How To Connect A Ps4 Controller To An Iphone Ipad Or Apple Tv
You won’t want to go back to touchscreen controls.
Although Bluetooth controller support seems like a relatively easy feature to implement, it took Apple a while to support external controllers like the PlayStation 4s DualShock 4 controller. Luckily, connecting a PS4 controller to an Apple device is a straightforward process that only takes a few minutes.
Its rare to find a mobile game with poor touchscreen controls these days, but its also difficult to beat the level of comfort a controller brings to the table. Connecting a PS4 controller to your Apple devices also allows you more freedom of movement while you get lost in your game of choice.
Heres how you can connect your PS4 controller to your iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV.
- Navigate to the Settings on your Apple device and look for the Bluetooth setting.
- Turn Bluetooth on and scroll down to see the list of available devices.
- Get the PS4 controller youre looking to sync with your Apple device.
- Press and hold the Share and the PS button on your controller at the same time.
- Doing so will turn on your controller in sync mode, and itll start sending out a Bluetooth signal to nearby devices. The light on the back of your controller will begin flashing when sync mode is active.
- Scan for new nearby devices if your PS4 controller hasnt shown up on the list yet.
How To Disconnect The Ps4 Controller From Your Ipad
If you want to disconnect the PS4 Controller from your iPad when youre done playing, there are two ways to do so.
Method 1: PS4 On your PS4 controller, youll need to hold down the PlayStation button for 10 seconds.
Method 2: iPad Go to your Control Center > Press and hold down on the Bluetooth icon > Press and hold down the icon in the menu that pops up that says Bluetooth > Turn it on > Click on the DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller in the options that pop up.
Method 3: Go to the Settings app and tap on Bluetooth > Youll see DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller under My DEVICES > Now click on the i letter circled in blue to the right > Click on Disconnect in the menu that pops up.
Use Multiple Game Controllers With Apple Tv
Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD support up to four Bluetooth game controllers simultaneously. If you’re using a Bluetooth audio accessory with Apple TV, only one game controller is supported.
Some apps let you use an iOS device as an additional controller, which doesn’t require a Bluetooth connection. For help using an iOS device as a controller in an app, contact the app developer.
Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Contact the vendor for additional information.
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How To Connect A Playstation 4 Controller To Your Iphone
Mobile gaming isn’t the touchscreen-only affair it used to be. Smartphones are increasingly home to serious, competitive games that require external controllers to really play at your peak ability. Lots of manufacturers have stepped in to create options designed specifically for this purpose. But, what if I told you there’s a good chance you’ve got a perfectly viable, possibly even superior controller for iPhone games sitting in a drawer right now?
Many people don’t even realize it’s possible to connect some official console controllers to other devices. Their reliance on Bluetooth technology means they can indeed be used with things like PCs and smartphones. The PlayStation 4 controller has seen its popularity for this purpose skyrocket thanks to the sheer number of them available and the excellent quality of the controller itself.
We’re going to show you how to quickly and easily pair your PlayStation 4 controller with your iPhone for use in any mobile game that supports external Bluetooth controller inputs. Follow this quick tutorial and you’ll never again miss a shot because your thumb got in the way.
How To Disconnect Your Controller
Unlike when youre playing on Xbox One or PS4, your controller wont 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.
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How To Pair A Dualshock 4 With An Iphone Or Ipad
Open the Settings app.
Press Bluetooth. Bluetooth is probably already on, but if it isnt, flip the Bluetooth toggle at the top of the next page to green.
While the Bluetooth menu is still open, grab your DualShock 4 controller and make sure its charged.
Press the PlayStation button and the Share button and the same time and hold them down for a few seconds. The light on the back of your DualShock 4 should start flashing intermittently.
On your iPhone or iPad, you should see DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller pop up under Other Devices in the Bluetooth menu. Press it.
The light on the back of your DualShock 4 should immediately switch to a reddish-pink color. Your DualShock 4 is now paired.
Hold both of these buttons down at the same time for about two seconds.
How To Use A Ps4 Or Xbox One Controller On Iphone Or Ipad
With the release of iOS 13 came a range of new features, but none were more important to gamers than the introduction of PS4 and Xbox One controller compatibility. Youve been able to use physical controllers to play high-end games on the iPhone and iPad for years, but theyve traditionally been controllers designed specifically for Apples devices and, lets be honest, they pale in comparison to the likes of the DualShock 4 and Xbox One controllers.
