How to Sync Xbox 360 Controller

While you can connect a wired controller to any Xbox 360 by plugging it into one of the console's front-facing USB ports,syncing a wireless controller requires you to pair the accessory to a specific console. Getting familiar with the syncing process is key to enjoying local multiplayer gaming on the 360; every time you want to play on a different Xbox 360 console -- such as a friend's 360 -- with your controller, you'll have to sync the controller to the console in the question.

Press the Xbox 360's front-facing power button to turn the console on. Press and hold the controller's Guide button, the bulbous button with the big “X” logo located in the center of the controller. This turns the controller on, indicated by the flashing green Ring of Light surrounding the Guide button.

Locate the connect button on the front of your Xbox 360 console. On the original model, this lies just under the disc tray. On all other models, such as the Xbox 360 S or E editions, it's on the lower right side of the console's face. Press the console's connect button. Depending on the type of 360 you have, the circular light around the console's power button will either flash or spin around the button's perimeter.

Press the connect button on the controller, located on top of the controller just above the battery compartment, within 20 seconds of pressing the corresponding button on the console. The controller's Ring of Light will glow and spin. Once the light stops spinning and glows a solid green on both console and controller, the controller has successfully synced. Repeat the process for each successive controller you wish to connect.