How to Connect PS5 Controller to iPhone for Gaming? [Quick Guide]

|Updated at May 26, 2025

The market value of mobile gaming is expected to reach US$156.58bn by 2029. Playing games on your iPhone is fun and convenient until those tiny touchscreen controls start getting in the way. Let’s be honest, they are not the most comfortable or accurate way to play.

The good news is that you can fix that by connecting the PS5 controller to an iPhone. It is a quick setup and makes gaming feel way smoother. 

I am an avid gamer myself, so I will try to show you exactly how to connect PS5 controller To iPhone with the help of this guide.

Can You Connect a PS5 Controller to iPhones?

Yes, you can pair a PS5 controller to iPhones. The PS5 DualSense controller works with iPhones, as well as iPads, Macs, Apple TV, and even Apple Vision Pro. Just make sure your iPhone is updated to at least iOS 14.5.

PS5 controller and iPhone

It is as simple as connecting AirPods to an iPhone. Once connected, you can also enjoy remote play of your console on your iPhone. But keep in mind that not all games support external controllers.

Before downloading or connecting, check the App Store or Apple Arcade to see if a game mentions PS5 controller support. And if you are already playing, test the controller in a few games to make sure it works smoothly.

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How to Connect PS5 Controller to iPhone Via Bluetooth?

So, if you have iOS 14.5 or above, it is extremely easy to connect the two devices. Here’s how to pair a PS5 controller to iPhones using Bluetooth:

  1. Make sure both your iPhone and DualSense Controller are turned on.
  1. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn Bluetooth on.
    Turn on Bluetooth on iPhone
  1. On the controller, press and hold the Create button (left of the touchpad) and the PS button (PlayStation logo) at the same time. Keep holding the buttons until the light starts blinking, which means it is ready to pair.
    Turn on pairing mode on the DualSense controller
  1. Now, on your iPhone, look for ‘DualSense Wireless Controller’ under Bluetooth devices. Finally, tap it to connect.
    Tap on the DualSense Wireless Controller to connect

Once the light on the controller stops blinking, you are all set. The controller is connected, and it is ready to use.

How to Pair a PS5 Controller to iPhones Via USB-C?

Now that you know how to connect a PS5 controller to iPhones wirelessly, let’s see an alternative way of connecting these two devices.

Using a cable to connect two devices is not new in the tech industry, and it is still useful in modern times. Just follow these two simple steps:

  1. If you have new iPhone models, use a USB-C to USB-C cable. If it has a Lightning port, you will need a Lightning to USB-C cable.
  1. Connect the cable to both your iPhone and the PS5 controller. The controller should start charging and will be ready for gameplay.
    Connect the USB-C cable to your iPhone and the controller

However, keep in mind that this method works better on newer iPhones. Some users have noticed that the sound stops working because the phone treats it like a speaker. In that case, try connecting a Bluetooth speaker to get audio back.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues While Pairing PS Controller to iPhone

If your DualSense controller is not connecting to your iPhone, don’t worry. Here are some easy ways to get things working again:

  1. Restart your iPhone and the controller. This often clears small bugs that mess with the connection. Try pairing again once both devices are restarted.
  1. You can also try to forget and reconnect the controller. Just remove the controller from your iPhone’s Bluetooth list and pair it again using the steps mentioned in this guide.
  1. Outdated software can also cause connection problems. Make sure your iPhone and controller are up to date. Once updates are done, try pairing them again.
  1. If nothing else works, try a full reset of the controller. Find the small reset button on the back (near the L2 button) and use a pin to press and hold it for about 5 seconds. 

With these steps, your PS5 controller should pair with your iPhone smoothly. If it still does not, it might be a rare compatibility issue, but most of the time, these solutions do the trick.

Final Thoughts 

This is all you need to know to learn how to connect PS5 controller to iPhones. Pairing them is a simple way to boost your mobile gaming experience.

According to your preference, you can use either of the two methods mentioned in the article. However, I prefer the Bluetooth method because it is more convenient for me. Please share this guide with your fellow gamers and friends.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Ans: You can easily sync the controller to your smartphone by using Bluetooth or a USB-C cable to pair both devices.

Ans: Press and hold the PS5 button and the Create button together until the light bar starts flashing blue.

Ans: Yes, you can use the DualSense controller for remote play on iPhone. Pairing it via Bluetooth allows you to stream and play PS5 games on your iPhone.

Ans: Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Warframe, Resident Evil 4, and Call of Duty are some of the many games you can play with a PlayStation controller on an iPhone.

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