How to Watch Movies on Your Xbox Without a Controller

By Melly Parker

Updated September 22, 2017

You can replace your DVD player with an Xbox, even if you lack a controller.
i home movie theater components image by Nikolay Okhitin from Fotolia.com

An Xbox can be used to watch films as well as play games, though many people don't take advantage of its dual functions. While it is almost impossible to play video games without an Xbox controller, you can watch movies as long as you own an Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote. This remote can connect your Xbox to your television and allow you the freedom to watch movies without a controller. Once you've set it to work with your television, you're only a few clicks away from enjoying your favorite film.

Place 2 AA batteries into the back of the Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote and replace the battery cover.

Look up the remote code for your television on the list of TV codes in the Resources section.

Turn on your television.

Point the remote at the television. Press and hold the "TV" and "OK" buttons at the same time. All the lights on the remote will light up, then only the numeric digits will remain lit.

Input the TV code that matches your television set, then hit the "TV" button again to exit. Your television should now be synced to your Xbox Universal Media Remote.

Insert a DVD into your Xbox. Once it's loaded and the menu is displayed, press the play button on your remote to watch your movie.

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