Turning your discontinued Stadia controller into a wireless Bluetooth gamepad takes just a few steps-and brings new life to a device otherwise left behind. Here’s how to make it work with your PC, phone, or console.
There are a few catches: The first is this process must be done by Dec. 31. The second is that it’s a fairly involved process, presumably because the controller normally played Stadia games over a Wi-Fi connection to a computer. The third is that this switch is permanent, but that shouldn’t be much of an issue, because Stadia is now ker-plunk.
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Here’s how to make the change.
Open Stadia’s controller update tool
Open Stadia’s controller update tool through your browser to prepare the device for Bluetooth mode. Visit the official Stadia update page, connect your controller using a USB cable, and follow the on-screen steps to update its firmware. The tool verifies your controller’s eligibility, installs the necessary updates, and activates Bluetooth functionality. Once complete, the controller can pair wirelessly with other supported devices without needing the Stadia platform.
The tool is a browser-based application. Your Stadia gamepad must be plugged into the computer with a USB data cable – this is not the cable that came with your controller – and charged for 30 minutes.
Open the Google Stadia controller update page in a Chrome browser. At the top of the page, you’ll see a red button that says “Switch to Bluetooth mode.” Click that, and you’ll be taken to a second page that asks you what you want to do. Click the blue “Start” button on the left in the “Switch to Bluetooth mode” box, then accept Google’s terms of service to proceed.
Verify the controller
After switching your Stadia controller to Bluetooth mode, check that it pairs correctly with your device. Press and hold the Stadia button until the status light flashes white, then open your device’s Bluetooth settings to confirm the controller appears in the list. Once paired, test its buttons and joysticks in a game or input tester to make sure all controls respond properly. If the connection fails or inputs do not register, try unpairing and reconnecting the controller.
On the next page, click Allow Chrome to verify, which will open a drop-down window at the upper left of your browser window. It’ll say that stadia.google.com wants to connect, and your Stadia controller should be listed under that. Click “Connect.”
Unlock the controller’s firmware
Updating the controller’s firmware prepares it for Bluetooth functionality and removes its dependence on Stadia’s old cloud system. Begin by connecting the controller to your computer using a USB-C cable and opening Google’s official Stadia controller update page. Follow the on-screen directions to download and install the firmware update. Once the process completes, the controller will support standard Bluetooth connections, allowing you to pair it with your devices like any regular wireless gamepad.
You’ll need to input some button commands on the Stadia controller now to unlock its firmware. Here is the process in order:
- Unplug the controller and power it off. It should power off as soon as you unplug it. If it stays on, or powers up again, shut it down by holding the Stadia button (with the logo, between the thumbsticks at bottom) for four seconds.
- Hold down the Options button while plugging the controller back in. The Options button is the one that looks like an ellipsis (.) at the upper left. The controller’s status light (underneath the Stadia button) should remain unlit; if it comes back on, start this process over.
- Press these four buttons all at the same time. (You’ll probably need to set the controller down on a table and use both hands for this.) The buttons to press are Options, Google Assistant (the one just beneath it; it has four different-size circles), Y, and A. There won’t be any controller feedback when you do this, so don’t expect any rumble or a light.
Download the Bluetooth mode update
Download the Bluetooth mode update to enable wireless pairing with compatible devices and improve the Stadia controller’s responsiveness in Bluetooth mode.
Go to the next step; the browser will connect to the gamepad the same way it did when it was verified. Click “Allow Chrome to download,” and another drop-down menu will appear. The device may not have the same name as it did before. It could be Stadia Controller, USB Composite Device, or SP Blank RT Family; this is still your controller. Now, click on Connect.
Install the Bluetooth mode update
Download the Stadia controller update tool from Google’s official website and connect your controller to a computer using a USB cable. Follow the prompts to install the Bluetooth mode firmware update, which replaces the original Stadia Wi-Fi functionality. Once the process completes, disconnect and restart your controller to finish setup. The device will now support standard Bluetooth connections for gaming on compatible platforms.
The next step is simple. On the next page, select the controller (again, under any of the names it used on the previous step), and confirm the installation. The controller is now a Bluetooth-compatible controller; it also works by wired connection.
How to pair the Stadia Bluetooth controller
To pair the Stadia Bluetooth controller, first ensure the controller is charged and in pairing mode by holding the Stadia button and the Share button (or the equivalent pairing sequence) until the light starts flashing. On your device, go to Bluetooth settings, select “Stadia Controller” or “Google Stadia Controller,” and confirm the pairing request. Once connected, test a button to verify the connection is active and ready for use.
Pairing Mode on the Stadia gamepad is activated by holding the Stadia button and the Y button together for two seconds. The Stadia button’s status light will glow orange, confirming it is in pairing mode. Go to the device you want to pair it in and use its Bluetooth control panel to pair the device as normal. When you turn on the Stadia gamepad later, it will automatically connect to the last device it was paired with.
How to pair updated Stadia controller with PC via Bluetooth
Pairing an updated Stadia controller with a PC via Bluetooth is straightforward once Bluetooth mode is enabled. Ensure your PC supports Bluetooth (Windows 10/11 recommended) and has it turned on.
Enter Pairing Mode
Hold the Stadia button (center logo) and Y button together for 2 seconds. The status light flashes orange/white, indicating pairing mode.
Connect on Windows PC
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Open Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices (or search “Bluetooth”).
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Click “Add Bluetooth or other device” > select “Bluetooth”.
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Look for “StadiaXXXX-00xx” (XXXX is unique ID) and select it to pair.
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Wait for confirmation; it auto-reconnects to the last device on power-on.
Troubleshooting Tips
If it pairs but won’t connect, restart Bluetooth on PC, ensure no other devices interfere, or try multiple pairing attempts-Windows may need a few tries. For Steam, enable Steam Input after pairing.
How to fix Stadia controller Bluetooth connection issues on PC
Fixing Bluetooth connection issues with an updated Stadia controller on PC often involves basic resets and hardware checks. Common problems stem from Windows driver quirks or outdated adapters.
Basic Reset Steps
Remove the controller from your PC’s Bluetooth devices list, toggle Bluetooth off/on, and restart your PC. Put the controller in pairing mode (Stadia + Y buttons) and re-pair it-this resolves most “paired but not connected” issues.
Update Drivers and Adapters
Update your PC’s Bluetooth drivers via Device Manager or the manufacturer’s site, as old drivers (pre-BT 5.0) frequently cause dropouts. Upgrade to a Bluetooth 5.0+ USB adapter if your built-in one is outdated.
Charging and Interference Fixes
Avoid charging from non-PC sources to prevent reconnection loops; charge via PC USB instead. Minimize interference by moving other wireless devices away and trying multiple pairing attempts.
