How to Connect PS4 Controller to iPhone and iPad?

Since the iPhones and iPads have started supporting PS4 Controllers to play games like Fortnite and others, it is time you switch playing with them. But, how do you connect a PS4 Controller to iPhone? Or, an Xbox one? If you are wondering the same, this post is specially written for you.

Here, I will guide you on how to connect a PS4 Controller to iPhone and iPad. Additionally, I’ll also explain connecting the Xbox One S Controller to your Apple device. We’ll keep everything simple and straightforward.

Does PS4 Controller Support iPhone and iPad?

Have you seen your favorite Apple Arcade games streamer using a PS4 Controller to play on stream? If yes and if you are wondering how is that possible. Then, I’d like to inform you that Apple added support for PlayStation 4 Wireless Controllers (PS4 Controller) to iOS 13, iPadOS 13, and tvOS 13. They have also added support for Xbox wireless controllers as well.

This means that you can now play your favorite games like Rayman: Mini, Little Orpheus, and even Fortnite on your Apple device with a PS4 or Xbox wireless controller. It will be a really spectacular experience. Apple’s step to introduce support for wireless console controllers was seen as a big step towards Cloud gaming.

How to Connect a PS4 Controller to an iPhone or iPad?

Playing games on your iPhone and iPad with a PS4 Controller would be stunning. If you own a PS4 Controller, and an iDevice, here is the guide that will help you to connect them to play games. Make sure both your device and controller are charged up sufficiently before proceeding. Once ready, follow these steps:

Step-1: Hold up your PS4 Controller, and press and hold the PS button and Share button together for a few seconds. You will see a white light on the controller flashing rapidly. This is an indication that you have successfully entered the pairing mode.

Step-2: Now pick up your iPhone or iPad and go to the ‘Settings’ app. Next, tap on ‘Bluetooth.’ Turn the Bluetooth toggle button on if it is in an ‘off’ position.

Step-3: Next, find ‘DualShock 4 Wireless Controller‘ in the list of available devices. Tap on it to start pairing.

Step-4: Wait for the pairing to complete. If there are any prompts, follow the on-screen instructions. Once pairing is done, the PS4 Controller will turn pink.

That’s it. Now you can enjoy your favorite games with the PS4 Controller. You can find the option to play the games with a controller from the in-game settings.

Steps to Disconnect a PS4 Controller After Playing

Once you have quit playing, you can disconnect the PS4 controller from your device. Or else, both your device and controller will end up consuming power. Follow these steps in order to do that:

Step-1: Go to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. Then, tap on Bluetooth.

Step-2: Find ‘DualShock 4 Wireless Controller‘ under the My Devices section. Tap on the ‘i’ button present next to it.

Step-3: In the newly opened menu, tap on Disconnect, and the controller will be disconnected from your device. You can also tap on ‘Forget this Device‘ from the menu to complete unpair the controller.

That’s it. If you’ll completely unpair the controller, you’ll have to pair it again.

How to Connect an Xbox One S Controller to an iPhone or iPad?

If you have an Xbox One controller, you can pair it with your iPhone or iPad as well. However, not all of them support pairing with an Apple device. You will need a model 1708 or higher to use it with your iDevice. You can check the model number of your controller on the label under the batteries. Once you have verified that you are good to go, follow these steps:

Step-1: Press the Xbox logo button to turn the controller on. Next, press the Connect button present on the controller to get it into pairing mode. You will see the Xbox logo blink quickly as an indication.

Step-2: Now go to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad and tap on Bluetooth. If it is turned off, turn the Bluetooth toggle switch on.

Step-3: Next, find Xbox Wireless Controller under the list of available devices and tap on it to start paring.

Step-4: A window will pop-up asking if you want to tap on the controller, tap on ‘Pair’ on this window.

That’s it. Your controller will then be paired in a few seconds and you can start playing.

Steps to Disconnect Xbox One Controller After Playing

Once you have quit playing, you can disconnect the Xbox One controller from your device. Or else, both your device and controller will end up consuming power. Follow these steps in order to do that:

Step-1: Go to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. Then, tap on Bluetooth.

Step-2: Find the ‘Xbox Wireless Controller‘ under the My Devices section. Tap on the ‘i’ button present next to it.

Step-3: In the newly opened menu, tap on Disconnect, and the controller will be disconnected from your device. You can also tap on ‘Forget this Device‘ from the menu to complete unpair the controller.

That’s it. If you’ll completely unpair the controller, you’ll have to pair it again the same way.

How to Connect a Wireless Controller to Apple TV?

Apple has introduced support for wireless controllers in the tvOS 13 along with iOS 13 and iPadOS 13. So, you can also connect your PS4 or Xbox wireless controller to your Apple TV. Follow these steps in order to do that:

Step-1: Turn on your Apple TV and go to Settings. Now go to ‘Remotes and Devices‘ and then click on ‘Bluetooth.’ Turn the Bluetooth toggle switch on if it is turned off.

Step-2: Now pick up your wireless controller and turn it on. If it is a PS4 controller, press and hold the PlayStation and Share button together, and if it is an Xbox One controller, press the Connect button to get it in pairing mode.

Step-3: Next, find the controller in the list of devices on the TV screen. Click on it to start pairing.

Step-4: Follow the on-screen instructions and wait for the pairing to complete.

That’s it. Now you can use the controller with Apple TV as well.

Final Verdict

iPhone and iPad games have already come a long way. Now you can even enjoy them with a PS4 or Xbox wireless controller. This is how you connect a PS4 controller to an iPhone or iPad. You can connect your Xbox One or any other third-party controller in a similar manner. If you have any issues while connecting, make sure you are not out of the Bluetooth range.

If the problem still exists, you can seek help from us by using the comment box. That’s all for this post. I hope you find it helpful.