How to Add Controller Support to Minecraft Java Edition

Not being able to use your favorite commands in games can be quite distracting. Many gamers are used to playing Minecraft with a controller, and the Java Edition not supporting gamepads can be a nasty surprise. Fortunately, there is a way around this.

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

How to add controller support to Minecraft Java?

As mentioned above, Minecraft Java Edition does not support native controllers. 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 configuring controller support on different operating systems.

Windows 10

Let's cut to the chase – to add controller support to Minecraft Java on Windows 10, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Controllable Installation page and click "Download."
2. Wait for the file to download and double click on it to start the installation process.
3. Move the controllable file into your Minecraft "mods" folder. To find it, type “AppDataRoaming.minecraftmods” in the Start menu search box.
   
4. Open Minecraft Launcher and click "Launch Options".
5. Click "Add New".
   
6. Enter the name of your new launch option (for example, “Controllable”). Select the Minecraft version you are configuring the controller for.
   
7. Click the arrow icon next to "Game Directory" and select your controllable 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 Controllable Installation page and click "Download."
2. Wait for the file to download and double click on it to start the installation process.
3. Move the controllable file into your 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 launch option (for example, “Controllable”). Select the Minecraft version you are configuring the controller for.
   
7. Click the arrow icon next to "Game Directory" and select your controllable 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 configure controller support for Minecraft Java on Linux:

1. Visit the Controllable Installation page and click "Download."
2. Wait for the file to download and double click on it to start the installation process.
3. Move the controllable file into your Minecraft "mods" folder. To find it, use the shortcut ~. Type “~/.minecraft” in the search field 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 launch option (for example, “Controllable”). Select the Minecraft version you are configuring the controller for.
7. Click the arrow icon next to "Game Directory" and select your controllable 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".

Frequently Asked 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 to Minecraft in particular, make sure you haven't made one of the following errors:

· You are trying to configure a controller for Java Edition through Steam. Java Edition does not support controllers, so make sure you have the required mods installed.

· You have not configured preferred commands. Make sure you have completed steps 12-13 of the setup process.

· You chose "Activate a product on Steam" instead of "Add a non-Steam game" in step 6 of the setup instructions. Repeat the process and select the correct option.

· You have Bluetooth problems. Try connecting the controller using a cable.

If none of the reasons mentioned above work for you, your controller drivers are probably not up to date. To update 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 is open, expand the "Xbox Devices" section and right-click on the name of your controller.

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: No native controller driver is available for Mac OS. You will need to find the latest drivers for your controller online and install them. Instructions may differ and are beyond the scope of this article.

How to add controller support to Minecraft Bedrock?

Minecraft Bedrock does not require any third-party mods to use a controller. Setup can be done via Steam. Follow the instructions below:

1. Visit the official Steam website and click the "Install Steam" button.

2. Run the installer file and follow the on-screen instructions.

3. Once Steam is installed, open the app and create an account or log in to an existing account.

4. In the Steam app, navigate to Library.

5. Click "Add Game", located in the lower left corner of your screen.

6. From the menu, select “Add 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 Big 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 your controller. You have to use a cable for now but can connect it via Bluetooth once everything is set up.

10. Go to Steam Settings, then select "Controller Settings".

11. Check the box next to your controller type and return to Steam Library.

12. In the library, open Minecraft settings. Click "Manage Shortcut", located under the Minecraft image.

13. Click "Controller Options" to change preferred controls.

Enjoy but stay aware

With the help of Controllable mode, you should now be able to use your gamepad in Minecraft Java Edition. If Controllable is not working on your device, consider looking for another mod. We recommend that you be aware of viruses when downloading third-party software. Use antivirus and VPN to scan all files before installation. This will allow you to enjoy Minecraft with your favorite controller without damaging your PC.

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