If you’re a PC gamer and can’t get used to the Xbox One controller, you can use a keyboard and mouse on Xbox One. Not every game is compatible by default. However, there’s a third-party product that allows any game to interpret keyboard and mouse commands, regardless of who you purchase the accessories from.
How to Set Up a Keyboard and Mouse on Xbox One
Connecting a keyboard to the Xbox One is fairly straightforward. Simply configure the mouse with your controller to get it working. Information in this article applies to all Xbox One models, including the Xbox One X and Xbox One S.
- Plug in a compatible wired or wireless keyboard to an available USB port on the Xbox One. The keyboard should work automatically.
- If using a wireless device, make sure it’s turned on and has charged batteries.
- Plug in a compatible wired or wireless mouse to an available USB port on the console.
- Press the Xbox button on the controller to open the side menu.
- Scroll over to the Profile & system tab, which has your user pic on it.
- Select Settings.
- Choose Devices & connections.
- Select Mouse.
- Configure your mouse using the Xbox One controller.
- If you don’t see the mouse as a selectable option, restart the console.
- Load any game with mouse navigation enabled. Your USB mouse should now be operational.
- Only certain games or apps allow mouse navigation. Also, you can’t use a mouse to navigate the Xbox One home screen.
Xbox Controls on a Keyboard
The keyboard doesn’t need any additional configuration. Here are the Xbox One keyboard shortcuts for easier navigation:
Plug in a compatible wired or wireless keyboard to an available USB port on the Xbox One. The keyboard should work automatically.
If using a wireless device, make sure it’s turned on and has charged batteries.
Plug in a compatible wired or wireless mouse to an available USB port on the console.
Press the Xbox button on the controller to open the side menu.
Scroll over to the Profile & system tab, which has your user pic on it.
Select Settings.
Choose Devices & connections.
Select Mouse.
Configure your mouse using the Xbox One controller.
If you don’t see the mouse as a selectable option, restart the console.
Load any game with mouse navigation enabled. Your USB mouse should now be operational.
Only certain games or apps allow mouse navigation. Also, you can’t use a mouse to navigate the Xbox One home screen.
How to Play Any Xbox One Game With a Keyboard and Mouse
Only certain games on Xbox One are compatible with keyboard and mouse controls. However, you can buy a third-party product to get practically any game working with your Xbox One mouse and keyboard. The easiest way to do this is with the XIM Apex.
Here’s how to get it working:
- Download and run the XIM Apex firmware tool for your operating system on your computer.
- Check to make sure your keyboard and mouse are compatible with XIM Apex.
- Press and hold the button on your XIM device to turn it on, then insert it into an open USB port on your PC while still holding down the button.
- When the button flashes blue on the XIM, release the button, then select Update Firmware.
- After the firmware is updated, plug the XIM Apex device into an open port on your Xbox One, then connect the Apex Hub to the device.
- When the hub is connected, connect the keyboard, mouse, and Xbox One controller (using a USB cable) to the Apex Hub.
- Download the XIM Apex Manager app for Android or iOS to set up key configurations for specific Xbox One games.
Download and run the XIM Apex firmware tool for your operating system on your computer.
Check to make sure your keyboard and mouse are compatible with XIM Apex.
Press and hold the button on your XIM device to turn it on, then insert it into an open USB port on your PC while still holding down the button.
When the button flashes blue on the XIM, release the button, then select Update Firmware.
After the firmware is updated, plug the XIM Apex device into an open port on your Xbox One, then connect the Apex Hub to the device.
When the hub is connected, connect the keyboard, mouse, and Xbox One controller (using a USB cable) to the Apex Hub.
Download the XIM Apex Manager app for Android or iOS to set up key configurations for specific Xbox One games.
- What games support mouse and keyboard controls on Xbox?
- It’s tricky to have a complete list due to developer updates and compatibility decisions outside of Microsoft’s control, but Windows Central has the most up-to-date catalog. Razer has its own list of games that will work with its own keyboards as well.
- How do I connect an Xbox controller to my PC?
- To connect your Xbox controller to a PC, turn the controller on and press the Xbox button > press and hold the connect button for three seconds. On the computer, select Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices > Xbox Wireless Controller > Pair.
- How do I connect an Xbox controller to my iPhone?
- To connect an Xbox controller to your iPhone, open Settings > Bluetooth and make sure your iPhone has Bluetooth turned on. Push the Xbox button on the controller > press and hold the sync button until the Xbox logo flashes > choose the controller from the list of devices on your iPhone.
It’s tricky to have a complete list due to developer updates and compatibility decisions outside of Microsoft’s control, but Windows Central has the most up-to-date catalog. Razer has its own list of games that will work with its own keyboards as well.
To connect your Xbox controller to a PC, turn the controller on and press the Xbox button > press and hold the connect button for three seconds. On the computer, select Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices > Xbox Wireless Controller > Pair.
To connect an Xbox controller to your iPhone, open Settings > Bluetooth and make sure your iPhone has Bluetooth turned on. Push the Xbox button on the controller > press and hold the sync button until the Xbox logo flashes > choose the controller from the list of devices on your iPhone.
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