You've plugged in your controller, opened an online tester, and nothing happens. It's frustrating, but it's rarely a fault with the controller. Browsers have a few quirks with controllers, and one of them is almost always the cause.
Work through these in order.
1. Press a button
This catches most people out. For privacy, browsers don't tell a website a controller is connected until you've pressed a button on it while the page is open. Plug in or pair the controller, then press any button. The tester should appear straight away.
2. Use a supported browser and device
- Chrome, Edge or Firefox on a computer work best.
- Chrome on Android works too.
- Safari and iPhone or iPad only partly support controllers in the browser. Use a computer or an Android phone instead.
- Console browsers (PS5, Xbox) can't give websites access to controllers at all.
The page also needs to be a secure (https) page. Any proper online tester, including my controller tester, is.
3. Check the cable carries data
Many USB-C cables only charge. The controller lights up and charges, but the computer never sees it. Try a different cable, ideally the one that came with the controller or one you know transfers data, and plug it straight into the computer rather than a hub.
4. Try Bluetooth, or USB, instead
If USB isn't working, pair by Bluetooth, or the other way round.
- PS5 DualSense: hold the Create button and the PS button together until the light bar flashes, then pair it in your computer's Bluetooth settings.
- Xbox Series X|S and later Xbox One controllers: hold the small pair button on the top until the Xbox button flashes, then pair it in Bluetooth settings. Older Xbox One controllers without Bluetooth need USB or the Xbox Wireless Adapter.
5. Close controller software that takes over
Some programs grab the controller so the browser can't see it, or present it as a different controller:
- Steam, especially with Steam Input running, or Big Picture mode open
- DS4Windows and similar tools, which can hide the real controller
- Game launchers or controller apps running in the background
Close them completely, including from the system tray, then unplug the controller, plug it back in, and press a button.
6. Refresh and reconnect
- Close other tabs that might be using the controller, such as a game in another tab.
- Refresh the tester page, then press a button again.
- Unplug the controller, or turn Bluetooth off and on, and reconnect.
- If all else fails, restart the browser.
7. Check the controller itself
If it still isn't detected on any device, by cable or Bluetooth:
- Is it charged? A completely flat controller may not connect over Bluetooth.
- Does it work on its console? If not, the fault is in the controller.
- Does it charge? If not, the charging port may be the problem. See PS5 controller not charging or Xbox controller not charging.
Once it's detected
Run the stick drift test to check both sticks, or use the live view on the controller tester to check every button, bumper and trigger.
Questions people ask
Why isn't my controller showing up on the gamepad tester?
Usually because no button has been pressed yet. Browsers only show a controller to a website after you've pressed a button with the page open.
Can I test a controller on my iPhone?
Only partly. Safari limits what websites can read from controllers. Use a computer or an Android phone for a full test.
Why does Steam stop the tester seeing my controller?
Steam Input can take control of the controller and present it differently. Close Steam completely, reconnect the controller, and press a button.
My controller charges but isn't detected. Why?
The cable may be charge-only. Try a cable that transfers data, or pair by Bluetooth instead.
My recommendation
Press a button first, then check the cable and close Steam or DS4Windows. Those three fix most "not detected" problems.