How To Fix Xbox 360 Controller Not Charging?
Gaming is one of the most popular pastimes in the world. Whether playing on your own or with friends, there’s nothing quite like losing yourself in a game.
However, one of the most frustrating moments during gaming is when your controller runs out of power, and you must stop playing.
So, you plugged in your Xbox controller with a USB charger, but after a few minutes, you noticed that your Xbox 360 controller was not charging.
Heartbroken? Awww! 🥹
I was in the same shoes a few months ago when I had to play a battle with my friend, but my Xbox Play and Charge Kit refused to take charge.
But, I did some internet research and found that I was not alone among those who were facing charging issues with Xbox 360 controller.
Thousands of gamers asked the same question- how to fix Xbox 360 controller not charging!
I took a few troubleshooting steps, and finally, my Play and Charge kit came back to life.
I will share various reasons why the Xbox controller won’t charge and what you can do to fix it.
Also Read: How To Fix Xbox One Controller Not Charging
Why is My Xbox 360 Controller Not Charging?
There might be several reasons behind this problem. The good news is that you can try a few things to bring your controller back to life.
Here’s a list of potential reasons why your controller battery isn’t charging:
Corroded Battery Pins
A corrosion layer build-up might occur if you don’t clean the battery pins for a long time.
You might have seen this corrosion phenomenon on your car battery. The corrosion will act as an insulative layer.
Over time this can lead to a loss of connection between the controller and the battery, resulting in charging issues.
Also Read: How To Fix PS5 Controller That Won’t Charge
Damaged Charging Cable
If you’ve been using the same Play and Charge Kit for a while, it might be time to buy a new one.
Because of multiple uses, the wires inside the charging cable can become frayed or broken, preventing the controller from charging.
Also Read: How To Fix PS4 Controller Not Charging
Faulty USB Port
Xbox 360 has a USB port to charge the controller and do other gaming-related tasks.
But, over time, it attracts dust and moisture. Due to this, the USB port itself dies and won’t pass power to your play and charge kit.
Also Read: How To Fix Left JoyCon Not Charging
Outdated Firmware
Like any other electronic device, the Xbox 360 controller also has firmware that needs to be updated continuously. Outdated firmware can cause charging issues.
Faulty Battery
Microsoft provides lithium-ion batteries in Xbox controllers. But, like any other battery, it also has a limited lifespan and needs to be replaced after some time.
If you’ve tried all the solutions above and your controller still won’t charge, it’s probably time to buy a new battery.
Also Read: How To Fix Nintendo Switch Not Charging
How To Fix Xbox 360 Controller Not Charging?
Now that you know the reasons behind this problem, it’s time to find a solution.
Here are a few troubleshooting methods to fix Xbox 360 controller not charging:
Step #1- Clean The Battery Pins
The first thing that you need to do is clean the battery pins. Over time, these pins attract dust and dirt, leading to a loss of connection and charging issues.
You can use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol and gently rub the pins until they’re clean. Once you’re done, dry the area with a lint-free cloth and try charging your controller again.
Also Read: How To Charge Nintendo Switch Without Dock
Step #2- Use A Different Power Source
If the USB port on your Xbox console is damaged, it won’t be able to provide power to your controller. In this case, you can try a different power source to charge your controller.
You can use a smartphone adapter to charge your controller or even plug it into a power bank to continue playing games.
Step #3- Replace your Play and Charge Kit
If you notice any sign of damage on your Play and Charge kit, it might be time to replace it.
Over time, the wires inside the charging cable can become frayed or broken, preventing the controller from charging.
You can buy a new Play and Charge kit from Microsoft or any other gaming store.
Step #4- Update The Firmware
As I mentioned, outdated firmware can cause charging issues with your controller. So, it’s important to keep the firmware up-to-date.
To update the controller firmware, follow these steps:
- Connect your controller to your Xbox console using a USB cable.
- Press the Xbox button on your controller to turn it on.
- Go to Settings > Devices & Connections> Accessories.
- Select your controller and then select Device info.
- If there’s an update available, select Update to install it.
Step #5- Replace your Battery
Microsoft provides lithium-ion batteries in Xbox controllers. But, like any other battery, it also has a limited lifespan and needs to be replaced after some time.
If you’ve tried all the solutions above and your controller still won’t charge, it’s probably time to buy a new battery pack for your controller.
You can buy a new battery from Microsoft or any other online e-commerce store.
Before replacing the battery pack, test your controller with AA batteries.
If your controller works fine with AA batteries, it means it is fine, and the issue lies in the battery pack.
The charging issue will be resolved if you follow the above steps correctly. If your Xbox controller still doesn’t charge, there might be some hardware fault.
Contact the Microsoft customer support team to get it repaired or replaced.
How do I know if my Xbox 360 controller is charging?
There are a few ways to check whether your controller is charging.
The first thing you need to do is check the LED light on the controller. The controller charges if the light is red and won’t turn green after 20 seconds.
If the LED indicator is red when plugged in but turns green within 20 seconds, it’s not charging. If it’s green, it means that the controller is fully charged.
Another way to check is to try and turn on the controller. If it turns on, it’s charged enough to power on.
Finally, you can also check the battery level in the Settings menu. Go to Devices & Connections> Accessories and select your controller. The battery level will be displayed on the screen.
How do I fix my Xbox 360 battery charger?
If your Xbox 360 battery charger is not working, there might be some problem with the charging cable or the USB port.
First, check the USB port on your Xbox console and ensure it’s not damaged. If it’s damaged, you won’t be able to charge your controller.
Next, look at the charging cable and ensure it’s not damaged. You’ll need to replace the cable if the wires are frayed or broken.
Connect your controller to a different power source if the USB and the charging cable are fine. You can use a smartphone adapter or a power bank to charge your controller.
How do you fix a dead Xbox 360 controller?
An Xbox 360 controller will die if the battery dies or there are some internal faults on the motherboard. You can plug in your controller with a charger or power bank.
After leaving it for 1.5 hours, turn on your Xbox and reset the console. Now pair your controller and play games.
Why does my Xbox 360 controller not turn on?
If your Xbox 360 controller doesn’t turn on, it can be for a few reasons.
First, check if the Xbox battery is inserted correctly into the controller. If they’re not, that might be why your controller is not turning on.
Second, connect the controller to your Xbox console using a USB cable. Sometimes, the controller might be low on power and needs to be charged.
Third, there might be some problem with the battery. Try replacing it with a new one and see if that solves the problem.
Fourth, there might be a problem with the motherboard. In this case, you’ll need to get it repaired or replaced.
Finally, if none of the solutions above work, there might be a problem with the button itself. In this case, you’ll need to get it repaired or replaced.
Conclusion
If you follow the above solutions correctly, your Xbox 360 controller will start working again. The last option is to replace the Xbox rechargeable battery.
However, if the problem persists, it might be a hardware issue. In this case, you’ll need to get it repaired or replaced.
