With the release of iOS 14.5 and tvOS 14.5, Apple users can now connect their PS5 DualSense and Xbox Series X controllers to an iPhone, iPad and Apple TV. We'll show you how it all works.
Since iOS 13 and tvOS 13, users have been able to connect popular console controllers to an iPhone or Apple TV to play Apple Arcade games and other iOS games, rather than having to spend extra money on MFi-compatible controllers. The latest updates, iOS 14.5 and tvOS 14.5, introduce additional support for the latest gaming controllers from Sony and Microsoft, allowing the PS5 DualSense controller and Xbox Series X controller to be used with iPhones and iPads. The following steps will walk you through the process of pairing your DualSense or Series X controller with your Apple device.
How to connect the PS5 DualSense controller to your iPhone or iPad
For this to actually work, you should be running iOS 14.5 or iPadOS 14.5 or newer. So please make sure you have the appropriate version. To do this, open the settings and navigate to "About" in the "General" section. Now for the pairing:
- Open the Settings app on your iOS device and navigate to Bluetooth.
- On your DualSense controller, press and hold the Share button (next to the D-pad, with three lines radiating from the top) and the PS button (between the thumbsticks) at the same time. Hold them for at least three seconds, until you see the light bar flash blue.
- Now tap your PS5 DualSense controller under “Other devices” on your iPhone/iPad.
- Now tap on “Pair”.
How to connect the Xbox Series X controller to your iPhone or iPad
- Open the Settings app on your iOS device and navigate to Bluetooth.
- On your Xbox Series X controller, press and hold the pairing button on the top of the controller for a few seconds.
- Now tap your Xbox Series X controller under “Other devices” on your iPhone/iPad.
- Now tap on “Pair”.
To conserve battery life when you're finished using the controller, go back to the Bluetooth Settings screen and tap the info icon ("i") next to the controller, then tap Disconnect or Forget This Device to remove it from the list.
How to connect the PS5 DualSense controller to Apple TV
- Open the Settings app on Apple TV and select Remotes and Devices -> Bluetooth.
- On your DualSense controller, press and hold the Share button (next to the D-pad, with three lines radiating from the top) and the PS button (between the thumbsticks) at the same time. -Hold them for at least three seconds, until you see the light bar flash blue.
- Now select the DualSense controller on your Apple TV to pair it, which will be confirmed with a notification on tvOS.
How to connect the Xbox Wireless Controller to Apple TV
- Open the Settings app on Apple TV and select Remotes and Devices -> Bluetooth.
- On your Xbox Series X controller, press and hold the pairing button on the top of the controller for a few seconds.
- On your Apple TV, select the Xbox Series X controller to pair it, which will be confirmed with a notification on tvOS.
The steps above should work for most wireless console controllers, including the DualShock 4 wireless controller and the Xbox wireless controller. Don't have a joystick yet? Check out in our Amazon Storefront Please note: You can only play games on iPhone and iPad with a controller if they offer appropriate controller support. (Photo by HannaKuprevich / Bigstockphoto)
