If you're looking to elevate your mobile gaming experience, connecting a PS5 DualSense controller to your iPhone or iPad is a game-changer. Whether you're diving into Apple Arcade titles, exploring cloud gaming platforms, or utilizing PS Remote Play, pairing your controller can provide a console-like feel on your mobile device.
Photo from APPLE
✅ Compatibility Check
Before proceeding, ensure your devices meet the following requirements:
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iPhone: Running iOS 14.5 or later.
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iPad: Running iPadOS 14.5 or later
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🔗 Connecting via Bluetooth
iPhone: For a wireless connection, follow these steps:
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Activate Pairing Mode on the Controller:
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Press and hold the Create (formerly Share) button and the PS button simultaneously until the light bar starts flashing blue.
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Enable Bluetooth on Your iPhone:
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Navigate to Settings > Bluetooth and ensure Bluetooth is turned on.
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Pair the Devices:
Note: While the controller connects seamlessly, some advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers may not be fully supported in all iOS games.
iPad: Connecting a PS5 controller to your iPad is quick and easy, Here's how to do it:
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Put your PS5 controller in pairing mode
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Press and hold the Create (left of touchpad) and PS buttons at the same time.
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The light bar will start flashing rapidly, indicating it's in Bluetooth pairing mode.
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Open Bluetooth settings on your iPad
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Go to Settings > Bluetooth
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Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
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Pair the controller
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Under "Other Devices," tap DualSense Wireless Controller
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Once connected, it will appear under “My Devices.”
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You can now use the controller to play compatible games, including titles from Apple Arcade, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and PS Remote Play. For deeper customization, head to Settings > General > Game Controller to remap buttons or create profiles for specific games.
✅ Works with most modern iPads, including iPad Pro (2018+), iPad Air (3rd gen+), and iPad mini (5th gen+) as long as they’re updated to iPadOS 14.5 or newer.
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🧊 Bonus Tip: Keep Your iPhone Cool During Gaming with Active Cooling
When using a PS5 controller for mobile gaming—especially with graphics-intensive titles like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile—your iPhone can get hot quickly, which may lead to performance throttling, frame drops, and battery wear.
To prevent overheating while gaming, we highly recommend the Zeera Suvolt Gen5 Qi2 Car Charger
Why It’s Perfect for Mobile Gamers:
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Built-in active cooling chip + silent fan to rapidly dissipate heat
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Official Qi2 MagSafe support for seamless 15W wireless charging
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Maintains stable performance during extended gaming sessions
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Protects battery health by keeping your iPhone cool
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Works not only in the car but also great for use on your desk (via USB-C power)
💡 Overheating is one of the biggest enemies of mobile gaming. This accessory helps reduce thermal throttling, ensuring your iPhone stays cool and responsive—exactly what you want when paired with a PS5 controller.
If you're serious about mobile gaming with your PS5 controller, this cooling charger is the ultimate companion.
🔌 Connecting via USB-C Cable
For a wired connection:
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Use a Compatible Cable:
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For iPhone 15 and newer: Use a USB-C to USB-C cable.
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For older models: Use a USB-C to Lightning cable.
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Connect the Controller:
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Plug the cable into both the controller and the iPhone.
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Power On the Controller:
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Press the PS button to turn on the controller.
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Note: Some users have reported that connecting via USB-C may route audio through the controller, affecting game sound output.
🎮 Configuring Controller Settings on iPhone
To customize your controller experience:
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Access Game Controller Settings:
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Go to Settings > General > Game Controller.
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Customize Button Mapping:
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Select your connected controller to remap buttons or create custom profiles for specific games.
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Assign Profiles to Games:
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Tap Add Game to link a specific profile to a game installed on your device.
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This feature enhances gameplay by allowing personalized control schemes for different titles.
🛠 Troubleshooting Tips
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Controller Not Appearing in Bluetooth List:
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Ensure the controller is in pairing mode (flashing blue light).
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Restart Bluetooth on your iPhone.
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Restart your iPhone and try again.
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Audio Issues When Connected via USB-C:
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If audio routes through the controller, consider using Bluetooth headphones or connect the controller via Bluetooth instead of USB-C.
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📱 Enhancing Your Gaming Experience
Pairing your PS5 DualSense controller with an iPhone or iPad is a great way to bring console-quality gameplay to your mobile device. But for the best experience, especially during long gaming sessions, it's important to keep your phone cool and responsive.
That's why many mobile gamers choose accessories like the
👉 Zeera Suvolt Gen5 Active Cooling MagSafe Charger.
With 15W fast wireless charging, a built-in cooling chip and fan, and full Qi2 MagSafe compatibility, it keeps your phone cool to prevent lag and protect your battery while gaming.
🎮 Play longer, stay cooler, and enjoy smoother performance—every time you pick up your PS5 controller.
