When it comes to video game controllers, the Xbox one tends to be among the most reliable. Though sturdy, they aren’t always compatible with other devices. At certain moments in the game, the controller’s lights may start to flash or blink.  The Xbox controller’s lights will flash when the battery is low or when it is trying to establish a connection to your TV or computer.

But if your Xbox controller’s power button won’t stay stable or its lights flash continuously, there’s probably a malfunction. There could be any reasons including network problems or even just the most recent firmware changes, behind this issue. If you are facing the same issue, you are at the right place.

In this article, we’ll give you potential fixes that you can try to fix the issue of the Xbox Controller blinking.

Why is Your Xbox Controller Blinking?

There are several potential causes for an Xbox controller to blink, however, there are a few main ones.

• The connection between the Xbox and the controller has been lost.  If the controller is connected back, the blinking will stop and normal operation will be restored.
• The batteries are extremely low. The controller’s built-in battery can be recharged by simply connecting it to a power source. The blinking will end after it has been charged.
• The controller is broken. You’ll likely need to contact Microsoft for assistance, as there are no user-repairable components within an Xbox controller that might account for the blinking.
• Problems with the Xbox controller’s wireless connection, cords, or power supply.
• There may be the possibility of interface i.e. other Bluetooth devices or smartphones obstructing the path.

How to Fix an Xbox Controller That’s Blinking?

Now that we have discussed the potential reasons behind this error, let’s move on to solve the issue. Since there are several reasons behind this issue, it’s important for you to try all the solutions and check which one works out for you.

1. Make Sure That Your Controller is in Range

If you are not able to pair your Xbox One controller, you may notice that the lights start blinking or flashing. Possible reasons include the controller already being coupled to another system, the controller being too far away from the console, or the console having more than eight connected controllers.

Xbox’s wireless controllers have a range of 19 to 28 feet, but you may want to reduce it if your gaming setup has walls, is facing away from you, is in a cabinet, or may be susceptible to interference from other adjacent wireless devices.

In the event that the controller has no effect on your console, check its Bluetooth connections to determine whether it is linked to another system. If your Xbox system was the last device you used your controller with, pressing the coupling button twice will reconnect it to your console.

The number of connected controllers may be seen in the Accessories section of the console’s settings. Xbox One supports a maximum of eight paired controllers, so if you need to use a different controller but have already paired all of them, you’ll need to remove one controller to free up a slot.

2. Check The Controller’s Batteries

One reason behind the blinking or flashing of light on your Xbox One controller is that the batteries are weak or fully discharged.  Low batteries will result in a weak signal from your controller. If the controller’s batteries are dead, you can either replace them or charge them.

Only LR6-labeled alkaline AA batteries should be used to replace the existing ones. These can be charged, but not while in the controller. You’ll have to charge them according to the instructions provided.

The procedure for replacing the batteries in your controller is as follows:

• Hold the controller upside down.
• At the back you’ll see an arrow, push the battery cover in that direction.
• When replacing the batteries, be sure to pay attention to the “-” and “+” symbols.
• After changing the batteries, put the cover back on.

If you hit the Xbox button and look in the top right corner of the screen, you can see how much battery is left in your controller. A battery icon representing the current battery level will be displayed there.

3. Connect your controller with a USB cable instead of wireless

There are instances where your controller may have connection issues with the console. Try plugging a USB cable into your controller and see if it helps.

4. Restart Your Xbox Console/Update Your Xbox One Controller

There are instances where a simple restart can solve many problems. So, if you are having difficulty connecting and the light on Xbox Controller is blinking, then maybe try to restart the console. Hold the power button on Xbox One console for 10 seconds to power off the console. Turn it back on and see if the problem still persists.

You can also try to update the firmware of your controller.  All Xbox One controllers can be updated using the USB cable that came with your console, and wireless updates are only available for controllers manufactured after June 2015.

5. Contact Xbox Support

If even after performing the above steps, you are not able to fix the controller, then maybe it’s damaged. The good news is that you can get it replaced at the Xbox service center if your controller is still under warranty.

That’s all the ways by which you can try to solve the error at home. If nothing works out, don’t waste further time and head on to the nearest Xbox service center and let the experts handle it.