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.
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How To Connect Ps4 Controller To Ipad
Play Asphalt with PS4 controller on your iPad
Playing games is a leisurely activity that many people relish. With AR, VR, and many such technological miracles, gamers get to play the best of games anywhere, anytime.
Controllers are one such tech accessories whose absence creates visible hurdles for gamers.
The PS4 controllers, for instance, are the most sought-after controllers, so it shouldnt come as a shock that many gamers want to use them with devices other than PlayStation namely the iPad.
Even though it took a long time, the iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV finally support PlayStation 4 DualShock 4 controllers
Setting up such controllers is super easy, as you will see below.
Remember that the iPad you wish to connect with should be running iPadOS 13 or later. As for the controller, and PlayStation 4 model of wireless DualShock 4 controller will work. Of course, the PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller is supported.
Moreover, all these steps and settings are similar for the iPhone should you want to game on it with a PS4 controller.
Put Your Playstation 4 Controller Into Pairing Mode
Pressing and holding these two buttons at once will put the device into pairing mode, making it discoverable by any supported Bluetooth device
With your PlayStation 4 controller turned off, press and hold the PS button and until the light panel on the top of the controller begins to rapidly flash white. This means the controller is now in pairing mode and ready to connect. We’ll be going back to the iPhone for step 3.
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How To Pair An Xbox Wireless Controller With Ios Ipados Or Tvos
First, you need to turn on your Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S controller by pressing the Xbox symbol at the top, then put it into pair mode by pressing the pairing button on the top face of the controller .
The Xbox symbol should then blink more quickly.
For iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, click on the “Settings” app on your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. Tap on Bluetooth and under “Other Devices” you should see “Xbox Wireless Controller”. Tap on that and it should automatically pair with your device.
The instructions are similar for Apple TV. Again, head to the “Settings” application although this time you need to scroll to “Remotes and Devices”. The “Bluetooth” option is in there, so click on it and, if your controller is in pair mode it should appear as “Xbox Wireless Controller” under “Other Devices”. Click on that and you’re done. You can also use the controller for all navigation on Apple TV instead of the included remote.
Playstation 4 Controller Smartphone Holders
Below are a few smartphone holders we found that will let you connect your PS4 controller to your iPhone to easily take your gaming on the go. While most of these mounts are pretty universal, make sure to double check that your specific model of iPhone is supported by the provided smartphone clamp, especially if you have a larger model, like the iPhone Pro Max .
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What If I Dont Have A Dualshock 4
Though the black version is often on sale for $39.99, the DualShock 4 is not a cheap controller, and if youd rather not shell out that up to $65 for mobile gaming, there are alternatives you can pick up today. Youll just need to make sure the controller you pick has the MFi branding and youll be good to go.
If you can spare around $30, its easy to pick one up. We recommend the SteelSeries Nimbus since it has great battery life and is designed to work with all iOS devices around, including your iPad. This is a good-looking controller, with its gunmetal-gray plastic and metal finish one of the best weve seen out there.
SteelSeries typically makes accessories for PC gaming, so you shouldnt be surprised that this gamepad works great for any iOS device you have around, and it a great choice if youre looking for something to play through your Steam library with. Everything on this controllerfrom the buttons to the joysticks to the D-padfeels great, built for precision in any kind of game.
The controller is big, measuring in similar size and style to the DualShock 4 controller, complete with an identical thumbstick layout. The device uses Lightning to charge too, which could be a benefit to some and a hindrance to others, but its worth noting the battery life is more than solid, promising over 40 hours of gameplay between batteries.
Set Up The Stadia Controller
Googles controller uses Wi-Fi instead of Bluetooth, so the process isnt quite as simple.
Step 1: Install the Stadia app from the App Store.
Step 2: Open the Stadia app and tap the Controller icon located in the top right.
Step 3: Tap Connect Controller.
Step 4: Tap Stadia Controller.
Note: Selecting other controllers on this list merely leads you to instructions on how to pair them using Bluetooth.
Step 5: With the controller powered on, press and hold the Stadia button for two seconds. The device should begin to vibrate.
Step 6: Tap Next on the screen to continue.
