Connect Your Second Joy-Con Using Bluetooth

To pair a second Joy-Con to your PC, put the controller into pairing mode by holding the small sync button on the top edge for three seconds until the lights flash. Then open your PC's Bluetooth settings, select "Add a device," choose Bluetooth, and wait for the Joy-Con to appear in the list. Click it to complete the pairing.

Once paired, your second Joy-Con will connect automatically whenever Bluetooth is on and the controller is powered. Windows treats each Joy-Con as a separate gamepad, so both will show up in your game controller settings. You can test both controllers at once by opening Settings > Devices > Connected devices to confirm they're both listed.

If the Joy-Con doesn't appear in the Bluetooth list, make sure it's charged (the lights will dim if the battery is low), and try the sync button again. Keep the controller within 10 feet of your PC during pairing.

Key Takeaways

  • Hold the sync button on top of the Joy-Con for three seconds to enter pairing mode, shown by flashing lights.
  • Open Bluetooth settings on your PC, select "Add a device," and choose the Joy-Con from the list that appears.
  • Windows recognizes each Joy-Con as a separate gamepad once paired, so both controllers will work independently in games.
  • A low battery will prevent pairing, so charge the Joy-Con if it doesn't show up in your Bluetooth list.

Where to Find the Sync Button

The sync button is a small, recessed button on the top edge of the Joy-Con, between the shoulder buttons. It's straightforward to miss because it sits flush with the plastic. You'll need a fingernail or a thin object like a paperclip to press it reliably.

On the left Joy-Con, the sync button is toward the back. On the right Joy-Con, it's in the same position relative to that controller's shape. If you're pairing both controllers, do them one at a time—pair the first, let it connect fully, then repeat the process for the second.

Checking Your PC's Bluetooth Settings

On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Bluetooth." Click "Bluetooth and other devices" to see the Bluetooth toggle and the "Add a device" button. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on before you try to pair.

If you don't see an "Add a device" option, your PC may not have Bluetooth built in. Many desktop computers don't include it—you'll need a USB Bluetooth adapter, which you can plug into any USB port. Laptops almost always have Bluetooth, but older desktops may not.

What to Do If Pairing Fails

If the Joy-Con doesn't appear in the Bluetooth list after holding the sync button, try these steps in order: first, charge the controller for at least 30 minutes using a USB-C cable, then try pairing again. Second, restart your PC's Bluetooth by toggling it off and back on in Settings. Third, move the Joy-Con closer to your PC—interference from other devices or distance can prevent discovery.

If the Joy-Con still won't pair, unpair it from any other device it may be connected to (like a Nintendo Switch or phone). A Joy-Con can only pair with one device at a time, so if it's still linked to another system, your PC won't see it. Once you've disconnected it elsewhere, try the sync button again.

Using Both Joy-Cons in Games

Most PC games recognize Joy-Cons as standard gamepads once they're paired. You can test both controllers by opening Settings > Devices > Connected devices and confirming both Joy-Cons are listed. Some games let you remap buttons or adjust sensitivity, which you can do in the game's own settings menu.

If a game doesn't recognize the second Joy-Con, the game may have a limit on how many controllers it supports, or it may need the controllers to be paired in a specific order. Check the game's documentation or settings to see if there's a controller setup menu. Most modern games support at least two gamepads without extra configuration.

Reconnecting After Disconnection

Once a Joy-Con is paired, it will reconnect automatically the next time you turn it on and your PC's Bluetooth is active. You don't need to repeat the sync button process every time. If a controller stops responding during use, turn it off and back on, or toggle your PC's Bluetooth off and on to force a reconnection.

If a Joy-Con won't reconnect even after being turned off and on, unpair it completely from your PC and pair it again from scratch. To unpair, go to Settings > Devices > Connected devices, find the Joy-Con in the list, click it, and select "Remove device."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use two Joy-Cons as one controller on PC?

No. Windows treats each Joy-Con as a separate gamepad. If you want to use them as a single controller like on a Nintendo Switch, you'll need third-party software like JoyToKey or similar remapping tools, which combine the inputs into one virtual controller.

Why does my second Joy-Con keep disconnecting?

Interference from Wi-Fi, other Bluetooth devices, or distance from your PC can cause dropouts. Move closer to your PC, turn off other Bluetooth devices nearby, and make sure the Joy-Con is fully charged. If disconnections continue, the controller's Bluetooth chip may be failing and may need replacement.

Do I need a USB adapter if my PC doesn't have Bluetooth?

Yes. If your desktop PC doesn't have built-in Bluetooth, a USB Bluetooth adapter will add the capability. They're inexpensive and plug into any USB port. Once installed, your PC will detect it automatically, and you can pair Joy-Cons the same way.

Will my Joy-Cons stay paired if I turn off my PC?

Yes. The pairing is stored in both the Joy-Con and your PC. When you turn your PC back on and enable Bluetooth, the Joy-Cons will reconnect automatically without needing the sync button again.

Can I pair Joy-Cons to my PC while they're still connected to my Switch?

No. A Joy-Con can only be paired to one device at a time. You'll need to unpair them from your Switch first. Hold the sync button on the Switch itself to disconnect them, then pair them to your PC.