There is nothing worse than seeing a message telling you to restart your joystick in the middle of an important game or a crucial quest. The controller can shut down for various reasons, but it is usually not difficult to fix it. If the lights on the joystick don't come on, you need to fix the battery problem. If the lights come on, but the joystick is disconnected from the console all the time, go to the second part of the article. If you've tried everything, read the third part.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Solve power and battery problems
Step 1. Take out the battery compartment and remove the batteries
Most often, joysticks are disabled due to dead batteries. Press the small button on the top of the battery compartment and when it detaches, remove the batteries.
Step 2. Replace the batteries
Install new AA batteries. Do not use new and old batteries at the same time.
Step 3. Charge the joystick if it has a battery
Batteries are usually charged via the Xbox's USB cable or using a small charging station. Connect the battery, leave it for 1-3 hours and check if the joystick is working.
- If the joystick is charging via a cable, you must first turn on the set-top box.
- If the joystick is connected to the power cable, you can continue playing.
- A red light on the station or cable will light up, and when it turns green, it will mean that the battery is fully charged.
Step 4. Check if there is contact between metal parts in the battery compartment
If the joystick still does not work, check that the battery contacts are not covered with dirt or rust. If they are dirty, you will have to clean them or replace the battery.
Clean the contacts with a dry cotton pad. This will gently remove dirt and rust
Step 5. Check if the batteries are firmly installed
If the joystick turns off every time you shake or jerk it, it is possible that the batteries are loose. The easiest way is to replace them, but you can also tape them to the joystick with duct tape.
Electrical tape should only be used as a temporary solution because it will be more difficult for you to replace dead batteries later
Method 2 of 3: Troubleshoot connection problems
Step 1. Reboot the set-top box and reconnect the joystick
Turn your Xbox off, wait 5 seconds, and then turn it back on. When the set-top box boots up, connect the joystick and do the following:
- Press and hold the center "X" button to activate the joystick.
- Press and release the connect button on the front of the set-top box. It's a little button below the "Open floppy drive" button.
- Within 20 seconds, press the connect button on the joystick. It is located on the top of the joystick near the battery compartment.
- When the lights on the set-top box start blinking, it will mean that the joystick is connected.
Step 2. Remember that wireless devices can interfere with the joystick
The joystick can operate up to 9 meters away from the set-top box, but other devices that emit radio waves may cause interference. Devices that can interfere with the operation of the wireless joystick include:
- microwaves
- Radiotelephones
- Wireless routers
- Laptops
Step 3. Eliminate physical obstacles between you and the console
The signal can penetrate some materials, but metal, chrome partitions, front attachment cabinet doors and shelves prevent this.
Try placing the Xbox on the floor and using the joystick close to the console to avoid interference
Step 4. Check how many joysticks are connected
The Xbox 360 can only work with four joysticks at a time, so if all four channels are already occupied, you won't be able to connect another joystick.
- All joysticks count, including wired ones, so disable them if you need to connect a wireless joystick.
- You can quickly turn off the joysticks by removing the battery or rebooting the set-top box.
Step 5. Replace the joystick
If you know the battery is okay and there is no interference, you may need to buy a new joystick. Contact Xbox Service if you have a warranty.
Your set-top box must be registered with Microsoft for you to receive a free replacement
Method 3 of 3: Factory reset on Xbox 360
Step 1. If the joystick still refuses to work, you need to reset the STB settings
Microsoft does not recommend doing this, but many people have managed to fix the problem this way. Remember, you need to contact Microsoft technical support first.
The following guidelines were taken from various online sources, not Microsoft
Step 2. Press and hold the sync button on the front of the set-top box for 30 seconds
The prefix must be turned on. The front panel lights will flash and then turn off. Hold the button until they go out.
Step 3. Disable everything you can
Unplug the power cable from the socket and from the set-top box, disconnect all parts, take out the hard drive.
Step 4. Wait five minutes and re-assemble and connect the set-top box
Then try connecting the joystick as described in the second part of the article.
If the joystick still won't connect, you need to contact Microsoft technical support. Perhaps your set-top box is out of order
Advice
To save on batteries, buy batteries and simply recharge them. The batteries must be charged separately
Warnings
- Do not bend the metal contacts as this may damage them.
- Do not try to charge conventional batteries and only use the correct charger for the battery type.
- Remember that repairing the battery yourself will often void your warranty.