Troubleshooting (HOJA Controllers)

Common problems with Hand Held Legend controllers that run HOJA firmware, and how to fix them. Most fixes use HHL Gamepad Config. Start by updating the firmware: many issues are already fixed in a newer version (see Update Firmware).

The app can't find or connect to the controller

See If it won't connect on the HHL Gamepad Config page. The most common causes: the controller isn't in Switch or Steam mode (hold A or B while plugging in), a charge-only cable, or another tab already using the controller.

A stick drifts

  1. Recalibrate on the Joysticks page. Most drift is an old calibration.

  2. Still creeping when you let go? Raise the Center deadzone for that stick a little at a time.

  3. Doesn't reach the edges? Lower the Edge deadzone, or recalibrate.

  4. Press Save.

The stick bounces when I let go (snapback)

That's snapback, not drift. Use the Snapback page: Low-pass (the default) with a lower Filter cutoff removes more bounce. Calibrate the sticks first. See the Settings Guide.

Triggers don't reach full, or fire too early

Calibrate them on the Input page (Analog calibration tab). On GameCube-style triggers with a click at the bottom, press only to the top of the membrane while calibrating, so the click stays a second stage.

Settings reset after unplugging

Changes only stick after Save in the top bar. Firmware updates can also reset settings: use Backup & restore on the Firmware & backup page before updating. The app also saves an automatic backup each time the controller connects: open Automatic backups under Backup & restore to restore an earlier one.

Settings are messed up, but the firmware is fine

On Firmware & backup, the Recovery card has Reset settings, which puts the defaults back without reinstalling. Choose Settings and calibration to keep the default mode, Switch colors and Bluetooth pairings, or Everything, including pairings to reset those too (the controller gets a new Bluetooth address, so pair it again everywhere). It takes effect when the controller restarts: unplug it and plug it back in, or turn it off and on. Then recalibrate.

Won't pair, or keeps disconnecting from the Switch

First, reset the Switch's controller list:

  1. Open System Settings on the Switch Home menu.

Switch Home menu: System Settings

Switch Home menu: System Settings


  1. Go to Controllers and Accessories.

Controllers and Accessories

Controllers and Accessories


  1. Choose Disconnect Controllers, then hold X to unpair all controllers.

Disconnect Controllers

Disconnect Controllers


  1. Take the Switch out of the dock, hold its Power button, and choose Power Options > Power Off. Wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.

  2. Pair again: open Controllers > Change Grip/Order, then hold A + Start (+) while you turn the controller on.

More pairing help, including phones, PCs and the Wii: Modes & Pairing.

Bluetooth stopped working after a wireless update

After the wireless module moves to the HCI bridge firmware, its Bluetooth address changes: pair the Switch and other devices again once. If the Wireless page says Update the controller first, update the controller firmware, then the module. See Update the Wireless Module.

The wireless module update won't connect

This is most often seen on Windows PCs with AMD processors. Try the steps under If Connect doesn't work on Update the Wireless Module. If it still fails, run the wireless diagnostics at handheldlegend.github.io/hoja3/#/diagnostics on that PC and include the report in your support ticket.

Disconnects on a PC

Some PCs cut power to USB ports to save energy. See PC Power Related Disconnect Check.

Gyro drifts, or motion feels off

Place the controller flat and still, and calibrate on the Motion page. Check the per-axis sensitivity, then Save.

Plugged into the Switch, but the buttons do nothing

On the Switch, turn on System Settings > Controllers and Sensors > Pro Controller Wired Communication. Without it, the Switch only charges the controller.

The controller won't start, or behaves strangely after an update

Put it in update mode (hold L + Start (+) while plugging in, ZL + Start on the GC Ultimate, or use the BOOTSEL button) and reinstall from the Firmware & backup page. If it still misbehaves, reinstall with Start fresh: erase everything first, then recalibrate. On controllers with the HOJA update mode, the app does the erase over USB: there's no file to copy. See Recovery on Update Firmware.

Still stuck?

Ask on the NiceMods Discord (HHL staff are there regularly) or submit a support ticket.