8BitDo Zero 2 Bluetooth Gamepad Instruction Manual

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Zero 2 Bluetooth gamepad-instruction manual

8BitDo Zero 2 Bluetooth Gamepad

  • Press start to turn on the controller
  • press & hold start for 3 seconds to turn off the controller
  • press & hold start for 8 seconds to force turn off the controller

Switch 8BitDo Zero 2 Bluetooth Gamepad -

  1. press Y & start to turn on the controller. Blue LED blinks 4 times per cycle
  2.  Press the select button for 3 seconds to enter its pairing mode. The LED starts to rapidly blink
  3. go to your Switch Home Page to click on Controllers, then click on Change Grip/Order. Blue LED become: solid when the connection is successful
  4. the controller will auto-reconnect to your Switch with the press of start once it has been paired
  • when connected to your Switch, select + Dpad_Down = Switch HOME button, select + start = Switch ZL +ZR button

Windows (X – input) 8BitDo Zero 2 Bluetooth Gamepad - icon

  1.  press X & start to turn on the controller. Blue LED blinks twice per cycle
  2. Press the select button for 3 seconds to enter its pairing mode. The LED starts to rapidly blink
  3. go to your Windows device’s Bluetooth setting, pair with [8BitDo Zero 2 gamepad]. Blue LED becomes solid when the connection is successful
  4.  the controller will auto-reconnect to your Windows device with the press of start once it has been paired
  • when connected to your Windows, select + Dpad_Down = HOME button

Android 8BitDo Zero 2 Bluetooth Gamepad - icon1

  1. press B & start to turn on the controller. Blue LED blinks once per cycle
  2. Press the select button for 3 seconds to enter its pairing mode. The LED starts to rapidly blink go to your Android device’s Bluetooth setting, pair with [8BitDo Zero 2 gamepad]. Blue LED becomes solid when the connection is successful
  3. the controller will auto-reconnect to your Android device with the press of start once it has been paired

macOS 8BitDo Zero 2 Bluetooth Gamepad - icon2

  1. press A & start to turn on the controller. Blue LED blinks 3 times per cycle
  2. Press the select button for 3 seconds to enter its pairing mode. The LED starts to rapidly blink
  3. go to your macOS device’s Bluetooth setting, pair with [Wireless Controller]. Blue LED becomes solid when the connection is the successful
  4. the controller will auto-reconnect to your macOS device with the press of start once it has been paired

Keyboard mode 8BitDo Zero 2 Bluetooth Gamepad - icon3

  1. press R & start to turn on the controller. Blue LED blinks 5 times per cycle
  2. Press the select button for 3 seconds to enter its pairing mode. The LED starts to rapidly blink
  3. go to your device’s Bluetooth setting, pair with [8BitDo Zero 2 gamepad]. Blue LED becomes solid when the connection is successful
  4. the controller will auto-reconnect to your device with the press of start once it has been paired
  • on keyboard mode, please make sure the input language on your device is in English

battery 8BitDo Zero 2 Bluetooth Gamepad - icon4

status — LED indicator —
low battery mode red LED blinks
battery charging red LED stays solid
battery fully charged red LED turns off
  • built-in 180 mAh Li-ion with 8 hours of play time
  • rechargeable via USB cable with 1- 2 hour charging time

power saving 8BitDo Zero 2 Bluetooth Gamepad - icon6

  • sleep mode -15 minutes with no use
  • press start button to wake up the controller

support 8BitDo Zero 2 Bluetooth Gamepad - icon7

  • please visit support.8bitdo.com for further information & additional support

FAQs

What is upgraded since the original 8bitdo zero controller?

The new version can work with NIntendo Switch and its firmware can be Upgraded.
But no photographed function.

Does it have motion control ?

No, it does not have motion control .

Can the controller work via usb connected to pc?

No, you can update the frimware via usb connected.

Does it work for a ChromeOS device with bluetooth?

No, Compatible with Nintendo Switch, Windows, Android, macOS

Will it work for the nintendo switch lite?

Yes, it can work with nintendo switch lite.

Will this come in grey?

The Zero 2 only comes in pink, blue, and yellow

does this work with switch lite? for games like tsum tsum festival?

Yes

Can i pair this with my iphone to use with a vr headset?

There is a way to pair with iPhones, but it doesnt do so naturally. The Zero 2 can also be used to navigate menus

Will this work for enter the gungeon on switch?

Probably not as it only has a dpad. I wouldn’t recommend it for a twin stick shooter game like Enter the Gungeon anyway. You’d want something with a dpad and an analog stick, or two analog sticks for for that game.

What are some recommended games for it?

2D games are better fit, also Nintendo Online games

If i buy two zero 2 can i use on lite for 2 player game on mario kart 8 deluxe?

zero2 acts as a replacement for a Switch Pro in Switch Lite console. It is possible to connect two or more units. You can use these to play Mario Kart 8 with two people.

Could i use it to play Stardew valley on mobile?

Probably. Its blue tooth and you can use it to play games on your phone. It should work.

Is this compatible with iPhones (iOS)?

Yes, I played Grimvalor using it!

Does this work for lego star wars on ipad?

Some have found success with pairing the controller to iPad and iPhones, but it does not connect naturally as it is not intended to

Can you play/pause videos with this?

Well, when I bought this controller it was advertised as a compact gaming controller for the Nintendo switch. Pause and play are a must-have. So yes you can pause and play in the switch with this controller. Hope this helps.

Is there a keychain attachment for this or do you have to get one yourself?

One comes with it

Can this be attached to my keys?

Yes, you can.

