Connect a game controller to iPhone (original) (raw)

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You can connect a compatible game controller to your iPhone through Bluetooth® or a wired connection. You can customize the buttons and even add a second controller to get help from a friend.

Pair a Bluetooth game controller

Follow the instructions that came with the controller to put it in discovery mode.
Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
Tap Bluetooth, turn on Bluetooth, then tap the name of the device.

See the Apple Support article Connect a wireless game controller to your Apple device.

Connect a wired game controller

You can connect a compatible wired game controller to your iPhone. Depending on your iPhone model and controller, you may need an adapter (sold separately). Follow the instructions that came with your controller.

Customize the game controller buttons

After you pair or connect a compatible game controller, you can customize the buttons for supported games from the Apple Games app.

Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
Tap General, then tap Game Controller.
Select the controller you want to customize, then do any of the following
- Customize default controls: Tap Default.
- Customize controls for a specific game: Tap Add Game, select the game, then tap Default for the selected game.
Select the actions and gestures you want to use with your controller.

Add a second game controller and get help from a friend

With Buddy Controller, iPhone lets two controllers work together to control the same player character, so a friend can help you navigate through challenging parts of a game. Buddy Controller is compatible with any game that supports game controllers.

Connect two compatible game controllers to iPhone through Bluetooth or a wired connection.
Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
Tap General, then tap Game Controller.
Tap Buddy Controller.
Choose the primary controller, then choose the secondary controller.

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