Xbox one controller iOS. How to Connect Xbox Controller to iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV

Connect Xbox One Controller to iPad | iPad mini, iPad Air, iPad Pro

How to Connect Xbox One Controller to iPhone Without Bluetooth?

Are you an Xbox fan looking for a way to connect your Xbox One controller to your iPhone without using Bluetooth? Look no further! In this article, we’ll discuss an easy and straightforward method of connecting your Xbox One controller to your iPhone without the need of any external hardware or software. You’ll be able to enjoy your favorite Xbox games on your iPhone in no time. So, let’s get started!

  • Use Apple’s Lightning to USB Camera Adapter: The Lightning to USB Camera Adapter can be used to connect the Xbox One controller to your iPhone. To do this, you need to attach the adapter to the phone and then plug in the Xbox One controller’s USB cable.
  • Use a Wireless Adapter: There are several wireless controllers on the market that can be used to connect your Xbox One controller to your iPhone. These adapters use Bluetooth to connect the controller to the iPhone.
  • Use a Third-Party App: There are several third-party apps that can be used to connect the Xbox One controller to your iPhone. These apps allow you to connect the controller to your iPhone without the need for any additional hardware.

Using the Xbox Wireless Adapter

The Xbox Wireless Adapter is an accessory that allows you to use your Xbox One controller with your iPhone. It comes with a USB-C port that can be connected to your device, allowing you to use the controller without the need for Bluetooth. Once connected, you can use your controller to play a variety of compatible games on your iPhone.

The Xbox Wireless Adapter is a great option for those who don’t have Bluetooth-enabled devices. It’s also a great option for those who don’t have the latest iPhone models, which may not be compatible with the Xbox One controller’s Bluetooth. The adapter is affordable, and it’s easy to set up and use. All you need to do is plug it into your device, and then it’s ready to go.

The Xbox Wireless Adapter is compatible with iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus, as well as some older models. It also works with iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini. You can use it with a variety of games, including popular titles such as Fortnite, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, and Grand Theft Auto V.

Setting Up the Adapter

Once you have the adapter, you can start setting it up. First, plug the USB-C end of the adapter into your device. Then, connect your Xbox One controller to the other end. You may need to press the Xbox button on the controller to turn it on. Once it’s connected, your device should recognize the controller and be ready to use.

If you’re using an iPhone, you may need to enable the “Allow Bluetooth Devices” option in the Settings app. This will allow the controller to be recognized by your device. On some devices, you may also need to enable the “Allow Xbox Wireless Devices” option as well.

Using the Adapter

Once the adapter is set up, you can start using it. Simply launch a compatible game on your device and then press the Xbox button on the controller. Your device should recognize the controller and you can start playing the game with it.

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The adapter works with a variety of Xbox One controllers, including the Elite, Xbox Adaptive, and the standard controller. You can also use it with the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, which is the latest version of the Elite controller.

Using Apple’s Lightning to USB Camera Adapter

Another option for connecting your Xbox One controller to your iPhone is to use Apple’s Lightning to USB Camera Adapter. This adapter allows you to connect a variety of USB devices to your iPhone, including your Xbox One controller. All you need to do is plug the USB end of the adapter into your controller and then plug the Lightning end into your device.

The Lightning to USB Camera Adapter is compatible with iPhone 5 and later, as well as iPad 4th generation and later. You can use it with a variety of games, including popular titles such as Fortnite, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, and Grand Theft Auto V.

The adapter is affordable, and it’s easy to set up and use. All you need to do is plug it into your device, and then it’s ready to go. Once it’s connected, your device should recognize the controller and you can start playing the game with it.

Setting Up the Adapter

Once you have the adapter, you can start setting it up. First, plug the USB end of the adapter into your controller. Then, plug the Lightning end into your device. You may need to press the Xbox button on the controller to turn it on. Once it’s connected, your device should recognize the controller and be ready to use.

If you’re using an iPhone, you may need to enable the “Allow Bluetooth Devices” option in the Settings app. This will allow the controller to be recognized by your device. On some devices, you may also need to enable the “Allow Xbox Wireless Devices” option as well.

Using the Adapter

Once the adapter is set up, you can start using it. Simply launch a compatible game on your device and then press the Xbox button on the controller. Your device should recognize the controller and you can start playing the game with it.

The adapter works with a variety of Xbox One controllers, including the Elite, Xbox Adaptive, and the standard controller. You can also use it with the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, which is the latest version of the Elite controller.

Using the Apple Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter

The third option for connecting your Xbox One controller to your iPhone is to use the Apple Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter. This adapter allows you to connect a 3.5mm headphone jack to your iPhone, which you can then use to connect your Xbox One controller.

