The Xbox 360 controller is arguably one of the most beloved controllers of all time, which is why many prefer using it to this day. Since the Xbox 360 controller isn’t compatible with the Xbox One console, it begs the question, how do you use it?
Well, read on! In this guide, we’ll show you the two best ways to use an Xbox 360 controller on Xbox One. Don’t worry; we’re giving you all the nuts and bolts to connect your Xbox 360 controller to the console in a flash.
Can you use the Xbox 360 controller on the Xbox One?
You can’t use the Xbox 360 controller on the Xbox One console because they’re incompatible. A workaround is to connect an Xbox 360 controller to a companion app on Windows or make the most of a third-party adapter.
How to Use Xbox 360 Controller on Xbox One
Indeed, there is no way you can connect an Xbox 360 controller directly to an Xbox One console and start gaming. Simply put, they’re incompatible even when you use a wired connection via the USB slot.
Fortunately, the Xbox 360 controller will work on your Xbox One console when they’re connected using the two methods below. The following instructions should help you use your beloved Xbox 360 controller on Microsoft’s newer consoles.
FIX 1. Connect using the Xbox app on your PC
| Difficulty | Easy ●●○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 14 |
| Time to Perform Fix | 2 minutes |
| Things Needed | A wired Xbox 360 controller An Xbox One console An Xbox One controller (for setup only)A Windows PCA working internet connection2 LAN cables |
Incompatibility aside, can you use Xbox 360 controller on Xbox One? You can, but you’ll need to use the built-in Xbox companion app on Windows 10 and 11 on PCs and laptops to stream the console instead.
You can connect the Xbox 360 controller to your PC and use it on your Xbox One console through the companion app. Please note this requires a reliable internet connection since you’ll be streaming your console’s display screen to the PC.
Using a wired internet connection on your Xbox One console and Windows PC is the most recommended way of connecting both devices. Doing so makes the connection more stable and helps reduce input delay or lag on the Xbox 360 controller.
Step 1: Connect 2 LAN cables to the available ports on your WiFi router or modem.
Step 2: Connect the other ends of the LAN cables to your Windows PC and Xbox One console to establish a wired connection.
Note: You can wirelessly connect both devices to your home WiFi network but you’ll have a noticeable input delay, especially if your internet connection isn’t that good.
Step 3: Press the Xbox button on the Xbox One controller to access the pop-up menu and scroll down to open its Settings.
Note: Skip to Step 8 if your Xbox One has been set up before, which means you don’t need to use its controller as well.
Step 4: Scroll down to the Devices & Connections tab and open the Remote Features menu.
Step 5: Click the Enable Remote Features option to activate it.
Step 6: Click the Xbox App Preferences option.
Step 7: Turn on the “Allow connections from any device” feature.
Step 8: Plug a wired Xbox 360 controller into a USB port on your Windows PC and open the Xbox app.
Step 9: Click the Connection icon on the Xbox app’s left menu tab.
Step 10: Click the Connect button next to connect your Xbox One console and Windows PC.
Step 11: Click the Stream button to cast the Xbox One console’s display on your Windows PC’s screen.
Step 12: Wait while your Windows PC connects to your Xbox One console.
Step 13: Click the Change Quality icon on the upper-right corner and set the stream quality to Low to prevent input delay or lag.
Step 14: Use the Xbox 360 controller and play games on your Xbox One console.
FIX 2. Connect using a CronusMax Plus dongle
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 8 |
| Time to Perform Fix | 30 seconds |
| Things Needed | • A wired or wireless Xbox 360 controller • An Xbox One console • A wired Xbox One controller • A CronusMax Plus adapter •A Wireless gaming receiver |
If you’re looking for a less complicated way of connecting your Xbox 360 controller to your Xbox One console, we recommend using the CronusMax Plus adapter. This nifty device simplifies the connection process.
However, the CronusMax Plus adapter costs around $80 to $100, which makes it an expensive alternative. Plus, you need to buy a wireless gaming receiver to connect a wireless Xbox 360 controller to your console with this adapter.
Cons aside, using the CronusMax Plus adapter means you don’t need a Windows PC and internet connection. If you don’t have a Windows PC, spending around $100 on the CronusMax Plus and a wireless gaming receiver will be the cheaper option.
Step 1: Press the Xbox button on the Xbox One console to turn it on.
Step 2: Plug a CronusMax Plus adapter into the USB port of your Xbox One console.
Step 3: Check if the CronusMax Plus adapter cycles between “A” and “U” on its display to ensure it’s ready to scan.
Step 4: Plug your Xbox One controller into the USB port of the CronusMax Plus adapter and wait for its display to stay at “0.”
Note: This process lets the CronusMax Plus adapter scan your Xbox One controller’s “identity” and use it on the Xbox 360 controller.
Step 5: Plug the Xbox 360 controller into the CronusMax Plus dongle, and it should work on your Xbox One console.
Note: If you’re using a wireless Xbox 360 controller, follow the steps below.
Step 6: Plug a wireless gaming receiver into the CronusMax Plus dongle.
Step 7: Press the sync button on the wireless gaming receiver to prepare it for the pairing process.
Step 8: Press the Xbox button on the Xbox 360 controller to turn it on and pair it with the wireless gaming receiver.
