Connect a wireless games controller to your Apple device
Connect a wireless Xbox, PlayStation or other Bluetooth games controller to your iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or Apple Vision Pro.
Pair and connect a controller
Instructions for PlayStation games controllers and Xbox games controllers are available, but the general steps are the same for all Bluetooth games controllers that can be paired with a computer or mobile phone:
Press and hold the appropriate button or buttons on the controller to put it into pairing mode. This makes it discoverable by your Apple device. (Check your controller’s documentation for setup details specific to pairing with a computer or mobile phone.)
Open Bluetooth settings on your Apple device, then select the controller from the list of nearby devices.
Some controllers can pair and connect automatically when plugged directly into your Apple device with a USB cable that supports data and charging.
Customise controller buttons and features
For a growing number of games controllers, Apple devices include settings for customising buttons and other controller features.
Make sure your Apple device has the required software:
iOS 16 or later on iPhone
iPadOS 16 or later on iPad
tvOS 16 or later on Apple TV
macOS Ventura 13 or later on Mac
visionOS on Apple Vision Pro
Make sure the controller is turned on and connected to your Apple device.
If customisation settings are available for your controller, you can find them here:
iPhone, iPad: go to Settings > General > Game Controller. Tap the name of your controller, then tap Default Controls.
Apple TV: go to Settings > General > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth. Select your controller, then select Customisation.
Mac: choose Apple menu > System Settings, click Game Controllers in the sidebar, then click the name of your controller.
Apple Vision Pro: go to Settings > General > Game Controller. Choose an option for buttons you want to change, or tap Add App to create custom controls for a certain app.
When you pair more than one controller that can be customised in this way, these settings include Buddy Controller. You can use the Buddy Controller feature to combine inputs from multiple controllers into one so that another person can support you in getting to the next level in your game. (Buddy Controller is not supported on Apple Vision Pro.)
If the controller isn't connecting or working as expected
Support for specific buttons and features, such as a controller's audio jack or lights, varies by controller and the app you're using with it.
Install the latest software updates for your Apple device and games controller. If a software (firmware) update is available for the controller, get it from the maker of the controller.
In Bluetooth settings, select the controller or the More Info button
(if present) next to its name, then select Forget This Device. Pair and connect the controller again.Reduce the number of Bluetooth devices connected to your Apple device. This can also help with connection issues related to wireless interference. Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD support up to four Bluetooth games controllers at the same time, or one controller when Apple TV is also using a Bluetooth audio accessory. The limit for other Apple devices varies based on your specific setup and wireless environment.
Some controllers can pair with more than one device, and they can use buttons on the controller to disconnect from one device and reconnect to another. Check with the maker of the controller for details, and remember that you can use Bluetooth settings on your device to reconnect manually.
To charge your controller, use the charging solution included with your controller or recommended by the controller manufacturer.
Learn more
With some apps, you can use an iPhone or iPad as an additional controller. This doesn't require a Bluetooth connection. Contact the app developer for details.