How to Connect PS5 Controller to iPhone

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Gaming on PlayStation 5 has always been a lot of fun. But have you ever thought, what if you connected your DualSense controller to your iPhone? I know it won’t replicate that full PS5 console gameplay; it’s still worth it, though. The haptic feedback and dynamic adaptive triggers of your controller won’t disappoint you. But how to connect the PS5 controller to the iPhone? 

Put your PS5 controller into pairing mode by holding its Create and PlayStation buttons together until the light bar flashes blue. On your iPhone, turn ON Bluetooth and select your controller under Other Devices to complete the setup. 

Continue reading as I explain these steps below for both iPhone and Android users. 

Key Takeaways

• PS5 DualSense and DualSense Edge wireless controllers are compatible with the iPhone. 
• Your iPhone must be running iOS 14.5 or later in order to connect. 
• Put your PS5 controller into pairing mode by holding its Create and PlayStation buttons together until the light bar flashes blue. Enable Bluetooth on your iPhone, and tap the controller’s name for connection. 

What PS5 Controller Is Compatible With iPhone? 

PlayStation 5 DualSense & DualSense Edge wireless controllers are compatible with an iPhone.

These controllers connect to your iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, and Android device through their built-in Bluetooth, just like wireless headphones. 

For the Apple devices that I mentioned, you can also customize your controller by going to Settings > General > Game Controller. You’ll find your controller’s name. Tap it and navigate to Default Controls for customizations. 

How to Connect PS5 Controller to iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide

Before I get into the steps to connect the PS5 controller to the iPhone, make sure you fulfill the following prerequisites: 

• Both iPhone and controller are charged
• iPhone is running iOS 14.5 or later 

Tip: Go to Settings > General > About to find your iPhone’s latest version. Refer to the screenshots attached. 

How to Connect PS5 DualSense Controller to iPhone? 

Below are the simple steps to connect your PS5 controller to your iPhone: 

• Turn OFF your PS5 DualSense or DualSense Edge controller if you haven’t already. 
• Make it discoverable by your iPhone by holding the Create and PlayStation buttons together until the light bar flashes blue.

• Open your iPhone’s Settings. Navigate to Bluetooth and toggle it ON. Alternatively, swipe down the screen and turn it ON from the Control Center.

• Check your PS5 controller’s name under Other Devices at the bottom of the Bluetooth page. 

When found, just tap it to complete the connection. Wasn’t that super quick? 

Note: While executing the above steps for the first time, ensure the player indicator on your controller is OFF. If not, press and hold the PS button until it goes OFF.

See below a video of the whole process:

What Is the Difference between DualSense and DualSense Edge Controllers?

If you plan to purchase a new PS5 controller for gaming on your iPhone, you may face the dilemma of deciding which one to choose: DualSense or DualSense Edge. Even though I found it difficult to make up my mind about one initially but made the ‘best’ decision in the end. 

I simply figured out the major differences between these PS5 gamepads, and they are: 

Price

While the DualSense generally costs $69.99, its upgraded version, Edge, makes you pay a hefty $199.99. 

Winner: DualSense

Design

If I talk about design, DualSense Edge scores a brownie point for its cool aesthetics compared to its predecessor. It sports my favorite black coloration in several areas against the traditional white color scheme of DualSense. 

In addition, Edge comes with an improved build quality, making you feel like it has more depth, which it does! Rest, the placement of the button, stick, and trigger is the same in both pads. 

Winner: DualSense Edge

Features

Feature-wise, DualSense and DualSense Edge fight a ‘very’ close battle. I don’t find any significant upgrade in the latter, especially true for its haptic feedback and dynamic adaptive triggers. 

But the customization options in Edge give it an upper hand, in my opinion. To name a few, I liked the swappable thumbstick modules, analog stick sensitivity, trigger lock switches, rear paddle buttons, trigger dead zones, and vibration strength. 

Winner: DualSense Edge

Performance

You’re free to disagree with me, but there’s not much difference in the performance of DualSense and its successor, Edge. 

Winner: Tie

Battery Life

The same goes for the battery life as well. One of my friends who owns DualSense once complained to me about its poor battery life of approx. 6 hours. To my surprise, Edge also belongs to the same league, lasting for just an hour more. 

Winner: DualSense Edge

To conclude, if you’re not concerned about the price, DualSense Edge emerges as a better pad to own. But if price is your priority, DualSense isn’t a bad pick, either. 

Related: Can You Connect Bluetooth Headphones to PS4 & PS5?

How to Connect PS5 DualSense Controller to Your Android Phone? 

To connect the PS5 DualSense controller to your Android phone, here are the steps: 

• Turn OFF your PS5 DualSense or DualSense Edge controller if not already. 
• Put your PS5 controller into pairing mode by holding the Create and PlayStation buttons together until the light bar flashes blue.

• Turn ON the Bluetooth on your Android device, and search for your controller’s name.

• When found, a single tap is all you need to complete the connection. 

See below a video of the whole process:

Related: PS5 Controller Blinking Blue – What Does It Mean?

How to Connect PS5 Controller to iPhone: FAQs

Q: Can I Use the PS5 Controller on iPhone With Remote Play?

A: You can use your PS5 controller on your iPhone with Remote Play. In fact, not just an iPhone, I also use it on my iPad and Macbook. The company announced this update on Twitter back in 2011. 

Q: Why Won’t My PS5 Controller Work on My iPhone?

A: I’ve personally gone through this, and the following are some reasons behind this:

• A minor glitch in your iPhone or controller
• Neither of the devices is charged 
• Bluetooth is OFF
• Outdated software 
• Random network-related issue

Resolve these issues, and your PlayStation 5 controller should start working on your iPhone. 

Q: Do PS5 Controllers Have Bluetooth?

A: Yes, the PS5 controllers have Bluetooth. So, you can connect them to your iPhone or any Bluetooth-enabled device.

Q: How Do I Sync My PS5 Controller to My iPad?

A: The process to sync your PS5 controller to your iPad is identical to what we discussed for the iPhone above. 

Q: Can You Connect PS4 DUALSHOCK to iPhone?

A: The PS4 DUALSHOCK wireless controller can connect to an iPhone, just like you would connect the DualSense/DualSense Edge, as explained in this guide. 

Related: How to Connect Airpods to PS5: 4 Easy Workaround Tricks

Conclusion 

Here you go. That’s how to connect a PS5 controller like DualSense, DualSense Edge, and an iPhone with iOS 14.5 or later. Besides, I’ve also covered the steps for my friends with Android phones. In case you cannot connect the two devices, check if they are charged enough and the Bluetooth is turned ON.  

For any other queries, please feel free to connect with me. I’ll try my best to help you out. 

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