How to Fix It When Your Stadia Controller Won't Connect

Fixes for all the most common Stadia controller connectivity problems

The Google Stadia controller is unique because it’s able to connect in a few different ways. It’s most commonly used to connect via Wi-Fi to play Stadia games, but it also has a USB-C port and Bluetooth built-in. Depending on the way you’re trying to connect your Stadia controller, there are several different reasons it fails to connect. To get your Stadia controller connected so you can start playing games, you’ll have to identify the method you’re trying to use, troubleshoot the reason it's not working, and potentially switch to a different approach if nothing else works.

Causes for a Stadia Controller to Not Connect

There are several ways to connect a Stadia controller to the Stadia service: A computer, a phone, a tablet, or another compatible device. With so many options, there are many potential problems to cause a Stadia controller from connecting.

These are the most common reasons a Stadia controller won't connect: 

  • Network connectivity issues
  • Problems with the device you’re using for initial setup
  • Other software or firmware problems
  • The USB cable you’re using is faulty
  • Bluetooth isn’t enabled on your device
  • Your device doesn’t support a Bluetooth or wired connection

How to Fix a Stadia Controller That Won’t Connect

To get your Stadia controller connected, you’ll have to start by identifying the connection method you’re trying to use and then troubleshooting the potential issues with that connection method. If you’re unable to get the controller connected, consider trying another way to see if the controller works at all.

Stadia controllers include three methods of connectivity:

  • Wi-Fi: This method connects the controller to your Wi-Fi router, allowing it to communicate directly with the Stadia servers. You need to use a phone or tablet to perform the initial setup.
  • USB: This method connects the controller to your device via a USB cable. The controller communicates with your device, which passes information to the Stadia server.
  • Bluetooth: Stadia controllers have Bluetooth, but it’s only for setup purposes. At this time, you can’t connect via Bluetooth to play games.

What to Do When a Stadia Controller Won’t Connect via Wi-Fi

Google recommends a Wi-Fi connection for Stadia controllers, as it introduces the least amount of lag. If you’re having trouble connecting your Stadia controller to Wi-Fi, try these fixes:

  1. Restart all of your devices. When a Stadia controller fails to connect to Wi-Fi, there may be an issue with the controller itself, your phone, or your network hardware. Restarting these components can fix a lot of problems, so try that first. After restarting everything, check to see if you can make a connection.

  2. Try a different device for the initial setup. If you have another phone or tablet, install the Stadia app and use it for the setup process. Some phones fail to complete the process, even though it may look like everything worked. If it seems like everything worked, but the controller isn’t connected to Wi-Fi, your phone is the potential cause of the problem.

  3. Improve your Wi-Fi signal strength. Try connecting the controller to Wi-Fi in the same room as the router. If you can connect, try to improve the Wi-Fi signal in the rest of your location. You can also try both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks if your router has both.

  4. Update your devices. Ensure your devices all have the latest firmware or operating system, and the Stadia app is also up to date. Any outdated software can prevent the controller from connecting.

What to Do When a Stadia Controller Won’t Connect via USB

While Wi-Fi is the ideal connection method for a Stadia controller, it doesn’t always work. USB provides a solid connection, and it’s a good alternative. If you’re having trouble getting your Stadia controller connected via USB, try these fixes:

  1. Reseat your USB cable. Unplug the cable from your controller, and firmly plug it back in. You can plug USB-C in "upside down," so feel free to rotate the cable 180 degrees before plugging it back in to see if it helps. Then unplug the cable from your computer and plug it back in, making sure it’s seated properly.

    We're assuming you know if your USB ports are working properly. If your USB ports aren't working, you'll have to address the issue before going any further.

  2. Try a different USB cable. If the cable you’re using is low quality, worn out, or damaged, it can prevent the Stadia controller from connecting properly. Try a different cable if you have one, or test your cable with a different device if you don’t.

  3. Try a different USB port. If you connect via a USB hub, try plugging directly into your computer to see if the hub is the culprit.

  4. Make sure your computer is updated. Check for driver updates, especially any updates for the USB drivers. Install any available updates, restart your computer, and try again.

  5. Update Chrome. If you’re trying to use a wired Stadia controller to play Stadia games through Chrome, make sure Chrome itself is up to date. If it isn’t, it can prevent the controller from connecting to Stadia.

What to Do When a Stadia Controller Won’t Connect via Bluetooth

Your Stadia controller has Bluetooth built-in, but it isn’t enabled for playing games at this time. It’s only used for the initial setup before the controller is connected to Wi-Fi, and you can’t use it to connect to a computer or phone wirelessly to play games.

If you’re having trouble connecting your Stadia via Bluetooth during the setup process, try these fixes:

  1. Make sure your device has Bluetooth enabled. If Bluetooth is turned off, your Stadia controller won’t be able to connect. The Stadia app should ask for this permission, but you may need to turn it on manually.

  2. Restart your controller. The controller may not be discoverable. Here’s the fix:

    1. Press and hold the Stadia button on your controller until it turns off.
    2. Press and hold the Stadia button on your controller until it vibrates twice.
    3. The controller should be discoverable now, as long as your phone has Bluetooth enabled.
  3. Remove sources of interference. If you have a lot of Bluetooth devices in the area, shut them down or move them. Other devices can also create interference, so make sure to shut them off or move away from them as well.

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