The adapter is compatible with iPhone 7 and later, as well as iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini. You can use it with a variety of games, including popular titles such as Fortnite, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, and Grand Theft Auto V.

The adapter is affordable, and it’s easy to set up and use. All you need to do is plug it into your device, and then it’s ready to go. Once it’s connected, your device should recognize the controller and you can start playing the game with it.

Setting Up the Adapter

Once you have the adapter, you can start setting it up. First, plug the 3.5mm end of the adapter into your controller. Then, plug the Lightning end into your device. You may need to press the Xbox button on the controller to turn it on. Once it’s connected, your device should recognize the controller and be ready to use.

If you’re using an iPhone, you may need to enable the “Allow Bluetooth Devices” option in the Settings app. This will allow the controller to be recognized by your device. On some devices, you may also need to enable the “Allow Xbox Wireless Devices” option as well.

Using the Adapter

Once the adapter is set up, you can start using it. Simply launch a compatible game on your device and then press the Xbox button on the controller. Your device should recognize the controller and you can start playing the game with it.

The adapter works with a variety of Xbox One controllers, including the Elite, Xbox Adaptive, and the standard controller. You can also use it with the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, which is the latest version of the Elite controller.

Few Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What do I need to connect my Xbox One controller to my iPhone?

A1. To connect your Xbox One controller to your iPhone, you will need an Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows, a compatible iOS device running iOS 13 or later, and the Xbox app.

Q2. How do I connect the Xbox One controller to my iPhone?

A2. To connect your Xbox One controller to your iPhone, first plug the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows into your iPhone via the Lightning port. Then, open the Xbox app on your iPhone, select the “Connect” icon, and select your Xbox One controller from the list of devices. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect the controller to your iPhone.

Q3. Is it possible to connect my Xbox One controller to my iPhone without Bluetooth?

A3. Yes, it is possible to connect your Xbox One controller to your iPhone without Bluetooth. To do this, you will need to use an Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows, which is a device that allows you to connect your Xbox One controller to your iPhone via a USB connection.

Q4. What type of Xbox One controller do I need to connect to my iPhone?

A4. You can connect any type of Xbox One controller to your iPhone, including the standard Xbox One controller and the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller. However, you will need to use an Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows in order to connect your controller to your iPhone without using Bluetooth.

Q5. Does the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows work with other devices?

A5. Yes, the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows also works with Windows 10 PCs, allowing you to connect your Xbox One controller to your PC without using Bluetooth.

Q6. Is there an alternative way to connect my Xbox One controller to my iPhone?

A6. Yes, there is an alternative way to connect your Xbox One controller to your iPhone. You can use a third-party controller adapter, such as the Nyko Smart Clip, which allows you to connect your Xbox One controller to your iPhone via a USB connection. However, these types of adapters are not supported by Microsoft, so you may experience compatibility issues.

HOW TO CONNECT Xbox ONE CONTROLLER VIA BLUETOOTH WITHOUT USING THE DONGLE

Connecting your Xbox One controller to your iPhone without Bluetooth is a great way to stay connected to your gaming system while on the go. With the right hardware and software, you can easily connect your controller to your iPhone without having to worry about connecting via Bluetooth. With just a few simple steps, you can have your controller connected and ready to play in no time. So, go ahead and get connected and enjoy the ultimate gaming experience with your Xbox One controller and your iPhone.

How to Connect Xbox Controller to iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV?

You can connect an Xbox controller to your iPhone, and even your iPad or Apple TV, as long as you have at least iOS 13 installed on your device. Put the Xbox controller into pairing mode, and then use the Bluetooth menu on your iPhone or iPad to connect the wireless controller like you would any other Bluetooth device.

Mobile games have come a long way and I’ve been a gamer for a long time. I wanted to see whether the Xbox One controller would work with my iPhone the way it does with my Android. Well, I found out that it does and I gained a lot of new info in the process. I’ve put together this basic guide along with everything I learned.

Let’s get into all you need to know about how to connect Xbox controller to iPhone. It’s a lot easier than you think.

Can I Connect Xbox One Controller to iPhone?

The Apple ecosystem is generally very closed off to interference from outside brands, especially competitors, so it’s not too surprising to expect that an Xbox wireless controller won’t work with the iPhone.

That might have been the case before, but with the iOS 13 update, you can now use your Xbox controller (or even a Playstation DualShock!) with your iOS device, which is awesome. This even includes the iPod Touch.

Also, keep in mind that you need to use an Xbox One controller or Xbox Series S/X controller for this to work. It won’t work with Xbox controllers for the Xbox 360 or the original, even if they’re wireless.

