Controller not detected
Work through these in order. Most problems are fixed by the first three.
1. Press a button
Browsers deliberately hide controllers from web pages until you press a button while the page is open. Click on the page, then press A or Cross.
2. Use a data cable
Many USB cables only carry power. If the controller lights up and charges but the PC doesn't react, swap to a cable you know transfers data (one that works for a phone to copy files). Try a USB port directly on the computer instead of a hub.
3. Pair by Bluetooth correctly
- PS5 DualSense: with the controller off, hold Create (the small button left of the touchpad) and the PS button together until the light around the touchpad flashes rapidly. Then pick "DualSense Wireless Controller" in your computer's Bluetooth settings.
- PS4 DualShock 4: with the controller off, hold Share and the PS button together until the light bar flashes rapidly. Then pick "Wireless Controller" in your computer's Bluetooth settings.
- Xbox Series X|S: all of these have Bluetooth. Hold the small pair button on top until the Xbox logo flashes fast, then add "Xbox Wireless Controller" in Bluetooth settings. Update the controller first if pairing fails (step 6).
- Xbox One: only controllers with Bluetooth can pair this way. On those, the plastic around the Xbox button is part of the main face. Hold the small pair button on top until the Xbox logo flashes fast, then add it in Bluetooth settings. Older Xbox One controllers without Bluetooth need USB or the Xbox Wireless Adapter.
If pairing keeps failing, remove the controller from your Bluetooth device list and pair it again.
4. Close apps that take over the controller
Tools such as DS4Windows can hide the real controller and show a virtual one instead. Turn off any "hide controller" option or close the tool, then reload the tester. Restarting Steam can also help if Steam Input is acting up.
5. Check Windows sees it
Press Win + R, type joy.cpl and press Enter. If the controller isn't listed there, the problem is the cable, Bluetooth or driver rather than the browser. Open Device Manager and look for a warning icon under "Human Interface Devices" or "Xbox Peripherals".
6. Update the controller
Xbox controllers can get firmware updates through the free Xbox Accessories app on Windows or on the console. Updating often fixes Bluetooth problems.
7. Try another browser
Current versions of Chrome, Edge and Firefox support controllers well. The page must be opened over https://, which this site is.