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How to connect your Xbox controller to an iPhone or iPad

You can quickly add a whole new range of control to your mobile gaming.
By

Published onJanuary 15, 2024

You can easily connect your Xbox controller to an iPhone or iPad. Note, however, that this only works with iOS 13 or iPadOS 13 or later and with the Xbox Wireless Controller with Bluetooth (Model 1708), Xbox Wireless Controller Series S, Xbox Wireless Controller Series X, Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, and Xbox Adaptive Controller. Read on for more details.

QUICK ANSWER

If you have a supported Xbox controller, you can connect it to your iPhone or iPad. To do so, turn on the Xbox controller, press and hold the controller's Connect button for a few seconds to put it into pairing mode, and head to Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone or iPad. Then tap on the name of your controller to pair it with your phone.


JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS

How to connect an Xbox controller to an iPhone or iPad

xbox series x review controller front
Oliver Cragg / Android Authority

If you have iOS 13 or iPadOS 13 or later and one of the supported Xbox controllers, here’s what to do:

  1. Turn on the Xbox controller.
  2. Press and hold the controller’s Connect button for a few seconds to put it into pairing mode. This is usually the Xbox logo button in the top center of the controller.
  3. Head to Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone or iPad.
  4. Tap on the name of your controller to pair it with your phone.

Which Xbox controllers can you use with an iPhone or iPad?

According to Apple, these are the Xbox controllers you can use with an iPhone or iPad:

  • 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

How to disconnect an Xbox controller from an iPhone or iPad

Xbox Series S and One S controller comparison top view
Ryan-Thomas Shaw / Android Authority

To disconnect an Xbox controller from your iPhone, do the following:

  1. Head to Settings > Bluetooth on your device.
  2. Find the name of the controller in the list of Bluetooth devices.
  3. Tap the More Info button.
  4. Select Forget this device.

FAQs

Yes, you can. However, the way it works may vary depending on each game. You may have to experiment and see how everything should be configured.

Yes, your Xbox controller must support Bluetooth for it to work with an iPhone or iPad.

Yes, but you may have to disconnect it from your phone and reconnect to your console first.