How to pair your next-gen gaming controller with iOS 14.5

Matt Wille April 30, 2021 Guides Playing iPhone games with your Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5 controller just got way easier. Future Publishing/Future/Getty Images

A feature iPhone users have been clamoring for all year has finally arrived with iOS 14.5 : The ability to use Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 controllers to play games on your iPhone. Future Publishing/Future/Getty Images

Before iOS 14.5, playing games on your iPhone meant dusting off your old PlayStation or Xbox controllers or buying a dedicated third-party controller . Now you can play those games with the most modern, well-built controllers on the market: Those made for the Xbox Series X and the PlayStation 5. Future Publishing/Future/Getty Images

The method for doing so varies a bit by controller. Either way, though, you’ll want to start by opening up your iPhone’s Settings app and open up the Bluetooth menu. Flip the Bluetooth Switch to the right, into the on position.

If you have an Xbox Series X controller...

Press the Xbox button to turn on your controller. Then hold the pairing button (it’s on the top of the controller) for three seconds and release. The Xbox logo in the center of your controller should start blinking.

If you have a DualSense controller for the PS5...

Hold down the Share button (that’s the one to the left of the touchpad, just above the directional pad) and the PlayStation button until the controller starts flashing. It’s now in pairing mode.

The controller should show up at the bottom of your device list, under Other Devices . Go ahead and click it.

That’s it — your controller is now paired with your iPhone. Use it for Xbox Cloud Gaming, if you have Game Pass , or for any other iPhone game that supports controller input.

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