Troubleshoot the Stadia Controller

If your Stadia Controller is unresponsive, or you have trouble connecting it to a device, follow the steps below.

Recover an unresponsive Stadia Controller

If your Stadia Controller won't connect to a device, try the following steps before you perform a hardware reset.

1. Use a functional charger and USB-C® cable to plug your Stadia Controller into a power source for 30 minutes.
2. With the controller off, hold down the Y button press the Stadia button for ten seconds release the button.
3. Press and hold the Stadia button for 2 seconds or plug it into a power source.

Turn your Stadia Controller off and on again

If your Stadia Controller is paired wirelessly to a device with Bluetooth or connected with a USB cable and you want to stop using it:

1. Press and hold the Stadia button for 4 seconds.
   • The controller will rumble and its status light will turn off.
2. To turn your controller back on:
   • For a wired connection, plug your controller back into your computer or mobile device.
   • For a wireless link, press and hold the Stadia button until the controller rumbles.

Factory reset your controller

If you experience issues with your Stadia Controller and the steps above don't help, perform a factory reset:

1. Make sure your Stadia Controller is on.
2. Press and hold the Google Assistant and Capture buttons simultaneously for 6 seconds.
3. The controller will vibrate and the status light will blink.

Note: After you perform a factory reset, you'll need to re-pair your controller to devices over Bluetooth.

Fix connection and pairing issues

If you need help connecting or pairing your controller to a device, go to our Stadia Controller connection FAQ.

Software updates to your Stadia Controller

Until December 31, 2024, you can use the web tool at stadia.google.com/controller to enable Bluetooth mode on your Stadia Controller. This mode lets you connect your controller wirelessly to devices after Stadia shuts down.