Samsung's Smart TV lineup does a lot to make the TV viewing experience convenient for its users. From supporting voice control to seamless connectivity between devices, these TVs really do it all. But did you know that your Samsung Smart TV can even be connected to and controller by an Xbox controller?
Not only can you control apps on the TV with an Xbox controller, but you can even use it to manage things like TV settings and volume control. To skip shuffling between the usage of two controls, read on to learn how you can connect an Xbox controller directly to your Samsung Smart TV.
Also, you might want to check out how to cast the Quest 2 headset to Samsung TV, as well as information on Samsung's 2024 TV lineup.
How to connect Xbox controller to Samsung Smart TV
Users have two ways of connecting their Xbox controller to a Samsung TV: via Bluetooth and via USB. Here’s a breakdown of both methods:
Wireless connection via Bluetooth
To begin connecting your Xbox controller via Bluetooth, put the compatible controller in pairing mode by holding down its Xbox button and menu button together until its indicator starts blinking. Next, navigate to your TVs list of Bluetooth devices. How you do this will depend on your Samsung tv model.
- 2015 Smart TVs (J models): Navigate to MENU, then to System, followed by Device Manager, and finally Bluetooth Gamepad Settings.
- 2018 - 2016 Smart TVs (N, M, and K models): Go to Settings, then System, proceed to Input Device Manager, and select Add Bluetooth Keyboard & Gamepad.
- 2021 - 2019 Smart TVs (A, T, and R models): Access Settings, then General, then External Device Manager, followed by Input Device Manager, and locate Bluetooth Device List.
- 2022 Smart TVs (B models): Find All Settings, then head to Connection, proceed to External Device Manager, then Input Device Manager, and locate Bluetooth Device List.
- 2023 Smart TVs: Start from the Menu, then navigate to Settings, then All Settings, followed by Connection, External Device Manager, Input Device Manager, and finally Bluetooth Device List.
Once you've navigated to the relevant settings, simply look for and select your Xbox controller in the list of available devices. If your controller's still in pairing mode, doing this will complete the pairing process. You'll know you've successfully connected the controller via Bluetooth when the light around its Xbox logo goes solid.
Wired connection via USB
Connecting your wired Xbox controller to a Samsung Smart TV is a relatively simple process. Simply plug a USB cable into both your controller as well as the Samsung Smart TV's USB port. If you're using a wired-only Xbox 360 controller, simply plug in its preattached USB cable to the TV's USB port.
Which Xbox controllers are compatible with Samsung Smart TVs?
Controller type | Connection method(s) |
|---|---|
Xbox 360 controller | USB |
Xbox One Wireless Controller (with Bluetooth) | Bluetooth or USB |
Xbox Adaptive controller | Bluetooth or USB |
Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless controller | Bluetooth or USB |
Xbox Series X|S Wireless controller (with Share button) | Bluetooth or USB |
That's all there is to know about connecting an Xbox controller to your Samsung Smart TV. For more tech guides, check out how to fix an Xbox controller that won't sync, and how to fix stick drift on Xbox controllers.