbox Controller Keep Turning Off?

When the problem appears, you would want to know the cause of the issue. Xbox controller is a tech and there could be many reasons why it keeps turning off itself. If you know the reasons, it would be easier for you to fix the problem than knowing nothing about it.

Batteries used in your Xbox controller might be discharged
The Xbox controller might be out of range from the console
Xbox controller firmware might be outdated
No room for the Xbox controller to connect with your Xbox or other devices, meaning already a bunch of Bluetooth accessories connected to your device

Now that you know some possible reasons why your Xbox controller keeps turning off, it’s time to move to the working fixes.

Xbox Controller Keeps Turning Off – Fix

Before you go ahead to dump the controller for a newer one, here are some troubleshooting methods that you should try first to see if any of the ways would help fix your glitching controller.

1. Power Cycle Your Controller

One of the oldest tricks for almost any device-related issue is to perform a power cycle. If you don’t know what that means, all you need to do is power up and then power down the Xbox controller a few times. This cycle of powering up and down the controller can help solve the issue.

How to fix Xbox Controller That Keeps Turning Itself Off

All you need to do is press and hold the Xbox button for a few seconds till it switches off. Wait for a few more seconds and then press the Xbox button again to switch it on. Repeat this two to three times and check if the controller switches itself off. If the controller is still switching itself off, you might want to follow the next troubleshooting method.

2. Replace Xbox Controller’s Batteries

As you know that the Xbox controller uses two AA batteries, so it could be possible that either the batteries are weak or almost out of juice. You can simply replace them with fresh new batteries. Also, it’s advisable to use batteries from popular brands to avoid any accidental battery leakage that could eventually ruin your controller. Even if plugging in new batteries didn’t solve the issue with your Xbox controller keeps turning off, you might want to follow the next method.

If you are using rechargeable batteries, then try recharging the battery and use it to see if it works or not.

3. Disable Controller Auto Sleep

A lot of devices out there can put themselves in a low-power mode when not being used. The same can be said about the Xbox controller. The controller might be going into the auto sleep mode that might have been activated by someone. There is a way you can follow to disable the Auto sleep mode.

Power up the Xbox controller by pressing the Xbox button.
Once the controller has been powered up, press and hold the Xbox button as well as the Menu button for 3 seconds.
Now test and see if the controller turns itself off. If it doesn’t, it means that the controller has its Auto sleep mode on.
To disable it, open the guide by pressing the Xbox button. Head to System > Auto Sleep and disable it. If you can’t find the option in System, go to Profile & system > Settings > General > Power options.

4. Check for Controller Software Updates

There could also be a possibility that a bug might be causing the Xbox controller to switch itself off all the time. In this case, it’s recommended to search and install the latest updates to your controller. You can either use your Xbox or your Windows PC to update the software for your Xbox controller.

Update Xbox Controller via Xbox

Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the menu on your Xbox.
Now, navigate over to Profile and System, followed by Settings.
Select Devices and Connections and finally Accessories.
Choose the controller that you wish to update.
The Xbox will begin to check for any firmware updates,
If there are any updates, the update will download and install to your Xbox controller.
The update will take 4 to 5 minutes or more depending on the network connection and device performance.
Once the update has been installed, check and see if you are facing the same issue.

Update Xbox Controller via PC

Download the Xbox Accessories app from the Microsoft Store on your Windows PC.
Now, connect your controller to your PC via the USB cable.
The Xbox Accessories app will now detect your Xbox controller.
It will now check if any updates are available and then install it on your controller.
Once the update has been installed, check and verify if the update has fixed the issue or not.

If not, well and good, but if you are facing the issue, you might want to follow the next step.

5. Pair Xbox Controller Again

One of the best ways to solve this issue is to unpair the controller from your Xbox and then re-pair the controller again. Here are the steps to unpair and repair your Xbox controller.

Power up your Xbox controller and locate the Pair button at the top of the controller.
Now, press and hold the Pair button for a few seconds.
The Xbox button on your controller should now be blinking. This means that your controller has been unpaired or un-synced with your Xbox.
To sync or pair the controller again, press and release the Pair button on your Xbox console.
Now press the Pair button on your Xbox controller until the Xbox button starts blinking. This means it’s searching for the device.
And once the Xbox button light stays on, it is connected to the console.

If you are using the controller with your PC, simply remove the device from the paired lists under the Bluetooth menu. You can pair it again by simply searching for the controller via Bluetooth.

6. Use the Xbox Controller in Range

If you have connected your Xbox controller to your console wirelessly, then there must be a limited range within the controller that can be used. And if you go outside the range, the Xbox controller will be disconnected and soon go to Auto sleep or turn off. And this can be one of the reasons why your Xbox controller keeps turning off.

So if this is the case, you need to use the Xbox controller within the Bluetooth range.

7. Connect Xbox Controller using a USB

If you have an Xbox controller that supports wired connections, then this fix is for you. Nothing is better than a wired connection, be it for controllers, keyboards, audio devices, etc. The only problem with wired connections is the length of the wire.

But if your Xbox controller keeps powering off, you can try to connect your Xbox controller to the console using USB. If it works then great, otherwise there are other fixes you can pursue.

8. Connect the Controller to another Xbox Console

Sometimes, it could be possible that the issue might not be with your controller, but possibly your Xbox console. To test this, first, connect your controller to another Xbox console and see if it switches itself off. If the controller doesn’t switch itself off, then you might have to perform a factory reset of your Xbox console. If the controller switches itself off, then it might be time to get yourself a newer controller.

9. Factory Reset Xbox Console

Factory Reset fixes almost every problem. And from the last method, if you find the problem is only with a particular console, you can reset your Xbox console.

Press the Xbox button on your controller.
Navigate to Profile and System, followed by Settings > System, and finally, Console Info.
Select the option that says Reset Console.
You will now have to choose between Reset and Remove Everything or resetting and Keep Games and Data.
Choose the option that you feel is good for you.
The Xbox console will now begin to reset itself. The reset will take some time depending on what option you selected.
Once the rest has been completed, pair and check if your controller switches itself off or if the issue has been fixed.

Well, this is the end of the guide on how to fix an Xbox controller that keeps shutting itself off. for any reason whatsoever if your controller couldn’t be fixed following the above troubleshooting methods, you might as well contact the service center to repair it or its probably time to get yourself a new Xbox controller. If you have any other troubleshooting methods that might have worked for you, feel free to leave them in the comments section below.

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