How to Connect Any Video Game Controller to Your iPhone 2024

How to connect a DualShock 4 controller to your iPhone

Ready to use your PlayStation DualShock 4 controller with your iPhone? Let's get it set up! First, turn on pairing mode on the controller. Hold down the Share button (it's the one to the left of the touchpad) for a few seconds, until the light bar on top starts blinking. Now, grab your iPhone and open the Settings app. Tap on Bluetooth and make sure it's turned on. Look for the list of available devices and find your controller. It should be listed as "DualShock 4 Wireless Controller." Once you tap on it, they'll be paired and the status will change to "Connected," letting you know you're good to go!

How to connect a DualSense controller to your iPhone

Want to use your PS5's DualSense or DualSense Edge controller with your iPhone? Here's how:

1. Grab your controller and hold the "Create" button (it's the left button next to the touchpad with the lines). Hold it for about three seconds until the light bar on top starts blinking. This puts the controller in pairing mode.

2. On your iPhone, head to Settings and then Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on, and you should see a list of nearby devices.

3. Look for "DualSense Wireless Controller" on the list and tap it. Once you've tapped it, your controller should be paired and say "Connected".

Pairing your Xbox controller with your iPhone is a breeze! Here's how:

1. Grab your controller and find the small button with three curved lines near the charging port. This is the pair button. Press and hold it for a few seconds until the Xbox logo on the controller starts blinking rapidly.
2. Now, head to your iPhone and open the Settings app. Tap on "Bluetooth" to open the Bluetooth settings.
3. In the list of available Bluetooth devices, you should see "Xbox Wireless Controller" appear. Tap on it to initiate the pairing process.
4. Wait for a moment, and your iPhone and Xbox controller will be connected!

First, grab a Joy-Con and slide it off your Switch. Look for the small black button near the four lights on the side of the controller - that's the Sync button. Hold it down for a few seconds, and the lights will start flashing back and forth, letting you know it's ready to connect.

On your iPhone, open the Settings app and tap on "Bluetooth." Make sure Bluetooth is turned on, and then look for your Joy-Con listed under "Other Devices." Once you see it, just tap on it and it will pair with your phone. After a moment, the status will change to "Connected," and you're all set to start gaming!

How to connect the Switch Pro Controller to your iPhone

1. Put the controller in pairing mode: Grab your Pro controller and find the small, round black button near the charging port on top. Hold this button down for a few seconds. You'll know it's working when the lights near the bottom of the controller start flashing back and forth.
2. Connect on your iPhone: Head to your iPhone's Settings app and tap on "Bluetooth." Make sure Bluetooth is turned on (if it's not, you'll need to toggle the switch). Under "Other Devices," you should see "Pro Controller" pop up. Just tap on the controller's name to pair it with your iPhone.

Beyond the Bluetooth options we mentioned, there are other cool controllers made specifically for iPhones. These third-party controllers, like the Razer Kishi V2 or Backbone One, attach directly to your phone using the Lightning port or the newer USB-C port, depending on your iPhone model.

One of the perks of these controllers is that you never have to worry about them running out of battery, because they draw power straight from your iPhone. They often come with extra features too, like a built-in port to keep your iPhone charged while you play and sometimes even a headphone jack (since iPhones ditched those a while back).

Using one of these controllers is super easy. Just unfold it, slide your iPhone in with the camera facing the controller, and then plug the other side (with the Lightning or USB-C connector) into your iPhone's port. If you have the latest iPhone 15 series, you'll need a controller with a USB-C connection. For older iPhones (14 and earlier), look for one with a Lightning connector.