Step 7: Tap Yes, Blinking Orange if the controller is blinking correctly.
Step 8: Tap on the detected controller.
Step 9: Tap Yes if the controller vibrates as expected.
Step 10: Agree to the Microphone Privacy, and then share or deny diagnostics and usage data.
Step 11: Tap to connect to the Same network as the iPhone or iPad, or tap Choose a Different Network.
Step 12: Enter the networks password and then tap Connect to Wi-Fi.
Step 13: Tap Next to begin linking the controller to a screen using four button presses. This is primarily for linking it to a Chromecast Ultra.
Step 14: Tap Done to finish.
Note: If you have a Chromecast Ultra, the controller will always auto-link to the device. To disable auto-linking, press and hold the Stadia button for three seconds when you power the controller on. It will vibrate once when it boots and again after three seconds.
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Sync To Another Screen
Syncing to another screen is helpful if youre changing from an iPhone to an iPad. Here, youll need to remove the previous link code first and use a new one exhibited on the second screen.
Step 1: Tap to open the Stadia shortcut, or go to Stadia in Safari.
Step 2: Tap the Controller icon in the top right corner.
Step 3: Press down and hold the Stadia button until the controller vibrates two times. You should see the status light around the Stadia button blink white.
Step 4: Match the presented link code using the controllers buttons. The controller should appear as linked on the screen.
Use Bluetooth Or Cables To Sync Your Dualshock 4
To those lucky gamers who snagged a PS5 and are trading in their PS4s, think about holding onto your old controllers. You can connect a DualShock 4 to your iPhone or Android phone using Bluetooth, and get a huge, free upgrade on touch controls.
More and more mobile games are adding controller support, not to mention mobile game streaming services like Stadia or Game Pass Ultimate. Third-party controllers may not work with all of them, but the DualShock 4 is almost always on the list of supported accessories.
Figuring out how to connect a PS4 controller to iPhone or Android can be finicky and frustrating without some help. But follow our steps below, and it shouldn’t take you more than a couple of minutes to sync up your favorite controller with your favorite mobile games.
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How To Use A Ps4 Controller On The Ipad
William SattelbergWilliam has been with TechJunkie since 2017, writing about smartphones, games, streaming media, and anything else that technology touches in our current age. In addition, he also works as a video producer, writing and recording scripts for our video team and editing videos for TechJunkie’s YouTube channel. William graduated from SUNY Fredonia in 2016 with a degree in Video Production, and lives in Buffalo, NY. Read moreApril 23, 2021
The DualShock 4 is the fourth iteration of the DualShock line of controllers, and the first since the original to change up the design, while still holding onto what makes the controller recognizable to gamers everywhere.
Sony released the original PlayStation in 1994, bundled with the PlayStation Controller, complete with four directional buttons and four face buttons, but was missing the dual-analog sticks that are now commonplace on every gaming controller from the DualShock 4 to the Xbox Elite controller to the Switchs Pro Controller.
In 1997, three years later, Sony released the Dual Analog Controller but was pulled off the market by 1998 in favor of a refined version: the Dualshock. Now on its fourth iteration, the Dualshock 4 has proven to be one of the best controllers ever made by Sony.
How To Pair An Xbox Controller With Your Iphone
Now, let’s pair an Xbox One controller. Here’s where things get, to quote Gollum from Lord Of The Rings, “Tricksy.” Not all Xbox One controllers will work with your iPhone, iPad or AppleTV. Specifically, you need a model 1708 controller, aka the one that came with the Xbox One S.
To check which model of Xbox One controller you have:
To pair your Xbox 1708 controller:
Apple’s support for PS4 and Xbox controllers is a smart move in helping you enjoy your games. And if you want that same gaming experience on your Mac, read about how to pair your Xbox or PS4 controller with a Mac.
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How To Play Games With The Controller On Your Iphone And Ipad
Controller support on iOS and iPadOS has been around for many years, so a lot of popular games already support it. Once you connect the controller, go to whichever games settings page to check if you can switch to the controller mode.
If youre playing games from Apple Arcade, the controller will be activated automatically when you launch the game. Apple Arcade games also highlight controller support for a game right at the top of the listing.
Controller support is just one of the new features in iOS 13. Once youve paired your controller with your iPhone or iPad, you should enable the dark mode to make those late-night gaming sessions easier on the eyes.