If your Xbox Series X or S controllers aren’t working properly, you can typically tell there’s a problem when the Xbox button doesn’t light up, or the light suddenly turns off without warning. The button light normally flashes and then stays lit when the controller is powered on.

If the Xbox light on an Xbox Series X or S controller isn't turning on, it usually means the controller itself isn't turning on either. That makes the Xbox button light the best indicator of whether one of these controllers is working.

If an Xbox Series X or S controller won’t turn on, the culprit is usually the batteries or battery contacts, but it could also be a faulty Play and Charge Kit or charging cable, corrupt firmware, or an internal error. Most of the time, these issues can be fixed at home, but there are cases where a controller will require professional repair or may be beyond repair.

Here are the most common issues you may encounter if your Xbox Series X or S controller won’t turn on: