How to Sync Wii Remotes

By James Holloway

Updated September 22, 2017

i Laura Beth Drilling/Demand Media

To use your Wii remote with your Wii or Wii U, you'll need to sync it to the console. You can sync up to four remotes with either console. To sync, you'll need to have your console set up, with the sensor bar connected and positioned.

Syncing with the Wii

i Laura Beth Drilling/Demand Media

To sync a remote with the Wii, open the cover of the console's SD card slot. If your Wii is in the vertical position, this will be to the left of the disc slot. Above the SD card slot will be a red sync button. On the Wii mini, this button is located on the left side of the console near the battery compartment. Remove the battery cover from the Wii remote and press the small red sync button located below the batteries. The LED lights on the front of the remote will begin to flash. While they are flashing, press and release the sync button on the console. The remote will automatically sync with the console. The LED light on the front of the remote will indicate the player number assigned to it.

Syncing with the Wii U

i Laura Beth Drilling/Demand Media

To sync a Wii remote to the Wii U, go to the console's menu. Press and hold the sync button, located to the right of the power button. The controller pairing screen will appear, asking you which type of controller you want to sync. Open the battery cover on the Wii remote and press the red sync button. The LED on the front of the remote will light up when syncing is finished, indicating the player number assigned to the controller. You can also sync a controller by opening the Home menu, selecting "Controller Settings" and then choosing "Pair" from the options under "Wii Remote/Other Controllers." This will open a pairing screen. Press the sync button on the Wii remote until the LED on the front lights up, then exit the menu.

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