How to pair an Xbox or PlayStation controller with Surface Duo

Just because Surface Duo was designed to get you to work hard, doesn’t mean you can’t play hard on it too. And if you want to play hard, you’ll probably want to connect a controller to your Surface Duo.

Having a controller connected will allow you to set Surface Duo down, get comfortable, and play your favorite games in a more familiar manner. Here’s how.

Xbox Wireless Controller (for Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S)

Step 1: On your Surface Duo, swipe down from the top of the screen to reveal the notification tray.

Step 2: Press and hold the Bluetooth icon

Step 3: Hit Pair new device

Step 4: On your Xbox controller, press the Xbox button to turn the controller on, then press and hold the pair button (small button located next to the USB port) until the Xbox button light starts blinking.

Step 5: On Surface Duo, select the Xbox Wireless Controller in the list.

Step 6: Once pairing is complete, the Xbox button should remain lit having stopped blinking.

Note: For this to work, you will need a newer Xbox One controller or Xbox Series X|S controller. Older Xbox One controllers do not support Bluetooth and therefore cannot be paired with your Surface Duo.

How to find out if your Xbox One Controller supports Bluetooth

If on your Xbox controller, the plastic around the Xbox button is part of the front faceplate of the controller, like the bottom controller in the image below, then your controller supports Bluetooth.

PlayStation Wireless Controller (DualShock 4 or PS5 DualSense)

Step 1: On your DualShock 4 or PS5 DualSense controller, turn the controller on by pressing the PS button, then press and hold the PS and Share buttons at the same time. The large lightbar on the front of the controller should start flashing.

Step 2: On your Surface Duo, swipe down from the top of the screen to reveal the notification tray.

Step 3: Press and hold the Bluetooth icon

Step 4: Hit Pair new device

Step 5: Select the Wireless Controller that appears in the list.

There you have it. You are now ready to play or stream your favorite controller-supported games with your Xbox or PlayStation controller.