Yes, you can connect your Xbox controller to your Mac! Whether you have an Xbox Series X|S controller or an older Xbox One controller, macOS has built-in support for Xbox controllers via Bluetooth. This guide will walk you through the process.
What You'll Need
Xbox Controller
Series X|S or Xbox One (Bluetooth model)
Mac Computer
macOS 11 Big Sur or later
Bluetooth
Built-in or USB adapter
Which Xbox Controllers Work?
Xbox Series X|S controllers (released 2020+) and Xbox One controllers with Bluetooth (model 1708, released 2016+) work with Mac. Older Xbox One controllers without Bluetooth require a USB cable or wireless adapter.
Method 1: Connect via Bluetooth (Wireless)
Turn On Your Controller
Press the Xbox button on your controller. The button will light up, indicating the controller is powered on.
Enter Pairing Mode
Press and hold the pairing button on top of the controller (next to the USB port) for about 3 seconds. The Xbox button will start flashing rapidly, indicating the controller is in pairing mode.
Open Bluetooth Settings on Mac
Click the Apple menu () > System Settings > Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
Connect to Your Controller
Your Xbox controller will appear in the list as "Xbox Wireless Controller". Click Connect next to it.
Verify the Connection
Once connected, the Xbox button will stop flashing and stay lit. The controller will appear as "Connected" in your Bluetooth settings.
Method 2: Connect via USB (Wired)
If you prefer a wired connection or your controller doesn't have Bluetooth, you can connect via USB:
Get the Right Cable
Xbox Series X|S controllers use USB-C. Xbox One controllers use Micro-USB. Make sure you have the appropriate cable.
Connect the Cable
Plug the cable into your controller and your Mac. If your Mac only has USB-C ports, you may need an adapter for Xbox One controllers.
Controller Connects Automatically
Your Mac should recognize the controller immediately. No additional setup required!
USB vs Bluetooth: Which Should You Use?
| Feature | Bluetooth | USB |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless freedom | Yes | No |
| Input latency | Slightly higher | Lower |
| Battery drain | Yes (needs batteries/charging) | No (powered by Mac) |
| Setup complexity | Requires pairing | Plug and play |
Troubleshooting
Controller Not Appearing in Bluetooth
- Make sure the controller is in pairing mode (Xbox button flashing rapidly)
- Move closer to your Mac (within 3 feet for initial pairing)
- Turn Bluetooth off and on again on your Mac
- Try restarting the controller by holding the Xbox button for 10 seconds
Controller Disconnects Frequently
- Check battery level - low batteries cause disconnections
- Reduce distance between controller and Mac
- Remove other Bluetooth devices that might cause interference
- Forget the device in Bluetooth settings and re-pair
USB Connection Not Working
- Try a different USB cable (some cables are charge-only)
- Try a different USB port on your Mac
- Check System Information > USB to see if Mac detects the controller
What Can You Do With Your Xbox Controller on Mac?
Once connected, your Xbox controller works with:
- Games - Most Mac games with controller support (Steam, Apple Arcade, etc.)
- Emulators - RetroArch, OpenEmu, Dolphin, and more
- Streaming - Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce Now, Steam Link
- Productivity - With the right software, control your entire Mac!
Want More Than Gaming?
Turn your Xbox controller into a productivity powerhouse. Map buttons to keyboard shortcuts, control your mouse with joysticks, and even trigger terminal commands.