How to connect your PS4 controller to an iPhone

Even though iPhone games are entertaining and addictive, some of them might be challenging to play when all you have is a touchscreen. For first-person shooters and other games that call for precise movement, this is especially true.

You’re in luck if you want to game on the go but wish you had more control over the experience than the touchscreen on your phone allows. You can use Bluetooth pairing to connect a Playstation controller to your iPhone using iOS 13 (or later).

It’s important to note that not all games support controllers and the App Store typically won’t let you know which ones do or don’t. Research online or put it to the test yourself are the only reliable ways to know.

How to Pair a PS4 Controller With an iPhone

The DualShock 4 controllers from Sony are officially supported with the iPhone. You can also utilize PS4 controllers from other manufacturers, however, they might not work as expected.

So, in order to pair your PS4 controller 4 with your iPhone, do the following:

1. Press the PlayStation and Share buttons on your PS4 controller. Hold both buttons down until your PS4 controller enters pairing mode, at which point the backlight light will begin blinking.
2. While the pairing mode on your controller is on, on your iPhone, go to the Settings section.
3. To access the Bluetooth menu, tap “Bluetooth.” If not, turn it on right away by clicking the toggle switch at the top of the screen. It may already be on. When Bluetooth is turned on, it will be green.
4. To observe when the controller appears and pair it, keep the Bluetooth menu window open.
5. Your iPhone’s Bluetooth menu should display “DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller” under other devices. To pair your controller, click that.

   

6. When the light on the back of your controller stops blinking and changes to a reddish pink hue, it has been paired.

The same instructions apply if you wish to pair your PS4 controller with an iPad instead.

Disconnecting Your Controller From iPhone

Once you’ve finished playing, take these steps to disconnect your PS4 controller:

1. In case that face ID is enabled on your iPhone, You can access the Control Center by swiping diagonally across your screen from the upper right to the lower left. Swipe up from the bottom of your screen on a touch ID phone.
2. Keep holding down the Bluetooth symbol.
3. There will be a menu. Look for the “Bluetooth: On” icon, then press and hold it.
4. Your DualShock controller will appear in the list of your access devices. To disconnect, press the controller’s name.

Similar to when you initially linked the controller, you can access the Bluetooth menu from Settings as well. Once you’re there:

1. Under My Devices, select “DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller,” then click the tiny I button next to it.
2. Click Disconnect.

Troubleshooting PS4 controller Connecting To iPhone

Apple suggests attempting the following if you’re still having trouble connecting your PS4 controller to your iPhone:

• Pair again after disengaging. Find out more about pairing Bluetooth devices with your iPhone here if it doesn’t work.
• If the “connection failure” notice appears even after your DualShock 4 controller connects, try pushing the Playstation (PS) button while you wait for the connection.
• There are restrictions on how many devices you may have paired at once, so be sure you don’t already have a lot of other devices connected.

That’s all. You’ve learned everything you need to connect your PS4 controller to your iPhone. These techniques also work with iPad.