Connect XBox Controller over Bluetooth in Linux

Part of Linux

• Make sure you your bluetooth adapter is detecting bluetooth devices of any kind eg: your smartphone is visible and it's found
• Use “jstest-gtk” to test that if the buttons / analogues are working as expected
  • If not, but the controller is connected, “xboxdrv” might be missing

• Install “jstest-gtk” and make sure you have your “blueman” packages installed
• Using “blueman-manager” search, connect and pair with your XBox Controller
  • To start pairing on the Controller, press and hold the button that is in between the L/R triggers until the light flashes rapidly
• If you are connected, use “jstest-gtk” to see if the control is being detected when pressed. If not:
  • install “xboxdrv” and re-pair your controller
• If you are on an older firmware (pre 5.12) you might need to disable ERTM (Enhanced Re-Transmission Mode)
  • Temporarily:
    • sudo -i
    • echo 1 > /sys/module/bluetooth/parameters/disable_ertm
    • exit
    • sudo systemctl restart bluetooth
  • Permanently
    • sudo nano /etc/modprobe.d/bluetooth.conf
      • options bluetooth disable_ertm=Y