Xbox One controllers are currently supported on the Windows, macOS, and Android apps, as well as the Shadow Box. You may use either wired (USB) or wireless (Bluetooth) for all platforms. For help connecting your controller, see the guides for your device below.
Before you continue:
- Shadow may not detect your Xbox One controller if it's incompatible with your device. For help connecting your device to an Xbox One controller, contact your device's manufacturer.
- If you have the Shadow app open on your device, close the app prior to setup.
- iOS devices do not support Xbox One controllers. Apple recommends using MFi certified controllers with iOS operating systems.
Windows
Note: Xbox One controllers are compatible with Windows 10, but Windows 8.1 and older operating system may require additional setup.
To pair your controller with your PC using a micro-USB cable or Bluetooth, see Microsoft's article on how to connect an Xbox One Wireless Controller to a Windows PC. This article also includes instructions for the Xbox wireless adapter.
If your PC is unable to detect your Xbox One controller, install the latest drivers from Microsoft:
- Point to the lower-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer up, and then select Search.
- Enter Device Manager in the search box, and then click Device Manager.
Note: Windows may ask you for an administrator password or to confirm your choice.
- Locate and expand Microsoft Xbox One Controller.
- Right-click the expanded Microsoft Xbox One Controller and click Update Driver Software.
- Click Search Automatically for Updated Software.
macOS
Note: Xbox One controllers are not MFi certified and may require third party apps for additional setup. Apple recommends using MFi certified controllers with macOS operating systems. Wireless setup is recommended.
Wired
Connect your Xbox One controller to your Mac using in a micro-USB cable.
Wireless
Connect your Xbox One controller to your Mac via Bluetooth:
- Use your Mac's settings to turn on Bluetooth.
- Turn on your Xbox One controller.
- Press and hold the sync button until the controller's light flashes.
- Pair your controller to your Mac.
If your Mac is not able to detect your controller, you may be required to install third party drivers for additional setup.
Disclaimer: Third party software must be installed at your own risk. Apple and Blade Group do not develop drivers for Xbox One or Xbox 360 controllers.
Android
Note: Androids are compatible with Xbox One controllers and may be connected using either USB or Bluetooth. Wireless setup is recommended.
Wired
Since Xbox One controllers require micro-USB cables, we recommend using an OTG cable (pictured below) commonly referred to as an adapter.
Depending on your Android make and model, you may need either of the following OTG cables:
|
![]() |
To find out whether your Android is compatible with micro-USB or USB-C, compare the examples above to your Android's charger or port.
Wireless
To use your Android's built-in bluetooth feature:
- Use your Android's settings to turn on Bluetooth.
- Turn on your Xbox One controller.
- Press and hold the sync button until the controller's light flashes.
- Pair your controller to your Android device.
Shadow Box
Note: The Shadow Box requires an Xbox wireless adapter for Bluetooth connections.
Since your Shadow comes with a Windows 10 operating system, Xbox One controllers work natively with the Shadow Box. Refer to the Windows section of this article for help connecting via USB.
Wired
To connect your controller to the Shadow Box via USB:
- Turn on the Shadow Box.
- Plug in your micro-USB cable into the Box.
- Locate the USB 3.0 ports at the back of your Shadow Box.
- Plug the Xbox wireless adapter into the USB 3.0 ports.
- Turn on your Xbox One controller.
- On your controller, press and hold the sync button until the controller's light flashes.
- On the adapter, press and hold the sync button.
- Windows will notify you once the controller has been paired. Wait until you see the notification.
Wireless
To pair your controller to the Shadow Box via Bluetooth:
- Turn on the Shadow Box.
- Plug in your Xbox wireless adapter.
- Locate the USB 3.0 ports at the back of your Shadow Box.
- Plug the Xbox wireless adapter into the USB 3.0 ports.
- Turn on your Xbox One controller.
- On your controller, press and hold the sync button until the controller's light flashes.
- On the adapter, press and hold the sync button.
- Windows will notify you once the controller has been paired. Wait until you see the notification.
If your Shadow Box is having difficulty detecting your Xbox One controller, connect your controller to a local computer instead to ensure the device is functioning properly. In the event your controller was disconnected during setup, repeat the instructions to pair your controller.