Connecting a PlayStation 5 (PS5) DualSense controller to an iPhone is an easy way to enhance your mobile gaming experience. With a PS5 controller connected, you can play controller-supported iOS games like those found on Apple Arcade with greater precision and comfort compared to using the touchscreen alone.
Let me show you everything you need to know to connect your PS5 controller to an iPhone.
Requirements
Before connecting your PS5 controller to an iPhone, make sure you have the following:
- A PS5 DualSense controller
- An iPhone model running iOS 14.5 or later (check Apple’s iOS compatibility list to confirm)
- Bluetooth enabled on both devices
- Latest firmware installed on the PS5 controller
Your iPhone also needs enough battery charge to complete the pairing process. I recommend charging both devices fully before beginning.
How to Connect the PS5 Controller via Bluetooth
Connecting the DualSense controller to an iPhone using Bluetooth only takes a few quick steps:
- On your iPhone, open the Settings app and ensure Bluetooth is enabled under the “General” section.
- Press and hold the PS button and Create button on the PS5 controller simultaneously until the light bar begins rapidly flashing. This puts the controller into pairing mode.
- On your iPhone, select the “DualSense Wireless Controller” from the list of Bluetooth devices found under “Other Devices.”
- Accept the prompt on your iPhone to pair the devices. The light bar on the controller will briefly flash rapidly when pairing is successful.
The PS5 controller is now wirelessly connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth and ready for use in controller-supported iOS games.
Tips for Connecting
Here are some useful troubleshooting tips if you encounter any problems getting your PS5 controller connected to your iPhone:
- Both devices need sufficient battery charge to connect properly. Charge fully before trying again if you encounter issues.
- Make sure you are updated to the latest iOS version that supports DualSense controllers.
- On the PS5 controller, press the PS button to wake it from sleep mode before putting into pairing mode in step 2.
- If the controller connects but none of the buttons work, press the PS button on the controller to establish connectivity.
- You can only have 1 controller paired to an iPhone at a time. Make sure no other controllers are connected before attempting to pair.
- Soft reset the controller by pressing the small reset button on the back with a paperclip if troubleshooting steps don’t resolve connection issues.
How to Play iOS Games with the PS5 Controller
Once successfully paired via Bluetooth, you can use the DualSense to play controller-supported iOS games like those found on Apple Arcade.
The PS5 controller generally works intuitively with most games, automatically mapping buttons to standard controller inputs. However, you may need to visit the settings menu within some games to customize the button mapping to your preference.
Here are some of the best iOS games to play with a connected PS5 controller:
- Oceanhorn 2
- Hot Lava
- Sneaky Sasquatch
- Skate City
- Shinsekai: Into the Depths
- Fantasian
- NBA 2K23 Arcade Edition
- Call of Duty: Mobile
- Minecraft
Be sure to look for the gamepad icon on game listings to confirm controller support before downloading. This ensures an optimal experience playing with the DualSense.
How to Disconnect Your PS5 Controller from an iPhone
When you’re done playing iOS games with your PS5 controller, it’s important to properly disconnect it to extend battery life.
To disconnect the DualSense controller from an iPhone:
- Open the Settings app and select “Bluetooth”.
- Under “My Devices”, find your PS5 controller and tap the “i” icon next to it.
- Select “Disconnect” on the next screen.
The controller will then power off automatically after being disconnected to preserve battery charge.
Simply follow the steps in this guide again when you want to reconnect your PS5 controller for mobile gameplay. It should instantly pair back up with your iPhone as long as you haven’t connected it to another device in the meantime.
Conclusion
Connecting your PS5 DualSense controller to an iPhone is a super quick and easy process thanks to Bluetooth support in iOS. With just a few button presses, you can start experiencing your favorite controller-supported iOS games in a whole new way.
Whether you want more precise controls for Apple Arcade games or a better experience playing Call of Duty: Mobile, using a PS5 controller improves mobile gaming on iPhone.