Even among the Xbox One controllers, the very first generation did not have Bluetooth, so if you bought the Microsoft Xbox One console when it just came out, your controller probably won’t work with your iOS devices.

A good way to tell if your Xbox controllers have Bluetooth is to look at the part of the game controller around the Xbox logo button. If it is surrounded by the same plastic piece that makes up the rest of the front of the controller, it should support Bluetooth.

If the part of the controller around the Xbox button is made of a separate piece of plastic, typically the same color as the bumpers, it is one of the first-generation game controllers.

Another means to confirm whether you have a compatible Xbox One controller is to check whether it has an audio port. If it does, you’re likely good to go, as the first-generation controllers didn’t have this.

Related Reading

How to Connect Xbox Wireless Controller to Your iPhone?

To connect an Xbox controller to your iPhone, you don’t need to do anything too complex. Follow the steps below to pair an Xbox controller to your iOS device:

  • Press down the Xbox button near the top of the controller. Do this until it turns on.
  • If it doesn’t flash fast or simply glows, hold down the small sync button (or the pairing button) beside the charging port. The light should begin to flash quickly.
  • Now, take your iPhone or iPad and open the Settings app.
  • From the Settings app, open the Bluetooth menu.
  • Under the Other Devices section, you should see Xbox Wireless Controller or a similar name show up. Tap it.
  • Your iPhone will ask you if you want to pair the controller. Tap Pair, and that’s it!

How to Pair an Xbox Controller with Apple TV?

If you’re like me, you can pair your controller with your Apple TV to play games on your television. Nearly every game supports a controller on Apple Arcade, after all.

  • Open the Settings app.
  • Tap Remotes and Devices.
  • Select Bluetooth.
  • Turn on your controller by pressing the logo button for a few seconds.
  • Press the pairing button until the light flashes quickly.
  • Choose the Xbox Wireless Controller from the Other Devices menu and that’s it!

Why Can’t I Connect My Xbox Controller to my iPhone?

If you’ve been trying to connect Xbox controllers to your iPhone and iPad but it doesn’t seem to work no matter what you do, there are a few common culprits.

  • The Xbox One controller that you have does not support Bluetooth.
  • You didn’t press the pairing button beside the charging port to put the controller into pairing mode.
  • Your Apple device has not been updated to iOS 13.

Final Words

To connect your Xbox controller to your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and even Apple TV, you just need to pair it like any other Bluetooth gadget.

As long as you are on iOS 13, and have a controller that supports Bluetooth, you shouldn’t have a hard time getting your gamepad paired and enjoying a game.

Did you learn how to connect your gamepad with your iOS product? If so, check out our related articles for more helpful info!

There’s no two ways about it – I am a huge nerd and I love it! When I’m not testing out new gadgets, I’m pulling apart the ones that I do have at home to find out what makes them tick. Not a lot of them get put back together, but I have become a pro at telling the good gadgets from the bad!

How to pair an Xbox Series X controller with iPhone

Gaming on iPhone and iPad continues to get better. With Apple’s upcoming updates you will be able to pair your Xbox Wireless Controller from the Xbox Series X with iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. Here is how.

Pairing your controller with a compatible iPhone and iPad is easy to do. To get started, you will need an iPhone or iPad running iOS 14.5 or iPadOS 14.5, as well as an Xbox Wireless Controller for the Xbox Series X.

How To Connect an Xbox Controller to Apple TV

The Sony Playstation 5 DualSense controller can also be paired as part of the same update, but we’ll FOCUS on pairing the Xbox Series X controller in this article.

Note: Currently, iOS 14.5 is still in beta testing. You will have to be a developer or enrolled in the public beta program to access this update before it is publicly released to users.

How to pair an Xbox Series X controller with iPhone

  • On your iPhone or iPad running iOS 14.5 or iPadOS 14.5, open Settings
  • Tap on Bluetooth
  • On the Xbox Wireless Controller, hold the pairing button for three seconds
  • Tap the controller that appears on the list at the bottom

How to use your paired Xbox Series X controller with iPhone

Once you’ve paired your Xbox Wireless Controller, you can use it like any other MFi-certified controller in a variety of games. All games in Apple Arcade support controllers as well as many other prominent titles.

Call of Duty Mobile, PUBG, Madden NFL 21, and countless others benefit from using an external controller for more responsive feedback and enhanced gameplay.

Xbox Series X controllers also work on Apple TV’s running the latest tvOS 14.5 update and on the Mac with macOS Big Sur 11.3. The process is similar, by putting the controller into pairing mode and going to Bluetooth settings of the Apple TV or Mac.

