Can you connect jailbroken game controllers?
At some point, the only way to connect a game controller to an iPhone is to jailbreak the device. However, this is not a very practical solution. Jailbreaking has fallen out of favor and we found out why jailbreaking your device is a big problem
Most of the desirable features it provides are now built into iOS, rendering it largely pointless. So we are only looking for ways to connect a game controller to iPhone without jailbreaking.
What to do if iPhone is not compatible with gamepad
If there is incompatibility between the joystick and the iOS smartphone, you will not be able to connect the two devices. They simply will not see each other even after turning on Bluetooth and performing the necessary manipulations. That is why, before connecting a gamepad to an iPad running iOS 13 or other Apple products, it is advisable to pay attention to the issue of compatibility.
Connect a game controller to your iPhone
The most popular game controllers come with their respective consoles, Microsoft Xbox One and Sony PlayStation 4.
But how can you connect a game controller to your iPhone or iPad? iOS 13 introduces expanded support for Bluetooth game controllers, such as those available on Xbox One and PS4.
All you need to do is put your phone into pairing mode and then make sure the game console your controller is paired with is turned off. You can also turn off your console so you don't accidentally turn it on and plug in a controller during the process.
Next, put the controller into pairing mode and then use the iOS Bluetooth menu to pair the devices. We'll dive into more details below.
How to connect a PS4 controller to an iPhone
Want to connect your PS4 controller to your iPad or iPhone? Open Settings > Bluetooth on your Apple device, then make sure your PS4 system is turned off. Put your PS4 controller into pairing mode (hold the PlayStation and Share together).
When the light is flashing white, the controller is discoverable and under Other Devices you should see the device listed. Tap Dualshock 4 Controller to pair your device.
To disconnect a device, open the Bluetooth screen on your iPhone, find the device, then press the i . Select Unpair if you want to disable it now, or forget about this device to remove it completely. Or turn off the controller by holding down the PlayStation for 10 seconds.
Follow the same steps to connect your PS4 controller to your iPad.
How to Connect an Xbox One Controller to an iPhone
Microsoft has released several versions of the Xbox One controller, and earlier models do not support Bluetooth connections. You can tell if you have Bluetooth if it looks like the bottom controller in the picture below:
If your controller has a plastic button around the Xbox button, like the one at the top of the image, it unfortunately doesn't support Bluetooth. This also applies to the original Xbox One Elite controller, although the Elite 2 supports Bluetooth.
To begin pairing your compatible Xbox One controller, make sure your Xbox One is turned off. Then open Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone or iPad. Press the Xbox on your controller, then hold the small connect on the top of the controller for about three seconds.
iOS should detect it and list the controller under Other Devices as an Xbox Wireless Controller . Click on this pair. After that, you can play games that support controllers with the device.
To disconnect your device, go back to the Bluetooth screen when you're done playing. Highlight the controller's name, tap i , then choose Disable to disable it or Forget About This Device to completely remove it from your device. Turning off the controller by holding the Xbox for 10 seconds also works.
The process for connecting an Xbox One controller to your iPad is the same.
What gamepads does iOS support?
Before you connect the gamepad to your iOS phone, you need to make sure that your mobile device supports it. Detailed information about the compatibility of wireless controllers is provided on the manufacturer’s official page at support.apple.com/ru-ru/HT210414. At the time of writing, connecting a gamepad to an iPhone is available for the following devices:
- Xbox Wireless Controller (Model 1708) with Bluetooth
- Xbox Adaptive Controller
- Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
- PlayStation DualShock 4 Wireless Controller.
It is also noted that you can connect the gamepad to an iPhone 6 or another model if you have Bluetooth with an MFI certificate. This point needs to be clarified individually. In the case when Bluetooth works using this technology, try connecting the controller and a smartphone with iOS. Many people ask whether it is possible to connect the following gamepads to an iPhone - Mad Catz CTRLi, Horipad, SteelSeries Stratus, Gamevice, Logitech Powershall Controller. Judging by the reviews on the Internet, this is possible.
Connect a third-party controller to your iOS device
Console game controllers are expensive. If you don't already have a console, it makes sense to spend the money on a dedicated smartphone controller.
They connect easily to your phone and are often compatible with Android. This means you can share the controller with friends or family. And if you switch from iPhone to Android, you won't need a new mobile game controller.
The controllers will only work via Bluetooth, but they must also be MFi certified. Apple's standard ensures hardware and software compatibility, making it easy for developers to add gamepad support to games.
