How to Connect Your PS5 DualSense Controller to iPad and iPhone: A Detailed Guide

In the world of mobile gaming, playing with touchscreen controls can sometimes feel limiting, especially when you're used to the tactile precision of a traditional controller. Fortunately, Apple devices like the iPhone and iPad now support pairing with external controllers, including the PS5 DualSense controller. Connecting your PS5 DualSense to an iPad or iPhone can significantly enhance your mobile gaming experience, providing more control, comfort, and responsiveness.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the detailed steps to connect your PS5 DualSense controller to your iPad or iPhone, answer common questions, and offer troubleshooting tips to ensure a smooth pairing process. Let’s dive in!

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Why Connect a PS5 DualSense Controller to an iPhone or iPad?

Before we get into the step-by-step guide, it's worth understanding why you’d want to pair your PS5 DualSense controller with an iPhone or iPad. Here's why:

• Enhanced Control: Mobile games are often easier to play with physical buttons, especially for action or shooter games where precision is critical.
• Console-Level Experience: Many games that are available on PlayStation are also available on iOS, such as Call of Duty: Mobile and Fortnite. Pairing a controller gives you the same immersive experience as if you were playing on a console.
• Improved Comfort: Extended gaming sessions on touchscreens can become uncomfortable. Using a controller gives your hands a break and lets you play more comfortably for longer periods.
• Cross-Device Compatibility: The PS5 DualSense controller works with a variety of Apple devices, making it a great option for gamers who enjoy gaming on multiple platforms.

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How to Connect the PS5 DualSense Controller to an iPad or iPhone

Step 1: Check Your Device Compatibility

Before pairing your controller, ensure that your iPhone or iPad is compatible with the PS5 DualSense controller. Apple officially supports game controllers starting from iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5, so make sure your device is running at least this version or a later update.

• iPhones: iPhone 6s and newer models with iOS 14.5 or later
• iPads: iPad Air 2, iPad Mini 4, iPad (5th generation), and newer models with iPadOS 14.5 or later

You can check your device's software version by navigating to:

• Settings > General > Software Update
  If your iPhone or iPad is not updated, follow the on-screen prompts to install the latest update.

Step 2: Put the DualSense Controller in Pairing Mode

To connect your PS5 DualSense controller to your iPhone or iPad, you'll need to put the controller into pairing mode.

1. Turn on the PS5 DualSense controller.

   • Press the PS button in the middle of the controller. If it’s already paired with a PS5, the controller might turn on your console, so you may need to turn off the console before proceeding.

2. Enter Bluetooth pairing mode.

   • Hold down the PS button and the Create button (the small button to the left of the touchpad) at the same time. Keep holding them until the light bar around the touchpad begins to blink rapidly. This indicates the controller is in pairing mode and ready to connect.

Step 3: Connect the Controller to Your iPhone or iPad

Now that your controller is in pairing mode, it’s time to connect it to your Apple device:

1. Open Bluetooth settings on your device.

   • Go to Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
   • Tap Bluetooth, then toggle it on if it’s not already enabled.

2. Find your DualSense controller.

   • Under the Other Devices section in the Bluetooth menu, you should see "DualSense Wireless Controller" appear. Tap it to begin pairing.

3. Confirm the connection.

   • Once connected, the blinking light on the controller will change to a solid color, indicating that the pairing is successful.

Step 4: Test the Controller

Once paired, you can test your PS5 DualSense controller in any compatible game. Not all games on iOS support external controllers, so make sure you choose a title that does.

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Common Questions About Connecting PS5 DualSense to iPhone or iPad

1. Can I Use All the Features of the DualSense Controller on iOS?

While most core features of the PS5 DualSense controller, such as the buttons, triggers, and thumbsticks, work perfectly on iOS, some advanced features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback are not supported by iPhone or iPad at the moment.

2. What Games Can I Play With a PS5 DualSense Controller on iOS?

Several iOS games support external controllers, including popular titles like:

• Call of Duty: Mobile
• Genshin Impact
• Asphalt 9: Legends
• Fortnite (if available on your device)
• NBA 2K

Additionally, Apple Arcade offers several controller-compatible games, making it an excellent option for gamers looking to use their DualSense.

3. Can I Charge My Controller While Playing on iPhone or iPad?

Yes, you can connect your controller to a charging cable while it's paired with your iPhone or iPad. Simply use a USB-C cable or a compatible charger to keep the controller powered during long gaming sessions.

4. Does the PS5 DualSense Controller Work with Apple TV or Mac?

Yes! The PS5 DualSense controller can also be paired with other Apple devices like Apple TV and Macs running macOS Big Sur 11.3 or later. The pairing process is very similar to that for iPhones and iPads.

5. How Can I Unpair My Controller?

To unpair the DualSense controller, you can either:

• Go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the "i" icon next to the DualSense controller, and select Forget This Device.
• Alternatively, turn off Bluetooth entirely to disconnect the controller.

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Troubleshooting Tips:

1. DualSense Controller Won’t Pair

If your PS5 DualSense controller isn’t showing up under Bluetooth devices or won’t pair, try the following steps:

• Restart both devices: Turn off your iPhone or iPad and the controller, then try pairing again.
• Reset the controller: You can reset the DualSense controller by using a small pin to press the reset button on the back of the controller, near the L2 button.

2. Controller Keeps Disconnecting

If the controller frequently disconnects during gameplay, it might be due to low battery levels or Bluetooth interference. Ensure the controller is fully charged and that there aren’t too many other Bluetooth devices active around you.

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Conclusion

Pairing your PS5 DualSense controller with your iPhone or iPad can revolutionize your mobile gaming experience, giving you greater control and comfort. Whether you're playing console-quality games on your iPhone or exploring new titles on your iPad, the DualSense controller offers a familiar and responsive setup.

With just a few simple steps, you can connect your PS5 DualSense controller to your Apple device and start enjoying your favorite mobile games with all the advantages of console-quality controls.