Controller can't be found by bluetooth

Question

I recently bought a controller and it won't connect to my pc at all.

It uses a usb called Receiver Update and it connects to the pc but when i power on the controller it just looks for a blue tooth connection but after a while it can't seem to find it.

Answer 1

Hi Scott Simoni,

I understand you're having trouble getting your controller detected on your Windows 10 PC via Bluetooth, even though the USB receiver is recognized.

Have you already tried the Q&A Assist suggestions? In addition, to help narrow this down further:

• What exact controller model/brand are you using?
• Does it explicitly say it supports Bluetooth, or only “Wireless 2.4GHz / USB receiver”?

In the meantime, please try the following:

1, Try pairing using the USB receiver (not Bluetooth)

If the controller came with a USB dongle:

• Plug in the receiver
• Look for a pair/connect button on the USB receiver (sometimes a small button)
• Press and hold it until it starts blinking
• Then turn on the controller and press its pairing button (not just power)

In this setup, the controller connects directly to the receiver, not through Windows Bluetooth.

2, Do not try to add it via “Bluetooth & other devices”

If it’s a proprietary receiver device:

• It usually will NOT appear in Bluetooth scanning
• Instead, it shows up automatically as an input device once paired with the receiver

3, Verify in Device Manager

After plugging in the receiver:

• Press Start > type “Device Manager”
• Expand:
  • “Xbox Peripherals” or
  • “Human Interface Devices”
• Check if a controller appears when you power it on

4, Test with a USB cable

To rule out hardware issues:

• Connect the controller to the PC using a USB cable
• If it works wired, confirms the controller itself is OK

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Answer 2

Try these steps to get the controller detected over Bluetooth in Windows 10:

1. Turn Bluetooth off and on again
   1. Select Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
   2. Turn Bluetooth off, wait about 10 seconds, then turn Bluetooth on again.
   3. Try to pair the controller again.
2. Make sure the controller is really in pairing mode Many controllers have separate “power on” and “pairing” actions. Typically, pairing requires holding a specific button (often a small pairing button or holding a main button for several seconds) until a light flashes in a specific pattern. If the controller is only turned on but not in pairing mode, Windows will not see it.
3. Move the controller closer to the PC/receiver Keep the controller within a short distance of the PC or USB receiver, with no large metal objects or walls in between, while pairing.
4. Check for Windows and driver updates
   1. Select Start > Settings > Windows Update.
   2. Select Check for updates and install any available updates.
   3. Restart the PC.
5. Update the Bluetooth driver
   1. In the search box on the taskbar, type Device Manager, then select Device Manager.
   2. Expand Bluetooth.
   3. Right‑click the Bluetooth adapter (it may include the word “radio”) and select Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver software.
   4. Complete the wizard and restart the PC if prompted.
   5. Try pairing the controller again.
6. Remove and re‑pair the controller (if it ever partially paired) If the controller shows up under Bluetooth & other devices but will not connect:
   1. Select the controller in Bluetooth & other devices and choose Remove device.
   2. Put the controller back into pairing mode.
   3. Select Add Bluetooth or other device and add it again.

If the controller still cannot be found, check the controller’s manual or manufacturer’s support site to confirm:

• Whether it uses standard Bluetooth or requires its own proprietary USB receiver only.
• The exact button sequence to enter Bluetooth pairing mode.

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References:

• Troubleshoot Bluetooth not connecting in Windows
• Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows