How to pair a controller with your Oculus Rift

Before you start gaming in your Oculus Rift, you should pair your Oculus remote and your Xbox controller. It won't take more than five minutes — here's how to do it.

How to pair your Oculus Rift remote

Ensure you have your Oculus Rift plugged in, and ensure you have the Oculus app running on your PC before pairing the remote.

The Oculus Rift remote allows for easy navigation of Oculus Home while you're in your Rift. When you first remove the remote from its packaging, you will find a plastic tab sticking out of the battery cover.

  1. Remove the plastic tab to allow battery power. This tab is used during shipping so that the batteries don't die en route.
  2. Launch the Oculus app from your desktop, taskbar, or Start menu.

  3. Click the Settings button in the top right corner of the window. It looks like a gear.

    Launch the Oculus app. Click the Settings button.

  4. Click Settings.

  5. Click Devices.

    Click Settings. Click Devices.

  6. Click the dropdown arrow next to Configure Rift.

  7. Click Add remote.

    Click the dropdown arrow. Click Add remote.

  8. Press and hold the Select button and the Oculus button on the remote to pair.

    Press and hold the Select button and the Oculus button.

How to pair your Xbox controller

The Xbox controller that comes with the Oculus Rift CV1 must be paired before you can use it. Ensure you have the Oculus app open on your PC, and ensure your Rift is plugged in.

Wireless connection

  1. Plug the wireless dongle into a free USB port on your PC.

    Plug the dongle into an available USB port.

  2. Insert two AA batteries into your Xbox controller.

    Insert two AA batteries.

  3. Press and hold the Xbox button on the front of the controller until it lights up.

    Press and hold the Xbox button.

  4. Press the sync button on the wireless dongle that is plugged into your PC.

    Press the sync button.

  5. Press and hold the sync button on the Xbox controller.

    Press and hold the sync button.

The light on your Xbox controller will flash slowly if it isn't paired, will flash quickly when in pairing mode, and will be solid when paired with your Rift.

Wired connection

If you'd rather have a wired connection to your Xbox controller — or if you live in a region where certain wireless bands are restricted — you can use a USB to micro-USB cable. Plug the USB end into your PC, and the micro-USB end into your Xbox controller. The drivers will automatically install on your PC and you'll be ready to go.