Being able to use a PS4 or Xbox One controller on your iDevice is a gamechanger, allowing you to enjoy classic games like GTA: San Andreas alongside newer titles like Call of Duty Mobile while on-the-go. Here, we take you through the steps of how to connect and use your PS4 or Xbox One controller on your iPhone or iPad.
Interested in Mac gaming? We cover how to use a PS4 or Xbox One controller on Mac separately.
How to connect a PS4 controller
No matter when you purchased your DualShock 4 controller, you’re able to use it with your iPhone or iPad without any issue. If you’re yet to pick one up but prefer the look of Sony’s controller, we’d recommend taking a look at our selection of the best PS4 controllers.
Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad. Select the Bluetooth menu. To put your DualShock 4 in pairing mode, hold down the PlayStation button and Share button until the Light Bar begins to flash. This should only take several seconds, and it’s worth noting that it’ll probably turn on your PS4 in the process. Tap DualShock 4 Controller on the list of Other Devices on your iPhone or iPad to pair.
Your DualShock 4 controller should then be paired, ready to play any game that offers support for MFi controllers.
How to connect an Xbox controller
While you can use any DualShock 4 controller with an iPhone or iPad, the same can’t be said for the Xbox controller.
You see, whereas Sony has always opted for Bluetooth connectivity, controllers that shipped with the original Xbox One utilised Microsoft’s own wireless technology, making them incompatible with Bluetooth devices. Microsoft fixed the issue with the release of the updated Xbox One S and subsequent Xbox Series X/S, so you’ll have to check which Xbox controller you have before going any further.
We’ve got a huge collection of great Xbox controller recommendations if you do need to get your hands on an updated pad.
Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad. Select the Bluetooth menu. Press the Xbox button on your controller to turn it on. Doing so may also turn on your Xbox One console, by the way. Hold the Connect button on top of the controller for three seconds to put it into pairing mode. Tap Xbox Wireless Controller in the list of Other Devices on your iPhone or iPad to initiate the pairing process.
Once complete, you’ll be able to enjoy your favourite MFi-supported games like Oceanhorn 2 and Call of Duty Mobile using a controller.
How to disconnect your controller
Unlike when you’re playing on Xbox One or PS4, your controller won’t automatically power off while connected to an iPhone or iPad, and that could drain the battery pretty quickly when not in use.
To properly disconnect your DualShock 4 or Xbox One S controller, you need to simply turn off Bluetooth on your iPhone or iPad. The controllers will then disconnect and should turn themselves off within a few seconds.
Next time you want to connect, simply hold the Xbox/PS button to turn the controller on, and it should then automatically reconnect to the last-used device – in this instance, your iPhone or iPad.
Lewis Painter is a Senior Staff Writer at Tech Advisor. Our resident Apple expert, Lewis covers everything from iPhone to AirPods, plus a range of smartphones, tablets, laptops and gaming hardware. You’ll also find him on the Tech Advisor YouTube channel.