Customizing the Xbox Series X controller on iPhone

New with iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5, users are able to customize the controls of any connected controller.

How to customize your MFi controller on iPhone

  • Open the Settings app
  • Tap General
  • Tap Game Controller
  • Make any changes you’d like for each button

With customizations, you can re-map any button on a per-app basis. You can also disable haptic feedback, disable screenshots, and disable video clips. The customizations work for any connected controller, including the DualShock 4 or Xbox controller.

Where to buy an Xbox Wireless Controller

The Xbox Series X controller is available on Amazon for 69.99.

You can also get the DualSense Wireless Controller for 69.99 from Amazon.

How to pair and use Xbox and Playstation controllers with iPhone, iPad, Mac Apple TV

Apple has ramped up its gaming chops by announcing at its annual developers conference in the summer that iOS 13, iPadOS, tvOS 13 and MacOS Catalina 10.15 software updates bring support for the wireless Xbox and Playstation game controllers, namely Sony’s DualShock 4 controller and Microsoft’s Xbox Wireless Controller with Bluetooth. In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to pair your Xbox or Playstation controller and use it to play games on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple TV and Mac, navigate the user interface on your Apple TV and more.

About Xbox and Playstation controllers

iOS 13, iPadOS, tvOS 13 and MacOS Catalina 10.15 brought out support for the best and most popular game controllers in the world, Microsoft’s Xbox Wireless Controller with Bluetooth for the Xbox One S console and Sony’s DualShock 4 controller for its Playstation console. Before those updates came along, Apple’s operating systems did not feature built-in support for these popular gaming controllers.

The best thing about it is that no additional work is required by game developers because both these controllers automatically work when paired with the hundreds of App Store games that support MFi controllers (read a game’s App Store description to verify it’s MFI-compatible), like NBA 2K, Fortnite, Oceanhorn, Real Racing, Geometry Wars and other titles.

Prior to iOS 13, Apple users could pair a wireless controller bearing the marking MFi, which stands for “Made for iOS”. While the MFi program ensures an accessory works with Apple’s devices, there hasn’t been many wireless MFi controllers for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV.

That’s because companies must pass certification tests and pay Apple a license before being able to display MFi-related logos on product packaging. But now that the most popular proprietary gaming controllers can be paired with Apple devices, gaming aficionados who own an Xbox One S or Playstation console can simply use the controller they already have.

Before the aforementioned software updates came along, Apple devices supported MFi controllers (those are few and far between), as well as the Nimbus and Stratus controllers.

Support for the Xbox and Playstation controllers was publicly announced during the June 3 keynote at Apple’s annual developers conference which was held June 3-7 at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, California.

Supported features

As we said, iOS 13, tvOS 13 and MacOS Catalina 10.15 feature native support for the Xbox and Playstation game controllers. Aside from playing games with MFi controller support on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac and Apple TV, you can use your Xbox or Playstation controller to navigate the entirety of the tvOS user interface and do things like turn your Apple TV on or off, move through apps, select TV shows, control playback and more.

xbox, controller, connect, iphone, ipad, apple

Apple has not enabled any special features for these controllers that are normally available when playing console titles on your Xbox or Playstation device.

The Xbox and Playstation controllers join the already supported MFi controllers like the SteelSeries Nimbus. In other words, support for the directional buttons, the four action buttons, a pair of mini joypads and the Menu button works as expected, but don’t count on any special features such as rumble, a dedicated Siri button, headphone-out or support for the L1/R1 buttons and pressure sensing when these controllers are paired to your Apple device.

Xbox and Playstation controllers compatibility

iOS 13, iPadOS, tvOS 13 and MacOS Catalina 10.15 are compatible with:

  • Sony DualShock controller for Playstation 4 and Playstation Pro
  • Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller with Bluetooth for Xbox One S or X

Keep in mind that Apple’s software does not support the original controller that shipped with the original Xbox One because these things don’t have Bluetooth technology inside of them to pair with iOS and other Apple platforms. What you need is the Xbox Wireless Controller with the model number 1708. Also, you cannot pair the original version of the Xbox Elite controller with your Apple device — for that, you’re going to need to use the new Xbox Elite Series 2 edition, which came out in November 2019, because that’s the only Xbox Elite controller with Bluetooth.

You can pre-order Xbox Elite 2 for 180 ahead of its launch on November 4, 2019. The DualShock 4 controller can be purchased from Amazon for 44 while the Xbox One S controller can be had for less than 40 with trade-ins.

Follow along with our step-by-step tutorial to learn how to pair an Xbox or Playstation controller to play games like a pro on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac or Apple TV.

