How to Connect a PlayStation 5 Controller to an iPhone

Upgrade Your Mobile Gaming Experience

Modern iPhones feature incredibly powerful internal processors, capable of running demanding 3D games that were previously restricted to dedicated home consoles. However, playing a complex game like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Mobile using a flat glass touchscreen is often a frustrating experience. Your thumbs obscure half the screen, and the lack of physical buttons makes precise movements nearly impossible.

To solve this, Apple quietly added native Bluetooth support for the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller directly into iOS. This means you can wirelessly connect the controller you already own to your iPhone and play mobile games with the exact same precision and comfort you expect when sitting on your sofa in front of the television.

The connection process is entirely wireless, requires no third-party apps, and takes less than a minute to set up.

Step 1: Put the PS5 Controller into Pairing Mode

Before your iPhone can see the controller, you must force the controller to actively broadcast its Bluetooth signal. Ensure your PlayStation 5 console is turned off so the controller does not accidentally connect to the TV instead.

1. Hold the controller in your hands.
2. Locate the Create button (the small button to the upper-left of the touchpad, which has three tiny lines radiating upward).
3. Locate the PlayStation button (the PS logo directly in the lower-centre of the controller).
4. Press and hold both buttons simultaneously.
5. Keep holding them down for about 3 to 5 seconds.

You will know it worked when the blue light bar surrounding the touchpad begins to rapidly blink on and off in quick bursts. The controller is now in pairing mode and actively searching for a device to connect to.

Step 2: Connect via iPhone Settings

Now that the controller is broadcasting, you need to tell your iPhone to accept the connection.

1. Unlock your iPhone and open the Settings app.
2. Tap on Bluetooth.
3. Ensure the main Bluetooth toggle at the top of the screen is switched On (green).
4. Look at the bottom of the screen under the “Other Devices” section. A new device should appear named DualSense Wireless Controller.
5. Tap the name of the controller.

Within a few seconds, the name will jump up to the “My Devices” section and say Connected. The flashing blue light on the PS5 controller will turn solid, confirming the connection is successful.

Customising the Controller Settings

Once connected, iOS treats the DualSense as a native accessory, allowing you to customise how it behaves directly from your iPhone.

1. Go to Settings > General.
2. Tap on Game Controller (this menu option only appears when a controller is actively connected).
3. Tap on your DualSense Wireless Controller.

From this menu, you can fully remap the buttons. If a specific game has an awkward control scheme, you can swap the functionality of the triggers or face buttons. You can also turn off the controller’s internal haptic feedback (rumble) if you want to conserve battery life.

How to Disconnect the Controller

When you are finished playing, leaving the controller connected will slowly drain its battery. You can turn it off manually to save power.

1. Open the Control Centre by swiping down from the top-right corner of your iPhone screen.
2. Press and hold the Bluetooth icon.
3. A list of connected devices will appear. Tap DualSense Wireless Controller to disconnect it.

Alternatively, you can simply hold down the PlayStation button on the controller itself for about 10 seconds until the light bar turns off completely. The next time you want to play, just turn the controller on, and it will automatically reconnect to your iPhone as long as Bluetooth is enabled.