How to Turn Off Xbox One Controller Auto Sleep? Complete Guide

One of the most common questions that console gamers ask is how to turn off Xbox One controller auto sleep?

It can be an annoying issue, especially if you hang out with your online friends but not actively playing.

To ensure that your Xbox One controller does not go into sleep mode, use fresh batteries as old ones can cause it to go to power-saving mode. Doing this will prevent it from turning off if you are not actively using the controller.

Your Xbox One controller going into auto-sleep is not as big of an issue compared to when it shuts down in the middle of your game.

However, there are instances when you do not want your controller to go to sleep mode. There are games where you might want to stay online but not actively play to talk with your friends.

Why Your Xbox One Controller Auto Sleeps

If you want to know how to stop Xbox One controller from sleeping, there are usually several causes of this issue.

It could be the batteries or an unstable connection between the console and controller.

Let’s look at some of the most common reasons for your Xbox One controller going to auto sleep.

1. Batteries

The first one is the batteries. If you are not using a fresh set of batteries, the console can activate sleep mode to save power.

It is true whether you are using a rechargeable battery pack from the Plug N Play Charge Kit or AA batteries.

To avoid this as the cause of the issue, you can use fresh batteries or keep your controller plugged into your console at all times.

2. Outdated Controller Firmware

Another cause of this issue is using your controller with outdated firmware. There might be updates that could allow you to turn off auto sleep or a way to disable it. If you don’t upgrade the firmware, you will likely miss out on these features.

3. Unstable Connection

If you are using your Xbox One controller wirelessly, it uses a Bluetooth connection to link it to the console.

If the connection is disrupted with signals from other sources, your controller can go into sleep mode and disrupt your gaming.

Make sure that the connection is stable and there are fewer sources of interference around your console.

How to Turn Off Xbox One Controller Auto Sleep Function

Your Xbox One controller going to sleep mode is something that you can fix. It is often caused by continuously using spent batteries.

It is an annoying issue, but you can solve it by following these troubleshooting steps.

Solution #1: Use Fresh Batteries

Using old batteries can cause your Xbox One controller’s auto-sleep function. It can detect your battery levels, and if it sees that you are low on power, it can go to power-saving mode.

It’s good that this does not happen during gaming, but leaving your controller for just a few minutes can leave you frustrated.

To avoid this issue, it’s recommended that you always use fresh batteries. The Xbox One controller can last up to 30 hours on a new set of batteries.

It does not mean that you should use new batteries every time, but you have enough charge for it.

Here are the steps to change the batteries on your Xbox One controller:

1. Open the battery compartment cover at the back of your controller.
2. Put the batteries aligning the positive (+) and negative (-) as shown in the compartment.
3. Replace the cover and start playing using your controller.

Note: It is recommended to use a rechargeable battery but not charge it while on your controller.

Solution #2: Disconnect and Re-Pair Your Xbox One Controllers

There are instances when a connection problem can cause your controller to go into sleep mode.

This is especially true if you have other Bluetooth devices nearby or have lots of connections to your console.

If this is the case, you can disconnect your controller from the console and then manually re-pair them to refresh their connection.

Here are the steps you need to take to do that:

1. Press and hold the Sync button on your Xbox One controller.
2. Your controller will vibrate twice.
3. After it vibrates, it is now unpaired from the console.
4. Plug the controller into the console using a USB cable to re-pair it.

Note: If you want to use your controller wirelessly, after plugging it into your console, you can remove the cables, and it should change connection via Bluetooth.

Solution #3: Keep Your Controller Plugged Into Your Xbox One

One of the best ways to prevent your Xbox one controller from going to auto-sleep mode is to plug it via a USB cable to the console.

Doing this will allow your controller to use power straight from the console instead of the batteries.

All you need to do is get your USB cable and plug the controller into your Xbox One. That’s it.

It’s simple, and you will not have to worry about it going to sleep if you leave it unattended for a few minutes.

Solution #4: Disable Your Controller’s Auto Sleep Function

If you have updated your Xbox One controller firmware, you can get access to disable your controller’s auto-sleep function. This will ensure that it will not go to sleep mode when you leave it unattended.

Here are the steps to disable your controller’s auto sleep function:

1. Access the settings and choose Profile & System.
2. Go to Power & Startup and find the Auto Sleep function.
3. You can turn it off here.

Note: If you are not able to select the Auto Sleep function, you can try updating the firmware of your console. 

Your current version may not have that option activated yet.

Solution #5: Perform a Power Cycle

One of the troubleshooting steps you can do if you experience the controller going to auto sleep is to perform a power cycle.

It’s a simple step that turns off your console which refreshes everything. Doing this should prevent your controller from going into sleep mode when you leave it unattended.

1. Press and Hold the Xbox Button to Turn off the console.
2. Hold it for about 10 seconds and wait for the console to turn off.
3. Unplug the console from the power outlet for about 10 seconds.
4. Plug it back in and press the Xbox button to turn it on.

Solution #6: Update Your Xbox One and Controller Firmware

If you have reached this point and nothing seems to work, you can try updating your Xbox One’s firmware.

Doing this step should update your controller’s software, fixing any bugs that automatically put it to sleep after a few minutes.

Before doing anything, make sure that your console is connected to the internet, so you do not run into any more issues while performing the update.

Here are the steps to take to update your Xbox One firmware:

1. Press the Xbox button to open the settings.
2. Choose Profile & Settings, then go to Settings.
3. Look for Update Console to start the process.

To update your controller, you can:

1. Go to Devices & Accessories and select the three dots.
2. Select the box that says Firmware Version.
3. Press Update Now to begin the process.

You will need to wait for the update to finish before using your Xbox One or controller.

Note: Do not turn off the console while it is updating, as this can cause many potential issues. It can corrupt the system files and restoring it can be difficult.

If your Xbox One controller continues to go into sleep mode, the best solution you can do is to connect it to your console via a USB cable. This method should keep your controller powered and prevent it from sleeping.

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Last Thoughts

If you are still asking how to turn off Xbox One controller auto sleep, this blog should help you resolve the issue.

Now you know the causes, you will follow through with the troubleshooting steps we have listed down.

It can be annoying and frustrating, and if none of the steps help, you can contact Microsoft’s technical support. You may be looking at a hardware problem where your controller needs to be repaired or replaced.