Left stick+0.00 +0.00—
Right stick+0.00 +0.00—
L2 / LT0%
R2 / RT0%
No buttons pressed
0/17
This page explains the setup on each system, and what to do when the controller doesn't show up. The tester above is the same one as our main gamepad tester.
Key facts
- Every modern browser has the HTML5 Gamepad API, so nothing needs to be installed.
- The browser only shares a controller after you press a button with the page open.
- Xbox controllers need no driver on Windows.
- Charge-only cables are the most common reason a controller "doesn't work".
How does a browser test a controller?
Modern browsers have a built-in feature called the HTML5 Gamepad API. It lets a web page read your controller's buttons and sticks. That's why people call these sites "HTML5 gamepad testers". The page asks the browser for your controller's state many times a second and draws it on screen.
For privacy, the browser only shares a controller after you press a button with the page open. Nothing is uploaded. The test runs on your own computer.
Test a controller on Windows 10 and 11
- Connect it. Plug in a USB cable, or pair over Bluetooth in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device.
- Check that Windows sees it. Press the Windows key, type joy.cpl and press Enter. The Game Controllers window lists every controller Windows can see.
- Open the tester in Chrome or Edge and press a button.
Windows has its own basic test too. In joy.cpl, select the controller and click Properties. It's handy as a second opinion. Our tester shows more detail and works for every controller type.
Xbox controllers work on Windows with no driver. PlayStation controllers work in the browser over USB or Bluetooth, though some PC games need Steam to translate them.
Test a controller on a Mac
- Pair it in System Settings > Bluetooth, or plug it in with a cable.
- Check it's there. On recent versions of macOS, System Settings > Game Controllers lists connected controllers.
- Open the tester in Safari or Chrome and press a button.
macOS supports Xbox, PlayStation and Switch Pro controllers natively. Many older or generic USB pads aren't supported on Mac and may not appear at all.
Test a controller on Linux
- Connect it with USB, or pair it using your desktop's Bluetooth settings.
- Open the tester in Chrome or Firefox and press a button.
Most Xbox, PlayStation and Switch controllers work on current Linux systems. If yours doesn't show up, check that your system has the right input drivers. Tools like evtest show whether the system can see the device at all.
Test a controller on a Chromebook
Pair the controller in Settings > Bluetooth, or plug it in with USB. Then open this page in Chrome and press a button. Chromebooks support most Xbox and PlayStation controllers.
USB or Bluetooth: which should you use?
| Compare | USB cable | Bluetooth |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Plug in and go | Pair once in settings |
| Reliability | Most reliable | Can drop out with interference or low battery |
| Best for | Finding hardware faults | Checking how it behaves when you play wireless |
| Common trap | Charge-only cables carry no data | Controller still paired to a console |
Test with a cable first. If a problem shows up only over Bluetooth, the controller's hardware is fine and the problem is the wireless link. The polling rate test shows how much faster the cable is.
Which browser is best for testing on PC?
Chrome and Edge are the best choice. They read every common controller and also support the vibration test. Firefox reads buttons and sticks but can't run vibration. Safari on Mac supports both in recent versions.
Controller not detected on PC? Try this
- Press a face button with the page open and in front. Moving a stick alone may not count.
- Swap the cable. This fixes more "broken" controllers than anything else.
- Use a USB port on the computer itself, not a hub or a monitor's USB port.
- Check joy.cpl (Windows) or Game Controllers (Mac). If it's not listed there, the problem is the connection or driver.
- Unpair it from your console. A PlayStation or Xbox may grab the controller when it turns on nearby.
- Close controller apps. Steam, DS4Windows and DSX can take over the controller.
- Try another browser and update it.
Still stuck? Read our full guide: controller not detected.
Test by controller type
- PS5 controller tester
- PS4 controller tester
- Xbox controller tester
- Switch Pro controller tester
- Joystick, HOTAS and fight sticks
Test controller on PC FAQ
How do I check if my controller is working on PC?
Open joy.cpl on Windows to see if it's listed. Then use a gamepad tester and press every button. If everything lights up, it works.
Do I need to download software to test a controller?
No. A browser-based tester works without any download.
Can I test a wireless controller on PC?
Yes. Pair it over Bluetooth, or use the maker's USB wireless adapter, then press a button on the tester page.
Can I test a Steam Deck or ROG Ally's built-in controls?
Often, yes. Open the tester in the device's desktop browser. Some handheld software may grab the controls first, so close it if nothing shows.
Why does my controller work in the tester but not in a game?
The controller is fine. The game may expect a different controller type. Turn on Steam Input for that game, or check its control settings.