To connect these controllers, use the Bluetooth steps above. The only difference is that the non-console controller will have a different button for Bluetooth discovery. Check your device documentation to find this.
Connection problems
When pairing two gadgets, sometimes problems occur that are unlikely to be solved on your own. Let's look at some of the errors and malfunctions that can often be encountered when connecting two devices.
Error connecting to phone or regular disconnection
Quite a common problem. Solutions:
- Completely restart the phone and joystick, but this only works in rare cases;
- Disconnecting the gamepad from the device, with further reconnection;
- Disabling all additional gadgets (Bluetooth speakers, Bluetooth headphones and others).
No sound from phone
Solution to the problem:
- Reconnecting the joystick;
- Connecting a wired headset directly to the phone;
- Connecting a wireless headset.
Buttons do not work/buttons do not work correctly
The problem is most likely in the calibration of the buttons on the device. The solution to the problem is quite simple:
- Through the manufacturer’s official website, reset the gadget’s settings, and then update the system to the latest data;
- Just update your gamepad on the Sony or Microsoft website;
- Calibrate the position and purpose of the buttons using special utilities.
What are the best game controllers for smartphones?
These devices are more affordable than console controllers and are designed for mobile gaming. You will find them in game stores and on Amazon.
Nimbus Bluetooth for mobile controllers
With over 40 hours of battery life, this Fortnite-ready controller connects via Bluetooth 4.1 and is compatible with MFi-enabled titles on all iOS devices.
The controller features a D-pad, dual joysticks, standard A/B/X/Y buttons, as well as shoulder and trigger buttons.
Stratus Wireless Game Controller
A more compact solution, this Bluetooth 2.1 controller offers 10 hours of battery life. With the D-pad, joysticks, A/B/X/Y and four shoulder/trigger buttons, you'll be in complete control.
This lightweight controller is pocket-sized and weighs only 2.72 ounces.
STOGA Mobile Game Controller
This wireless gaming controller features the obligatory D-pad, joysticks, A/B/X/Y, and four shoulder buttons, but its standout feature is the positional phone clip.
10 hours of battery life will keep you on the go. Meanwhile, the controller connects directly to games without additional software.
Common problems and solutions
Connecting a PS or XBOX gamepad to an iPhone running iOS 13 or another model is easy, provided that the joystick is compatible with the iPhone. If you have difficulty connecting, take the following steps:
- Make sure your device has the latest version of iOS, MAC OS, tvOS and others.
- Update the firmware on your joystick. To do this, use the software on the manufacturer's website.
- Check that the distance between the controller and the iPhone is no more than 10 meters, and there are no sources of interference at this distance. These include a microwave oven, power cord, wireless cameras, cordless telephone and more.
Knowing how to connect a PS4 or X Box gamepad to an iPhone, you can expand the capabilities of your iOS device and turn it into a small console. In the comments, share your connection experience and tell us what difficulties you encountered.
Capacitive “Stick On” controllers
Despite the dominance of third-party controllers, developers are still designing games with the core touchscreen audience in mind. On-screen controls remain the standard method of control, but they're far from accurate or enjoyable to use.
One compromise is to use an attached controller, such as this model from Vakili. The controller connects to your iPad using a suction cup and uses a capacitive touchscreen to add a more tactile control to your games.
Unfortunately, such devices are becoming increasingly difficult to find. A smart compromise is the GameSir F1 Grip Game Controller, which combines a traditional game controller grip with an on-screen controller pad.
Bottom line
To summarize, you can download that there are the following main ways to connect joysticks to your phone:
- Directly via Bluetooth (for Xbox One).
- Using the Sixaxis Controller program (for PS3 and PS4).
- Via OTG adapter (for wired models).
- Via a wired receiver (Xbox 360).
- For precise calibration and reassignment of keys, Octopus is useful.
All major problems that arise during connection are solved using special programs - USB OTG Checker, Tincore Keymapper, Gamepad Tester, Octopus. The vast majority of modern gamepads are compatible with smartphones, especially when it comes to devices running Android and iOS.
Connect a game controller to your iPhone for enhanced gaming
It is clear that the best way to play the game is to use the control method that is most suitable for it. If you're lucky, developers will support external controllers where needed. Of course, playing online multiplayer games like Fortnite with controllers will provide superior results compared to the default touch method.
Whether you plan to use a console controller, mobile game controller, or thumb pads, be sure to choose a device that gives you the edge. And if you want to take your mobile gaming to the next level, take a look at the best gaming smartphones
