Bluetooth stability

Why a wireless controller drops input or disconnects, and how to find out what helps.

What the test checks

The Bluetooth stability test asks you to circle the left stick for a minute. It looks for gaps in the stream of reports from the controller and for disconnects. A gap is a moment where a game would miss your input.

Common causes

• Distance and obstacles: walls, a desk or your body between the controller and the computer.
• Interference from 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, other Bluetooth devices, and USB 3 ports or hubs close to the Bluetooth adapter.
• A weak adapter, such as a built-in one at the back of a desktop computer.
• A low battery.

What to try

1. Move closer, with a clear line of sight.
2. Charge the controller.
3. Move USB 3 devices and hubs away from the Bluetooth adapter.
4. Switch your Wi-Fi to 5 GHz if your router allows it.
5. Remove the controller from your Bluetooth devices and pair it again.
6. Try a cable. If the problem disappears over USB, the controller is fine and the wireless link is the issue.

Run the test again after each change so you know which one helped. The browser limits guide explains what the browser itself adds.

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