How to connect a PlayStation controller to an iPhone or iPad

Apple likes to tout the gaming possibilities of the iPhone and iPad, but let’s face it — it’s hard to play action games like Dead Cells or Grand Theft Auto using a touchscreen. If you’ve got a spare PS4 or PS5 controller, you can be in gaming heaven within a matter of minutes.

QUICK ANSWER

With your PlayStation controller off, hold the PS and Share buttons at the same time until the lightbar starts flashing. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and choose your controller from the device list. DualShock 4 owners may need to push the PS button again to establish a working connection.

JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS

• How pair a PS4 or PS5 controller to an iPhone or iPad
• How to disconnect a controller from an iPhone or iPad

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How pair a PS4 or PS5 controller to an iPhone

Apple supports two native Sony controllers: the DualSense (for the PS5) and the DualShock 4 (for the PS4). Third-party Bluetooth controllers are an alternative, but only some of them use the PlayStation layout, and pairing instructions may vary.

To pair a DualSense or DualShock 4 with an iPhone:

• Make sure the controller is turned off, and that Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone.
• Press and hold the controller’s PS and Share buttons at the same time until the lightbar starts flashing. That means you’re in pairing mode.
• On your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and choose the controller from the device list.
• The DualSense should link up automatically, but if a DualShock 4 pairs without actually connecting, press the PS button.

How to disconnect a controller from an iPhone

To unpair, go to Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone and tap the Info (i) button next to the controller’s name. Choose Disconnect for a temporary disconnection, or Forget This Device if you want your iPhone to ignore the controller until you decide to re-pair.