To connect an Xbox controller, open Gaming Hub or your Samsung TV’s Bluetooth device list, hold the controller’s Pair button until it is discoverable, then select it on the TV and confirm pairing. Menu names vary by model and software, so follow the TV’s on-screen prompts if they differ. Pairing the controller does not by itself confirm that Xbox cloud gaming is available on your TV or in your region.
Pair the controller with your Samsung TV
- Open Gaming Hub, if your TV has it. Samsung says Gaming Hub is available on 2022-and-newer Smart TVs, subject to model and regional exceptions. If you do not see it, look for a Bluetooth device list in the TV’s settings or check the older-TV guidance below. Samsung’s Gaming Hub page describes current availability.
- Open the controller setup screen or Bluetooth device list. On some Samsung TVs, the path is Settings → Connection → External Device Manager → Input Device Manager → Bluetooth Device List. Labels and paths can differ by model and software. Samsung’s third-party remote and controller instructions use the TV’s Bluetooth device search.
- Put the Xbox controller in pairing mode. Press and hold the Pair button on the top of the controller until it becomes discoverable. Samsung gives this instruction for Xbox controllers in its support guidance.
- Select the controller on the TV. Choose the Xbox controller when it appears, then select Connect or Pair, or accept the on-screen prompt.
- Return to Gaming Hub or the Xbox app and test it in a game. If it connects but the controls do not behave as expected, check support for your exact TV and controller, and see whether the controller needs a firmware update.
Check that cloud gaming is available
A successful Bluetooth connection only means the TV can communicate with the controller. Xbox cloud gaming also depends on the TV model and software, your region, service availability, and any account or subscription requirements shown by Xbox. Samsung’s Gaming Hub guidance describes cloud gaming availability and requirements as context-dependent; check the Xbox app’s prompts and current local service terms.
Samsung says Gaming Hub is available on 2022-and-newer Samsung Smart TVs, as well as select Smart Monitors and Projectors, but model and regional exceptions apply. The U.S. Gaming Hub page lists Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, and Xbox Adaptive controllers among supported devices. Samsung also says a Bluetooth or USB 2.0 controller can be used. This is a compatibility list, not a guarantee that every controller feature works in every game.
Some 2020–2021 Samsung TVs have game streaming apps without the newer Gaming Hub. Samsung’s 2021-and-older TV page describes those options and gives the Bluetooth device-list path above. Streaming-app availability depends on the TV and service, so use the options shown on your TV rather than assuming the newer hub is present.
#1 Best Overall
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
If the controller will not connect or work correctly
- The controller does not appear: Make sure it is in pairing mode, then run the TV’s Bluetooth device search again. Follow the on-screen instructions for your TV if the menu path differs.
- It pairs, but controls or force feedback are inconsistent: Samsung Canada notes that on-screen gaming controls and force feedback can vary. It also says Xbox controllers may need firmware updates and that Tizen TVs support XInput mode for supported gamepads. Check the exact controller and TV support details before assuming every feature is available.
- Gaming Hub or the Xbox app is missing: Check your TV’s model year, exact model, region and software. Older TVs may offer selected streaming apps instead of Gaming Hub, and not every device or region has the same service access.
- The game will not start after pairing: Check the Xbox app’s account, service and subscription prompts for your location. Controller pairing does not provide cloud gaming access on its own.
Samsung’s compatibility guidance covers Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Xbox Elite Wireless Series 2 and Xbox Adaptive controllers, but the listed families and details vary across Samsung’s regional support pages. Verify your specific controller and TV if you are troubleshooting an older model or a particular controller feature.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
- TMR Sticks: The G7 Pro features GameSir's Mag-Res TMR sticks, combining Hall Effect durability with traditional potentiometer performance. This advanced technology delivers stable polling rates for smooth, drift-free gaming with low power consumption.
- Hall Effect Analog Triggers: The GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unmatched smoothness and linear input for precise control. Featuring clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, gamers can easily switch based on their preferences.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
- GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.
Rank #4
- BREAKER SERIES — Hold nothing back. Ice Breaker keeps it forever fresh with a mix of iced and frosted blues. Part of the collective debut of the Breaker special edition series.
- BOLD STYLE, BUILT TO PERFORM — Define your swagger with a wild, head-turning design. Stay elegantly on target with textured triggers built for every moment.
- RUBBERIZED GRIPS — Hold on to the action with rubberized grips on the back cases, designed for comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- UP TO 40 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 40 hours of battery life so you can keep playing without stopping to recharge.
- PLAY ACROSS EVERY SCREEN — Quickly pair with, play on, and switch between devices including console and PC. Stream games across mobile, gaming handhelds, Smart TVs, and supported VR headsets with XBOX Cloud Gaming.
Rank #3
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Rank #2
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
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