# 🛠️ 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](https://hoja.handheldlegend.com). Start by updating the firmware: many issues are already fixed in a newer version (see [Update Firmware](https://docs.handheldlegend.com/doc/update-firmware-hoja-controllers-KoFvPA77o1)). ## The app can't find or connect to the controller See **If it won't connect** on the [HHL Gamepad Config](https://docs.handheldlegend.com/doc/hhl-gamepad-config-2zVL3lDCuh) 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](https://docs.handheldlegend.com/doc/settings-guide-hhl-gamepad-config-l1CotarbxU). ## 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](https://docs.handheldlegend.com/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzLzU5ZGZiY2Y1LTNjZGEtNGY4OC1hMDAyLWViYzFkNmQ5NjMyOS8zMGM1NzRmMS0wNmVmLTQwOWYtYTQ2OS03YWY0NzA0MjBiOWUvaW1hZ2UucG5nIiwidHlwZSI6ImF0dGFjaG1lbnQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTM4MTcwMDAsImV4cCI6MTc5MzkwMzQwMH0.uKu86nnvzc8AOYFWNQkOaTXRHAtgJd75lUmjS9oBGgk " =330x193") 2. Go to **Controllers and Accessories**. ![Controllers and Accessories](https://docs.handheldlegend.com/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzLzU5ZGZiY2Y1LTNjZGEtNGY4OC1hMDAyLWViYzFkNmQ5NjMyOS9lYTRmNThiMi0wYmNjLTQ0MzctOWYxNi1hZThjNjA0NzY1YzcvaW1hZ2UucG5nIiwidHlwZSI6ImF0dGFjaG1lbnQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTM4MTcwMDAsImV4cCI6MTc5MzkwMzQwMH0.sIm1Xfk1pwHMJcYgC24_AmWGB_6d2OF8enTvpf5hub4 " =411x144") 3. Choose **Disconnect Controllers**, then hold **X** to unpair all controllers. ![Disconnect Controllers](https://docs.handheldlegend.com/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzLzU5ZGZiY2Y1LTNjZGEtNGY4OC1hMDAyLWViYzFkNmQ5NjMyOS8zOTRiNzllZC05MjNhLTRmYjAtYTIwMS05Nzg0ZDY2YWY5NmQvaW1hZ2UucG5nIiwidHlwZSI6ImF0dGFjaG1lbnQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTM4MTcwMDAsImV4cCI6MTc5MzkwMzQwMH0.kU-MktCxuPIUjeX8QvHUv4ScfHZHTpGC83laU1E22QU " =560x160") 4. 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. 5. 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](https://docs.handheldlegend.com/doc/modes-pairing-hoja-controllers-H61Dy3zPjm). ## 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](https://docs.handheldlegend.com/doc/update-the-wireless-module-esp32-vhX2Im50kN). ## 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](https://docs.handheldlegend.com/doc/update-the-wireless-module-esp32-vhX2Im50kN). If it still fails, run the wireless diagnostics at [handheldlegend.github.io/hoja3/#/diagnostics](https://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](https://docs.handheldlegend.com/doc/pc-power-related-disconnect-check-5qKHK6czEa). ## 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](https://docs.handheldlegend.com/doc/update-firmware-hoja-controllers-KoFvPA77o1). ## Still stuck? Ask on the [NiceMods Discord](https://discord.handheldlegend.com) (HHL staff are there regularly) or [submit a support ticket](https://handheldlegend.freshdesk.com/support/tickets/new). --- **Documents** - [PC Power Related Disconnect Check](https://docs.handheldlegend.com/s/portal/doc/pc-power-related-disconnect-check-5qKHK6czEa) - [USB 1Khz Latency](https://docs.handheldlegend.com/s/portal/doc/usb-1khz-latency-S9wjBiPTh1)