RetroCompass
RetroCompass

8BitDo M30 — Pairing

Quick answer

Button combo

Y+START(Switch)hold PAIR(2 sec)

Steps

  1. 1Hold Y + START to power on for Nintendo Switch (use X + START for Windows, A + START for macOS, B + START for Android).
  2. 2The player LEDs blink to show the chosen mode.
  3. 3Hold PAIR for 2 seconds; the LEDs pause then rotate (first time only).
  4. 4Switch: open Controllers → Change Grip/Order. Others: pick [8BitDo M30 gamepad] in Bluetooth.
  5. 5An LED turns solid when connected.

LED states

  • Player LEDs blink—Powered on in the selected mode
  • Rotating—In pairing mode
  • Solid—Connected
Last verified: 2026-06-20Source: support.8bitdo.com

The M30 picks its platform from the button you hold with START at power-on: Y + START for Nintendo Switch, X + START for Windows, A + START for macOS, and B + START for Android. The player LEDs blink to confirm the mode. Hold PAIR for two seconds to enter pairing the first time, then connect via Change Grip/Order on Switch or by selecting [8BitDo M30 gamepad] in your device's Bluetooth list. After the first pairing, press START to reconnect.

FAQ

Which combo do I use for my phone?
Hold B + START to power on in Android mode, then hold PAIR 2 seconds and pick [8BitDo M30 gamepad] in Bluetooth.
It connects as 'Wireless Controller' on macOS.
That's normal in macOS mode (A + START). Select that entry to finish pairing.

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