How to use Xbox and Playstation controllers with your Apple devices

You can pair, unpair, connect, disconnect and rename your Xbox or Playstation controllers on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac and Apple TV by following the instructions further ahead.

xbox, controller, connect, iphone, ipad, apple

How to pair Xbox and Playstation controllers

Do this in order to pair an Xbox or Playstation controller with an Apple device.

1) Open the Bluetooth settings on your Apple device:

  • iPhone, iPad and iPod touch: Open Settings and tap Bluetooth.
  • Mac: Open System Preferences from the Dock, Spotlight or the Applications folder, then click the Bluetooth icon in the System Preferences window.
  • Apple TV: Open Settings and choose Remotes and Devices.

Be sure that Bluetooth is turned on on your Apple device.

3) Now pair your controller:

  • iPhone, iPad and iPod touch: Tap the game controller listed in the My Devices section.
  • Mac: Click Connect next to the game controller found in the My Devices section.
  • Apple TV: Click the game controller underneath the section headlined Other Devices.

If you have issues with the pairing process, be sure that Bluetooth is enabled on your host device. The pairing process shouldn’t take longer than a couple of seconds.

With the pairing successful, the light at the top of your Playstation controller will turn pink and the accessory will be listed underneath the Devices heading, labeled with the text “DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller” and gray text right below that reads “Connected”. As for the Xbox controller, it should be listed as “Xbox One Wireless Controller”.

If you’d like to set a custom name for the controller, disconnect it when you’re done playing or unpair the controller from the host device, follow the instructions right ahead.

How to unpair Xbox and Playstation controllers

Do the following in order to unpair your Xbox and Playstation controllers from your Apple devices so they could be paired with other devices.

1) Open the Bluetooth settings on your Apple device.

2) Select your listed controller and choose Forget This Device, Unpair Device or Remove, then confirm the operation in order to remove its pairing from this device.

The status light on your Playstation controller should turn off upon unpairing.

You will need to pair the controller again if you’d like to use it with this device in the future.

With your game controller successfully unpaired from this device, you can now pair it with another device by following the steps from the previous section.

How to rename Xbox and Playstation controllers

To change the controller name in your Bluetooth list to something shorter, do the following:

1) Open System Preferences on your Mac.

2) Click the Bluetooth icon in the System Preferences window.

3) Right-click the Xbox or Playstation controller in My Devices and choose Rename.

4) Type a new name for the controller, then click Rename to save the changes.

From now on, your controller will appear under its new name in your Bluetooth settings and menus on this Mac. Unfortunately, it is currently not allowed to rename your Xbox or Playstation game controller on another Apple device, like an iPhone, iPad or Apple TV.

How to connect Xbox or Playstation controllers

An Xbox or Playstation controller cannot be used with more than one host device simultaneously, but it’s possible to end up with multiple pairings across different devices. For example, your controller might be paired to your Apple TV as well as to your iPad. To avoid having to unpair the controller from your Apple TV every time you wish to play a game with it on your iPad, you can instead connect to it to make it active on that device.

1) Open the Bluetooth settings on your Apple device.

2) Select your controller from the list and choose Connect or Connect Device.

How to disconnect Xbox or Playstation controllers

The Xbox and Playstation controllers feature automatic standby mode to conserve battery.

Nevertheless, you are wholeheartedly recommend to disconnect your game controller when not using it. By doing so, background Bluetooth polling won’t be able to keep your idle controller alive, which could easily wear down its internal battery over time.

1) Open the Bluetooth settings on your Apple device.

2) Select your Xbox or Playstation controller from the list and choose Disconnect or Disconnect Device if you’d like to disconnect (but not unpair) the accessory from this device.

iOS 13 compatibility

iOS 13 is compatible with the following Apple smartphone models:

  • iPhone XS
  • iPhone XS Max
  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone X
  • iPhone 8
  • iPhone 8 Plus
  • iPhone 7
  • iPhone 7 Plus
  • iPhone 6s
  • iPhone 6s Plus
  • iPhone SE
  • iPod touch (7th generation)

iPadOS compatibility

iPadOS is compatible with these iPads:

  • 12.9-inch iPad Pro
  • 11-inch iPad Pro
  • 10.5-inch iPad Pro
  • 9.7-inch iPad Pro
  • iPad (6th generation)
  • iPad (5th generation)
  • iPad mini (5th generation)
  • iPad mini 4
  • iPad Air (3rd generation)
  • iPad Air 2

Watch our video overview of the new iPad-only updates embedded below.

tvOS 13 compatibility

tvOS 13 is compatible with the following devices:

For additional details about the tvOS 13 update, read Apple’s press release.

Need help? Ask iDB!

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