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Troubleshooting

Bluetooth controller will not pair

A wireless controller never connects or reconnects.

Start here

  1. Prove the controller works over USB if it supports a wired connection.
  2. Charge it and enter the manufacturer’s correct pairing mode.
  3. Check for an existing pairing on another nearby device.
  4. Follow the controller-specific upstream guide and record where pairing fails.
What usually causes this?

Pairing mode, an old pairing, controller mode or Bluetooth stack differences.

Advanced explanation

Different controller revisions can behave differently. A guide for the same brand is not necessarily for the same model.

Still stuck?

Record what changed after each check. Include your exact board, image, emulator and error when asking for help. These are diagnostic starting points, not guaranteed fixes for every OS.

Bluetooth: detailed upstream reference →

Reference: RetroPie Bluetooth Controller documentation. Original companion checklist; historical upstream guidance needs OS-specific review.