Fixing Xbox Controller Bluetooth Issues on Fedora 42 KDE Plasma

Finally got my Xbox controller working properly on Linux - here’s how

On a NUC 11 Enthusiast … it works on Arch, too, btw 😅

If you’re running Aurora Linux Fedora 42 with KDE Plasma and struggling with Xbox controller Bluetooth connectivity issues - the endless connect/disconnect loops, blinking LEDs that never stabilize, or controllers that pair but don’t actually work - you’re not alone. After hours of troubleshooting on my Intel NUC11 Enthusiast, I found the solution.

The Problem

The symptoms were maddening:

• Controller would connect, then disconnect OR appear connected in Linux, but blink and is unresponsive
• LED kept blinking instead of staying solid
• Sometimes it showed as “paired” but wasn’t recognized as an input device

Turns out this is a perfect storm of Intel AX210 chipset quirks, BlueZ configuration changes, and Xbox controller firmware compatibility issues.

The Solution

Here’s what actually fixed it for me:

1. Fix BlueZ Main Configuration

Edit /etc/bluetooth/main.conf and add these settings:

[General]
ControllerMode = dual
Privacy = device
FastConnectable = true
JustWorksRepairing = confirm

[LE]
MinConnectionInterval=7
MaxConnectionInterval=9
ConnectionLatency=0

2. Critical Input Configuration Change

This was the game-changer. In /etc/bluetooth/input.conf, set:

[General]
UserspaceHID=false
ClassicBondedOnly=false

BlueZ changed the UserspaceHID default to true in March 2024, which breaks Xbox controllers completely.

3. Disable Enhanced Retransmission Mode

Create /etc/modprobe.d/bluetooth.conf with:

options bluetooth disable_ertm=1

ERTM conflicts with Xbox controller Bluetooth implementation and causes most connection issues.

4. Apply Changes and Reboot

sudo systemctl restart bluetooth
# Or better yet, just reboot to ensure all changes take effect
sudo reboot

The Result

After implementing these changes and rebooting, my Xbox controller finally:

• Connects reliably via Bluetooth
• Maintains stable connection during gaming
• LED stays solid instead of blinking
• Works properly as an input device

You may need to “forget and reconnect” before a session, but this is nothing that makes me go back to windows.

Finally, gaming on Linux with an Xbox controller works as it should!