S24 Ultra/Android 15 - Can't bind Xbox Series S controller via Bluetooth

[Members_fz3esS6]

Hello, lately i've been trying to pair my xbox series s controller to my S24 Ultra with Android 15 through bluetooth, although the controller doesn't even get detected with the official bluetooth application. I tried with an external app (nRF connect) which successfully detects and connects the joystick, but when i try binding it to the device i get the "connect joystick?" prompt, and when i press "yes" it just says "couldn't connect device". If i connect the controller with usbc it works flawlessly.

1) The controller firmware is updated, is in bluetooth pairing mode and works sucessfully with other devices

2) Phone is updated to the latest version and its bluetooth pairing works with other accessories such as smartwatches

3) Clearing phone bt connectivity history/turning bt on/off or enabling location services does nothing

What could be the issue? Is there anything i can try without factory resetting the phone? I have sensitive data i can't wipe easily

[ChrisB_]

Hi @Members_fz3esS6, and welcome to the Samsung UK & Ireland Community. 😀

I'd suggest clearing the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings of your phone. This does mean you will need to log back into your Wi-Fi router and re-pair any other Bluetooth devices you have previously connected to your phone. 

To do this, please go to Settings > General management > Reset > Reset Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings. Once you have done this, please perform a soft reset of your phone by pressing and holding the Volume and Power down buttons until it restarts. 

Could you give this a try and keep us updated? Thanks. 

[Members_fz3esS6]

Hello, thanks for the quick response! I tried clearing wifi/bluetooth settings and soft resetting the phone but unfortunately that didn't work, the controller still doesn't show up when scanning bluetooth devices from the native app, which is weird since with nRF connect it shows up. Trying to connect it from nRF makes the device show up as registered in the native bluetooth tab, but i get the exact same error (couldn't connect to controller) when trying to connect from there directly (sorry for the italian ui):

 

[maettsy]

same issue on s24 ultra + xbox controller

[AndrewL]

@maettsy: Please try heading to Settings > Connections > More connection settings > Nearby device scanning > Toggle this option on. 

Now, place your Xbox controller in pairing mode by pressing and holding the small button near the USB port until the controller started flashing - it has 3 curved lines next to it that look like ))) - then head to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth > On > Check the Available devices section, and tap on the Xbox controller if it becomes visible to complete the connection.

[Hunter325]

I have the same issue none of these solutions work I can connect any other controller like a PS5 controller via Bluetooth to my S24 Plus and I can connect my Xbox controller to any other phone or PC via Bluetooth but my Xbox controller will not show up at all on the S24 bluetooth menu it used to work when I first got the phone over a year ago but hasn't worked in months