Troubleshooting
Reconnect the controller and try a direct USB connection, then reload the page to trigger Gamepad API detection. Close controller utilities and try another browser if detection is inconsistent. If the controller never appears, test on another device to confirm whether the issue is hardware.
Pro tip
Close other controller utilities that may remap inputs, then re-run the test.
Common symptoms
- Controller not detected
- No inputs showing
- Connection issues
Gamepad not working gives you a quick baseline so you can see what the controller is actually sending. Nothing shows up in game, so you need to confirm whether the browser can see the controller at all. This page is centered on not working so you can narrow things down fast.
When something is not working, start with detection and stability. If the browser cannot see it, no in-game setting will fix it.
If a button feels missed, do slow single presses first, then quick taps. Misses during slow presses often point to mapping or detection, while misses during rapid taps can be timing or polling behavior. Keep the gamepad not working run short and repeatable.
Quick checks that usually reveal the issue: - Hold each trigger slowly to see if it reaches the full end of its range. - Move each stick in a slow circle and watch for flat spots or jumps. - Let go of the stick and watch if it settles near center or keeps drifting. - Press every face button once and twice to catch missed taps.
If the results look different between wired and Bluetooth, that comparison is useful. Run gamepad not working once wired, then again over Bluetooth, and note whether the same button or axis is the one acting up. If everything looks fine here but feels wrong only inside one game, the next place to look is usually deadzone, sensitivity, or in-game remapping.
For more input diagnostics, open the broader input tests hub, or use the generic checker at gamepad test online to compare against this specific page. Your last step is simple, if the behavior is repeatable in this page and across devices, it is likely the controller, if it only happens in one title, it is likely settings.
Once you have a baseline, you can come back and re-run gamepad not working after each change.