Documents / Resources

PDF thumbnailZero 2 Bluetooth Gamepad
Instruction Manual · 8BitDo, Zero 2, Bluetooth, Gamepad
PDF thumbnailZero 2 Bluetooth Gamepad
Instruction Manual · Zero 2 Bluetooth Gamepad, Bluetooth Gamepad, Gamepad
PDF thumbnailZero 2 Bluetooth Gamepad
Instruction Manual · Zero 2 Bluetooth Gamepad, Zero 2, Bluetooth Gamepad, Gamepad
PDF thumbnailZero 2 Bluetooth Gamepad
Instruction Manual · Zero 2 Bluetooth Gamepad, Zero 2, Bluetooth Gamepad, Gamepad

References

Questions and answers

Helpful product questions tied to this manual. Each item links to the full Q&A page.

Questions & Answers

Use this section to ask about setup, compatibility, troubleshooting, or anything missing from this manual.

  1. This remote is frequently used to study Anki in the medical community. It seems that the remote is incompatible to use with Anki on a windows PC. Can you provide instructions?

    SVS asks This remote is frequently used to study Anki in the medical community. It seems that the remote is incompatible to use with Anki on a windows PC. Can you provide instructions?
    Manuals+ clarified question
    Question

    How do I connect and use the 8BitDo Zero 2 with Anki on a Windows PC?

    Answer

    The 8BitDo Zero 2 is compatible with Windows, but for applications like Anki, it is often best to use Keyboard Mode or X-input Mode. Follow these steps to ensure a proper connection:

    • Option 1: Windows (X-input) Mode:
      1. Press X + Start to turn on the controller. The blue LED will blink twice per cycle.
      2. Press and hold Select for 3 seconds to enter pairing mode. The LED will blink rapidly.
      3. On your Windows PC, go to Bluetooth settings and pair with [8BitDo Zero 2 gamepad].
    • Option 2: Keyboard Mode (Recommended for Anki):
      1. Press R + Start to turn on the controller. The blue LED will blink 5 times per cycle.
      2. Press and hold Select for 3 seconds to enter pairing mode.
      3. Pair the device in your Windows Bluetooth settings. In this mode, the controller acts as a keyboard, which is often easier for Anki to recognize.

    Note for Anki Users: If the buttons do not automatically map to Anki actions, you may need to use a third-party key-mapping tool (such as JoyToKey or AntiMicro) to assign the controller buttons to specific keyboard keys (like Space, 1, 2, 3, 4) used by Anki. Ensure your Windows input language is set to English for Keyboard Mode to function correctly.

  2. Can you please provide guidance on connecting with Anki on a PC?

    Savannah asks Can you please provide guidance on connecting with Anki on a PC?
    Manuals+ clarified question
    Question

    How do I connect the 8BitDo Zero 2 to a PC for use with Anki?

    Answer

    To connect your 8BitDo Zero 2 to a PC (Windows) for use with applications like Anki, you should use the X-input mode or Keyboard Mode depending on how you intend to map the buttons. Most Anki users prefer Keyboard Mode for direct mapping.

    Option 1: Windows (X-input) Mode

    1. Press X + Start to turn on the controller. The blue LED will blink twice per cycle.
    2. Press and hold the Select button for 3 seconds to enter pairing mode. The LED will start blinking rapidly.
    3. On your PC, go to Bluetooth settings and select "Add Bluetooth or other device."
    4. Choose 8BitDo Zero 2 gamepad from the list. The blue LED will become solid when the connection is successful.

    Option 2: Keyboard Mode (Often preferred for Anki)

    1. Press R + Start to turn on the controller. The blue LED will blink 5 times per cycle.
    2. Press and hold the Select button for 3 seconds to enter pairing mode. The LED will blink rapidly.
    3. On your PC, go to Bluetooth settings and pair with 8BitDo Zero 2 gamepad.
    4. Once connected, the controller acts as a keyboard. You may need an Anki add-on (like "Controllable") or external software (like JoyToKey) to map specific gamepad buttons to Anki shortcuts if Keyboard Mode defaults do not match your needs.

    Note: Ensure your PC's input language is set to English for Keyboard Mode to function correctly.

  3. Try to use it with iPad for Anki. Everything controller and iPad is updated. Keyboard function connects for 2 seconds and then turns the controller automatically off. Need a fix for that bug.

    Key asks Try to use it with iPad for Anki. Everything controller and iPad is updated. Keyboard function connects for 2 seconds and then turns the controller automatically off. Need a fix for that bug.
    Manuals+ clarified question
    Question

    Why does my 8BitDo Zero 2 disconnect after 2 seconds when using Keyboard Mode on iPad?

    Answer

    The behavior you are describing—connecting for a few seconds and then turning off—often occurs when the controller is in the wrong mode for the device or if there is a pairing conflict. To use the 8BitDo Zero 2 in Keyboard Mode (commonly used for Anki on iPad), please follow these specific steps:

    1. Forget the Device: Go to your iPad's Bluetooth settings and "Forget" any existing 8BitDo Zero 2 entries.
    2. Start in Keyboard Mode: Press R + Start to turn on the controller. The blue LED should blink 5 times per cycle.
    3. Enter Pairing Mode: Press and hold the Select button for 3 seconds. The LED will start to blink rapidly.
    4. Pair: Select "8BitDo Zero 2 gamepad" from your iPad's Bluetooth list. The blue LED should become solid once connected.

    Important Notes:

    • Ensure your iPad's input language is set to English, as Keyboard Mode mapped keys are based on the English layout.
    • If the controller still shuts off, ensure it is fully charged. A low battery is indicated by a blinking red LED.
    • If you are using the controller for Anki, some users find better stability using Accessibility > Switch Control settings rather than standard keyboard input, though Keyboard Mode (R+Start) is the officially supported method for this function.

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