There are more and more games for iPhone, iPad and Mac, especially if we add Apple Arcade games. All of them are playable with controls on the screen or on the keyboard in each case, although much more can be enjoyed connect a PlayStation controller, Xbox and many other controllers wirelessly (including those from recent consoles like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X).
To do this, you just need to follow a few simple steps to connect them via Bluetooth. Of course, it must be said that not all games are compatible with the use of controllers or at least improve the experience, but for titles like GTA and the like they improve it even more.
Which game console controllers can be connected to an iPhone, iPad or Mac
If you look at Apple’s website, they sell game controllers compatible with their devices. However, it can be used with those of PlayStation and Xboxin each case you have to know how to put them in pairing mode before connecting them to one of the Apple devices.
How to put a DualSense in pairing mode
It’s him PlayStation 5 controller and its pairing mode:
Image: Sony
- Verify that the controller light is off and that no cables are connected to it.
- Hold the button down Create (the one at the top left) and the PS button until the light bar starts flashing.
How to put a DualShock 4 into pairing mode
He PlayStation 4 controller It is also compatible with Apple devices and to activate its pairing mode you must follow these steps:
Image: Sony
- Verify that the controller light is off and that no cables are connected to it.
- Hold the button down P.S. and the button Share (top left) until the light bar starts flashing.
How to put an Xbox controller into pairing mode
It must be said that there is several compatible Xbox controllers, but not all. You’ll need to make sure they’re models like the Elite 2 or later and that they have Bluetooth. To put them in pairing mode you must follow these posts:
Image: Microsoft
- Verify that the controller light is off and that no cables are connected to it.
- Press and hold the bottom button until the light starts flashing quickly (about 3 seconds).
How to connect a controller to iPhone
iPhone requirement to connect controllers
Although there have indeed been commands compatible with the iPhone for years, the truth is that today Apple limits this option by software and this must be respected:
- Update iPhone system to iOS 16 or later.
How to connect gamepad to iPhone
- Make sure the controller is in Bluetooth pairing mode.
- Open “Settings” on the iPhone and navigate to the “Bluetooth” section.
- Locate the controller in the list of available accessories and click on the controller to make the connection.
How to connect a controller to iPad
iPad requirement to connect controllers
As with the iPhone, Apple establishes minimum software requirements on iPads to connect the controls and ensure their operation:
- Have the iPad system updated to iPadOS 16 or later.
How to connect gamepad to iPad
- Make sure the controller is in Bluetooth pairing mode.
- Open “Settings” on the iPad and navigate to the “Bluetooth” section.
- Locate the controller in the list of available accessories and click on the controller to make the connection.
How to connect a controller to your Mac
Mac requirement to connect drivers
Also on Mac, Apple sets a minimum software version for the controller to work properly, although in previous versions you could:
- Update your Mac system to macOS 13.0 Ventura or later.
How to Connect Your Gamepad to Your Mac
- Make sure the controller is in Bluetooth pairing mode.
- Open “System Settings” on your Mac and navigate to the “Bluetooth” section.
- Locate the controller in the list of available accessories and click on the controller to make the connection.
What to do if you’re having trouble connecting a controller to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac
If you are having problems connecting your controller to any of the Apple devices, you need to check all of these:
- Make sure you meet the Apple software requirements for connecting the controllers.
- Check that the controllers have a battery, and if not, charge them for a few minutes before pairing.
- Make sure the controllers are in pairing mode.
- Verify that the Bluetooth connection on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is working properly by trying to connect other Bluetooth devices.
- If all of the above is correct, in the Bluetooth settings, click the “i” in the information that appears next to the remote, click “Ignore device” and try to connect again.
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