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Boost your mobile gaming with an Xbox controller
Ever thought about playing your favorite iPhone games using your Xbox controller? Good news — you can! Pairing them is fast and easy. This guide will show you how to connect your Xbox controller to your iPhone and share solutions for common pairing hiccups.
Quick Guide
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn it on.
- Power up your Xbox controller.
- Hold the Connect button until the Xbox button flashes.
- Tap your Xbox controller in the Bluetooth list on your iPhone.
Detailed Steps
Steps to Pair
Activate your controller. Press and hold the Xbox button located on the front of your controller for a few seconds to turn it on.
Navigate to the Bluetooth settings on your iPhone. If you're not already there, open the Settings menu and select Bluetooth.
- You can access the Bluetooth menu by swiping down from the upper-right corner to open the Control Center, then long-press the Bluetooth icon, and long-press again to reveal the option for Bluetooth Settings….
- If Bluetooth is off, toggle it on by pressing the switch at the top of the screen.
Press and hold the Connect button on your controller. After a few seconds, the Xbox button will blink with a white light. The Connect button is a small, raised button next to the USB port at the top of the controller. Holding this button for several seconds will initiate pairing mode.
Choose your controller from the available Bluetooth devices. Tap the name of your controller (e.g., "Wireless Controller Series S"). Once connected, it will appear as "Connected" when turned on and "Not Connected" when off.
- To begin using your controller with your iPhone, launch an app that supports controller functionality.
Compatible Controllers
There are five Xbox controllers that are compatible with the iPhone. These controllers include:
- Xbox Wireless Controller with Bluetooth (Model 1708)
- Xbox Wireless Controller Series S
- Xbox Wireless Controller Series X
- Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
- Xbox Adaptive Controller
Issues & Solutions
My controller is connected, but not functioning. Try pressing the Xbox button on your controller to power it on. If that doesn't solve the problem, forget the device from your iPhone and attempt to pair it again.
My controller is turning on my Xbox by itself. To disconnect your controller from your Xbox, press and hold the Connect button on the controller's top while the Xbox is powered on. Continue holding the button until the Xbox button stops flashing. At that point, the controller will be unpaired from your Xbox.
When I press the Connect button, no lights are flashing. Ensure that your controller has enough charge by connecting it either to the Xbox or a wall charger using a charging cable. Let the controller charge for a few hours before trying again.
- If the controller still doesn't work, test it on your Xbox to confirm it's still functional. If it doesn't work with the console, you may need to replace the controller.
My controller refuses to pair. If your controller won't pair, follow these steps to troubleshoot:
- Disconnect some Bluetooth devices from your iPhone. Excessive Bluetooth connections can cause interference.
- Update your iPhone. If an update is pending, install it. Updates can resolve many issues, including problems with Bluetooth connectivity.
- Update the firmware of your controller. To do this, go to Xbox settings and navigate to Profile & system > Settings > Devices & connections > Controllers & headsets, and select your controller.
- Next, tap the three-dot menu to check for firmware updates for your controller. Follow the on-screen instructions to update.
