How to add controller support to Minecraft Java Edition

Not being able to use your favorite controller in games can be quite distracting. Many gamers are used to playing Minecraft with a controller, and Java Edition doesn’t support gamepads can be an unpleasant surprise. Thankfully, there is a way around it.

In this guide we will explain how to add controller support to Minecraft Java Edition on Windows 10, Mac and Linux computers. Additionally, we’ll list the most common reasons your controller won’t connect and share instructions on adding controller support to Minecraft Bedrock.

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How to add controller support to Minecraft Java?

As mentioned above, Minecraft Java Edition doesn’t have native controller support. So, to use it in the game, you need to install third party mods. One of the most popular mods for this purpose is Controllable. Below, you will find instructions for setting up controller support on different operating systems.

Windows 10

Let’s go right in- To add controller support to Minecraft Java on Windows 10, do the following:

1. Visit the searchable installation page and click “Download”.
2. Wait for the file to load and double-click on it to go through the installation process.
3. Move the Controllable file to the Minecraft “mods” folder. To find it, type “AppData \ Roaming \ .minecraft \ mods” in the search box on the Start menu.
4. Open Minecraft Launcher and click “Launch Options”.
5. Click “Add New”.
6. Enter the name of your new boot option (eg “Controllable”). Select the Minecraft version you are configuring the controller for.
7. Click the arrow icon next to “Game Directory” and select the auditable file, then click “Open”.
8. Click “Save” and return to the main menu.
9. Expand the menu next to the “Play” button and select the “Controllable” version, then click “Play”.

Mac

To use a controller in Minecraft Java on Mac, follow the instructions below:

1. Visit the searchable installation page and click “Download”.
2. Wait for the file to load and double-click on it to go through the installation process.
3. Move the Controllable file to the Minecraft “mods” folder. To find it, type “~ / Library / Application Support / Minecraft / mods” in the Spotlight search window. If you don’t have a “mods” folder yet, create it.
4. Open Minecraft Launcher and click “Launch Options”.
5. Click “Add New”.
6. Enter the name of your new boot option (eg “Controllable”). Select the Minecraft version you are configuring the controller for.
7. Click the arrow icon next to “Game Directory” and select the auditable file, then click “Open”.
8. Click “Save” and return to the main menu.
9. Expand the menu next to the “Play” button and select the “Controllable” version, then click “Play”.

Linux

Follow the steps below to set up controller support for Minecraft Java on Linux:

1. Visit the searchable installation page and click “Download”.
2. Wait for the file to load and double-click on it to go through the installation process.
3. Move the Controllable file to the Minecraft “mods” folder. To find it, use the shortcut ~. Type “~ / .minecraft” in the search box and open or create the “mods” folder.
4. Open Minecraft Launcher and click “Launch Options”.
5. Click “Add New”.
6. Enter the name of your new boot option (eg “Controllable”). Select the Minecraft version you are configuring the controller for.
7. Click the arrow icon next to “Game Directory” and select the auditable file, then click “Open”.
8. Click “Save” and return to the main menu.
9. Expand the menu next to the “Play” button and select the “Controllable” version, then click “Play”.

Frequent questions

Below you will find answers to other questions related to using a controller in Minecraft.

Why is my controller not connecting?

If your controller won’t connect to your computer or Minecraft in particular, make sure you haven’t made one of the following mistakes:

• You’re trying to set up a controller for Java Edition via Steam. Java Edition does not support the controller, so make sure you have installed the required mods.
• You haven’t set your favorite controls. Make sure you have completed steps 12-13 of the installation process.
• You choose “Activate a product on Steam” instead of “Add a game no Steam” at 6 ^° step configuration instructions. Repeat the process and select the right option.
• You’re having trouble with Bluetooth. Try connecting the controller with a cable.

If none of the reasons mentioned above work for you, chances are your controller drivers are out of date. To update the controller drivers on a Windows PC, follow the steps below:

1. Press the “Windows” key and type “devmgmt.msc” in the search box.
2. Once the Device Manager opens, expand the “Xbox Peripherals” section and right-click on the controller name.
3. From the drop-down menu, select “Update Driver Software”.
4. Click “Search automatically” and follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest drivers.

Note- There are no native controller drivers for Mac OS. You will need to find the latest drivers for your controller online and install them. The instructions may differ and are beyond the scope of this article.

How to add controller support to Minecraft Bedrock?

Minecraft Bedrock requires no third-party mods to use a controller. Setup can be done via Steam. Follow the instructions below:

1. Visit the Web site Official Steam and click the “Install Steam” button.
2. Run the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Once Steam is installed, open the application and create an account or log into an existing one.
4. In the Steam application, go to Library.
5. Click on “Add a Game” located in the lower left corner of the screen.
6. From the menu, select “Add a non-Steam game”. This will open your computer’s file library.
7. Find the Minecraft Bedrock Edition Launcher file in your library and double-click it. The game should now be added.
8. Click the large picture mode button located at the bottom right of your Steam library. It looks like a rectangle with two arrows pointing in opposite directions.
9. Plug in the controller. You need to use a cable for now, but you can connect it via Bluetooth once everything is set up.
10. Go to Steam Settings, then select “Controller Settings”.
11. Select the checkbox next to the controller type and return to the Steam library.
12. From the Library, open the Minecraft settings. Click on “Manage Link”, located under the Minecraft image.
13. Click “Controller Options” to change your favorite controls.

Have fun but stay aware

With the help of Controllable mode, you should now be able to use your gamepad in Minecraft Java Edition. In case the Controllable doesn’t work on your device, consider looking for another mod. It is recommended that you be aware of viruses when downloading third party software. 

Use an antivirus and a VPN to scan any files before installation. This will allow you to enjoy Minecraft with your favorite controller without causing damage to your PC.

Do you know trusted sites to download the latest controller drivers for Mac computers? Share your experiences in the comments section below.