...
🔍

Need An iPhone Controller? Use Xbox/PS4 Controller Instead!

There’s a TON of iPhone controllers available. But why not just use your Xbox or PS4 controller instead if you have one?


When it comes to dedicated iPhone controllers for iPhone, you have A LOT of options. The third-party market for iPhone accessories is huge and, because Apple’s App Store has so many good games, there is always a demand for more console-like controllers for iPhone.

We’ve tested a bunch of iPhone controllers over the years, but our current favorite – at least at the time of writing – has to be the Rotor Riot Wired Game Controller (pictured below) – you can get it for $49.99

iPhone ControllerPin

It works great, it’s wired, so you don’t need to worry about battery life, and the controller is very close to Microsoft’s Xbox One controller in design (meaning it’s awesome for gaming).

Or, You Could Just Use Your Xbox or PS4 Dual-Shock For iPhone Gaming…

However, if you have an Xbox or a PS4 you can use the controllers from either system to play games on your iPhone (or iPad and iPod touch). There are a few caveats, listed below, but for the most part, using your existing Xbox or PS4 controller for your iPhone is likely the best option.

When it comes to Xbox controllers, not ALL models will work with iPhone – you need the Bluetooth-compatible one that came with the Xbox One S (model 1708). With Sony’s PS4 Dual-Shock controller, you don’t have to worry about a thing; all of its models work with iPhone.

How To Pair Xbox Controller With iPhone (iPad, iPod touch)

  • Open The Settings App on Your iPhone & Go To Bluetooth
  • Make Sure Bluetooth is Switched On
  • Now, Grab Your Xbox One Controller & Hold Down The Wireless Enrolment Button on The Back of The Controller (It’s a Small Black
  • Button on The Top of The Controller)
  • After a Few Seconds, You Should See Xbox One Controller Appear in Your Bluetooth Settings
  • Select Xbox One Controller to Pair It
  • Once The Light on Your Xbox One Controller Stops Flashing, It’s Connected to Your iPhone

How To Pair PS4 DualShock With iPhone (iPad, iPod touch)

  • Open the Settings App & Select Bluetooth
  • Press the PlayStation button and the Share button and the same time, holding them down for a few seconds
  • The light on the back of your PS4 DualShock should start flashing.
  • On your iPhone or iPad, you should see “DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller” pop up
  • Select it to start pairing
  • When the light on the back changes to a reddish/pink color, your DualShock 4 is paired.

If you don’t have an Xbox or PS4, again, our #1 pick right now for the best overall iPhone controller would have to be the Rotor Riot Wired Game Controller. It looks great, has an awesome Xbox-style button layout and because it’s wired to the iPhone, there is zero latency and you don’t have to worry about battery life.

It’s also priced pretty good too; you can pick one up for $49.99 via Walmart.

Richard Goodwin

Richard Goodwin has been working as a tech journalist for over 10 years. He has written for Den of Geek, Fortean Times, IT PRO, PC Pro, ALPHR, and many other technology sites. He is the editor and owner of KnowYourMobile.

Scroll to Top