RetroCompass
RetroCompass

8BitDo SN30 Pro — Pairing

Quick answer

Button combo

Y+START(power on for Nintendo Switch)hold PAIR 3s

Steps

  1. 1Power on in the mode that matches your device, e.g. hold Y + START for Nintendo Switch, X + START for Windows.
  2. 2Hold PAIR for about 3 seconds (about 2 seconds for Nintendo Switch) to enter pairing mode.
  3. 3Watch the LEDs rotate left to right, then select 8BitDo SN30 Pro in your device's Bluetooth list.
  4. 4Wait for one LED to stay solid, which confirms the controller is paired and connected.

LED states

  • Rotating left to right—Pairing mode (waiting to connect)
  • Solid (one LED)—Paired and connected (shows player slot)
Last verified: 2026-06-20Source: support.8bitdo.com

The SN30 Pro pairs over Bluetooth, but you must first power it on in the right mode because the connection profile is fixed at power-on. Hold PAIR for about 3 seconds (about 2 seconds on Nintendo Switch) until the LEDs rotate, then pick the controller from your device's Bluetooth menu. A single solid LED means the pairing succeeded.

FAQ

Which combo do I use for Nintendo Switch?
Hold Y + START to power on in Nintendo Switch mode, then hold PAIR for about 2 seconds and pair from the Switch's Change Grip/Order screen.
The LEDs rotate but nothing connects.
Make sure you booted in the correct mode for your device (e.g. X + START for Windows, B + START for Android), delete any old SN30 Pro entry in Bluetooth, and pair again.

Same device — other tasks

Other devices — same task