Using a game controller with an iPhone or iPad can make playing games feel like a traditional game console experience, and both iOS and iPadOS fully support modern controllers. The Xbox Series X controller connects easily via Bluetooth and works with many popular iPhone and iPad games, whether it’s popular classics like Fortnite or Call of Duty, or tons of Apple Arcade titles.
If you’re an iPad or iPhone gamer and want to use your Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S controller with your device, here’s how to get that set up so you’re connected and ready to play.
While we’re emphasizing the Xbox Series X here, this works the same way to pair an Xbox Series S controller to an iPhone and iPad as well. And even though it’s a previous generation now, the Xbox One controller pairs with iOS and iPadOS as well. Anyway, let’s get to it so you can start playing games with the controller.
How to connect and use an Xbox Series X controller with an iPhone or iPad
Pairing the controller is quick and straight forward, accomplished through the Bluetooth settings on either iOS or iPadOS.
- Open the “Settings” app on iPhone or iPad, then go to “Bluetooth”, make sure Bluetooth is ON.
- Now put the Xbox Series X controller into Pairing Mode by pressing and holding the small Sync/Pairing button on the top of the controller for about 5 seconds until the Xbox button starts to light up.
- Back in the iPad or iPhone app, look for “Xbox Wireless Controller” or similar words under the list of available devices, then click on it to connect and pair the game controller.
When the Xbox Series X controller is successfully paired with an iPhone or iPad, the Xbox button will stay lit and stop flashing.
Now it’s ready to be used for gaming, so fire up a game you know supports the controller, and have fun! However, if you didn’t know this, you can use the game controller to navigate the iPad’s Home Screen and launch apps and games, which is a handy trick.
Using Xbox Controller for Gaming on iPad and iPhone
Now that your Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S controller is synced and paired with your iPhone or iPad, you’re ready to use it to play. The important thing to remember is that the apps or games you play must have controller support, which most don’t. This includes popular titles like Fortnite, Minecraft, Call of Duty, and many Apple Arcade games.
Most compatible games will recognize the controller as soon as it’s paired with your device, with no setup required. You can usually go into individual game settings to continue configuring the controller to your liking, however, if you wish to remap buttons or adjust controller preferences, you will do so on a per-app basis for each game.
How to Unpair or Unpair Xbox Series X Controller on iOS / iPadOS
You can disconnect an Xbox Series X or Series S controller from an iPhone or iPad temporarily or completely:
- Temporarily disconnect by turning off the controller, by pressing the Xbox button on the controller
- Or, remove the controller completely by going to Settings > Bluetooth > tapping (i) next to the connected controller, and choosing to disconnect and forget this device.
If you completely remove the controller you will need to re-sync and pair the controller again using the additional instructions above, if you want to use the same controller to play games on your iPhone or ipad again.
There isn’t much reason to temporarily disable the controller, and if you just let the controller sit idle and unused it will automatically shut down anyway.
Troubleshooting connection and pairing issues with Xbox Series Controllers and iPad & iPhone
If the controller won’t connect or disconnects unexpectedly, try these steps:
- Make sure the controller has enough battery power, and replace the batteries if necessary. This is the number one reason why controllers automatically disconnect or have pairing and connection problems
- Turn Bluetooth OFF and ON again in Settings > Bluetooth
- Restart the iPhone or iPad
- Remove and resync the controller after a reboot if you continue to have connection problems
- Be aware of potential interference between the controller and the iPad or iPhone, especially if you’re playing remotely from something bright on the TV or connected via HDMI to a large display.
- If the controller doesn’t work for other games, check the game developer’s website to make sure the game itself supports the controllers. Some popular games don’t actually support controllers, like PUBG
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Pairing an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S controller with an iPad or iPhone can make a big difference in gaming on these devices. Sure touch controls work well for most users, but a physical controller is superior for many advanced gamers and enthusiasts, as it offers more precision and a familiar feel. Using a game controller like this also gives you more of a console gaming experience, which is great, especially on the iPad with its larger display.
We’re obviously focusing on Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S controllers in this article, but you can also pair an Xbox One controller, a Playstation 5 controller, and a Playstation 4 controller, as well as other third-party Bluetooth controllers, to an iPhone or iPad (or a Mac too, but that’s another topic).
Do you use a game controller with an iPad or iPhone? What do you think of the experience? Does it work with your favorite games? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.