Xbox controllers use two AA batteries

An Xbox wireless controller takes two AA batteries. This is true for the standard Xbox One controller, Xbox Series X|S controller, and most third-party Xbox controllers sold at major retailers. The batteries sit in a compartment on the back of the controller, behind a removable cover.

AA batteries are the standard alkaline type you can buy at any grocery store, pharmacy, or hardware store. A fresh pair typically powers a controller for 30 to 40 hours of play before the battery indicator on your screen tells you they are running low. The exact time depends on how much you use rumble features and how bright your controller's light is, if it has one.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Xbox controllers use two AA batteries, which you can buy anywhere batteries are sold.
  • Battery life runs 30 to 40 hours per pair before the low-battery warning appears on your screen.
  • You can swap to rechargeable AA batteries if you want to avoid buying new ones constantly.
  • The battery compartment is on the back of the controller under a sliding or hinged cover.
  • If your controller has a built-in battery pack, it charges via USB cable instead of taking replaceable batteries.

How to install batteries in your Xbox controller

Turn the controller over so the back faces you. Look for a rectangular seam or a small indent on the back panel — this is the battery cover. If it slides, push it toward the bottom of the controller and it will pop out. If it has a hinge, it will swing open like a door.

Inside you will see two battery slots arranged side by side or one above the other, depending on your controller model. Each slot has a small metal contact at one end. Insert one AA battery into each slot with the positive end (marked with a + sign) facing toward the metal contact. Push gently until the battery sits flat. Close the cover by sliding it back into place or swinging the hinged door shut until you hear or feel a click.

Your controller will power on automatically once the batteries are in. If it does not, the batteries may be inserted backward or may be dead. Remove them, check that the positive ends face the metal contacts, and try again.

Alkaline versus rechargeable AA batteries

Standard alkaline AA batteries (the kind you buy in packs at stores) work perfectly in Xbox controllers and cost very little. A four-pack costs between $3 and $8 depending on the brand. The downside is that you throw them away after they run out, which adds up if you play frequently.

Rechargeable AA batteries (also called NiMH batteries) cost more upfront — usually $15 to $30 for a four-pack plus a charger — but you can recharge them hundreds of times. If you play several hours a day, rechargeable batteries pay for themselves within a few months. They also reduce waste. The trade-off is that rechargeable batteries lose their charge slowly even when you are not using the controller, so a pair left sitting for a month may be partially drained when you pick up the controller again.

Both types work in any Xbox controller that takes AA batteries. Buy whichever fits your budget and how often you play.

When your Xbox controller has a built-in battery instead

Some Xbox controllers come with a built-in rechargeable battery pack instead of a removable AA battery compartment. These are less common than the AA models but do exist. If your controller has a smooth back with no battery cover, it uses an internal battery.

Built-in batteries charge via a USB-C or micro-USB cable (depending on the controller model) plugged into the bottom or side of the controller. Charge time is usually two to three hours for a full charge, and battery life is similar to AA batteries — around 30 to 40 hours. You cannot replace the battery yourself if it stops holding a charge; you would need to contact Xbox support or replace the entire controller.

Signs your batteries are running low

Your Xbox console will display a low-battery warning on the screen when your controller's batteries drop below about 20 percent. The warning appears as a small battery icon in the corner of the screen or a pop-up notification, depending on which Xbox system you own.

You do not have to replace the batteries when ready when you see this warning. Most controllers will continue working for another hour or two after the warning appears. However, if you are in the middle of an online game or a time-sensitive activity, swap in a fresh pair right away so you do not lose connection.

Troubleshooting batteries that do not work

If you installed new batteries and your controller still will not turn on, first remove the batteries and check that you inserted them the right way. The positive end (the + symbol side) must face the metal contact inside the slot. Flip them around if they are backward and try again.

If the batteries are in the correct direction and the controller still does not power on, the batteries themselves may be dead. This can happen if they sat in storage for a long time or were stored in a damp place. Try a different pair of batteries from a fresh package. If a second pair works, your original batteries were faulty.

If no batteries work, the battery contacts inside the controller may be corroded or the controller may have a hardware problem. Look inside the battery compartment with a flashlight. If the metal contacts look dark, discolored, or crusty, gently clean them with a dry cotton swab. If they look clean and new batteries still do not work, the controller likely needs repair or replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rechargeable batteries in my Xbox controller?

Yes. Rechargeable AA batteries (NiMH type) work in any Xbox controller that takes AA batteries. They cost more upfront but save money over time if you play regularly. Just remember they lose charge slowly when the controller sits unused, so check them before a gaming session.

How long do AA batteries last in an Xbox controller?

A fresh pair of alkaline AA batteries typically lasts 30 to 40 hours of active play. The exact time depends on how much you use rumble and light features. Rechargeable batteries last about the same amount of time per charge but can be recharged many times.

What happens if I put the batteries in backward?

The controller will not turn on. The positive end of the battery must face the metal contact inside the slot. If your controller does not power on after you install batteries, remove them and flip them around so the + symbol faces the contact, then try again.

Do all Xbox controllers use AA batteries?

Most do, but not all. Standard Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S controllers use two AA batteries. Some special edition or third-party controllers have built-in rechargeable batteries instead. Check your controller's back panel — if there is no removable battery cover, it has an internal battery that charges via USB cable.

Can I leave dead batteries in my controller?

You can, but it is not a good idea. Dead batteries can leak corrosive material that damages the battery contacts inside the controller. Remove dead batteries as soon as you notice the low-battery warning and replace them with fresh ones.