How to update a Google Stadia controller for Bluetooth functionality

Google Stadia shut down for good on Jan. 18, but that doesn’t mean the wireless Stadia controller — which came in Stadia’s premium bundles at its 2019 launch — is now useless. Of course it can still be used as a wired USB gamepad, but there’s also a process by which it can be switched to a Bluetooth controller that works with PCs and mobile devices.

One catch is that the process must be completed by December 31st. 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.

Here’s how to make the change.

Open Stadia’s controller update tool

It is browser-based. Your Stadia gamepad must be plugged into the computer with a USB data cable — this is The cable included with the controller is not what you need — and charged for 30 minutes.

Chrome will open the Google Stadia Controller Update page. 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.

Check the controller

Next page: Click Use Chrome to confirmClick on the link to open a drop down 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

You’ll need to input some button commands on the Stadia controller now to unlock its firmware. This is how it works:

  1. Turn off the power supply and unplug your controller.The device should turn off immediately after you have unplugged it. You can turn it off by pressing the Stadia button, with the logo at the bottom, for approximately four seconds.
  2. When you plug the controller in, press the Options button. 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.
  3. These buttons must be pressed simultaneously. (You’ll probably need to set the controller down on a table and use both hands for this.) There are four buttons you need to press. Google Assistant – OptionsThe one below it, it contains four different-sized circles. Y. and A. There won’t be any controller feedback when you do this, so don’t expect any rumble or a light.

Get the Bluetooth mode upgrade

Move on to the next step. The browser will now connect to the gaming console in exactly the same way as it did after verification. Click “Allow Chrome to download,” and another drop-down menu will appear. You might not be able to use the exact same name for your device as before.This could be a Stadia Controller or a USB Composite Device. Click on Connect.

Update the Bluetooth mode

Next, you can proceed to the next step. The next step is simple. Select the controller from the page. This controller will now be compatible with Bluetooth. However, it can also work via a wired connection.

Pairing the Stadia Bluetooth controller

The Stadia’s pairing mode is enabled by Hold the Stadia and Y buttons together for 2 seconds. The Stadia button’s status light will glow orange, confirming it is in pairing mode. Pair the device by going to its Bluetooth control panel. It will then automatically pair with the previous device you paired it with when the Stadia is turned on.

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