Questions

How to use an Xbox controller as a mouse on a Mac

Every Bluetooth Xbox controller pairs with a Mac without a driver, and from there InputConfig turns it into a mouse and keyboard in every app. macOS itself cannot do this: its Game Controllers settings only swap controller buttons for other controller buttons, and only inside games that already support a pad.

Steps

  1. Pair the Xbox controller over Bluetooth or plug in USB-C.
  2. Open InputConfig and allow Accessibility access.
  3. Activate the Desktop Navigation preset.
  4. Adjust rows in the editor as needed.

Set it up

  1. Pair the controller: hold the small pairing button on the top edge until the Xbox button blinks quickly, then pick it in System Settings, Bluetooth. Or plug in a USB-C cable.
  2. Open InputConfig and allow Accessibility access when asked.
  3. Activate Desktop Navigation. Left stick moves the pointer, right stick scrolls, RT left-clicks, LT right-clicks, the D-pad sends arrows, A is Return, B is Escape, the bumpers switch apps.
  4. Open the preset to change any row, or raise the stick deadzone if the pointer drifts.

Which Xbox controllers work

Xbox Wireless Controller (the Bluetooth model from 2016 on), Xbox Series X|S controller, Xbox Elite Series 2, and the Xbox Adaptive Controller all pair over Bluetooth. The original Xbox One controller without Bluetooth and the wired Xbox 360 pad need a cable or an adapter and are not recognised over Bluetooth. The Elite Series 2 paddles copy whichever face button its on-controller profile assigns them, so map that button and the paddle follows.

Without a stick: the Xbox Adaptive Controller

The Adaptive Controller's two large pads and its 3.5 mm ports are all buttons to InputConfig. Bind them to pointer movement in steps, clicks, or any key, and plug in the switches you already use. The guides cover adaptive setups in detail.

Questions

Does a Mac support Xbox controllers?

Yes. Bluetooth Xbox controllers pair in System Settings with no driver, and USB-C works too. Games with native controller support see them immediately; for everything else, InputConfig sends keyboard and mouse events.

Can an Xbox controller move the mouse on a Mac?

Yes, with a mapper. InputConfig's Desktop Navigation preset puts the pointer on the left stick, scrolling on the right stick and clicks on the triggers.

Do the Elite Series 2 paddles work on a Mac?

Yes, through the controller's own profile: each paddle sends whichever face button the profile assigns it, and that button can be mapped like any other.

Related

Download on the Mac App Store