How to Connect PS4 Controller to Android and iPhone

Over the years, mobile games have gotten to the extent that you can play recent console titles on your iPhone. But touch controls are a hassle to play with. So if you want to get the complete experience, and have a PlayStation 4 handy, then you can pair its controller with your smartphone and start using it instead. It easily pairs with your Android or iPhone devices without any third-party app. With that being said, here’s how to connect your PS4 controller to a phone easily!

How to Connect PS4 DualShock Controller to Android

Connecting your PS4 controller to your Android device is super simple. Follow these steps to set it up in no time:

1. On your PS4 controller, simultaneously long-press the PS button and Share button.

2. Your PS4 controller’s blue light will start blinking rapidly, which means you have entered pairing mode.

3. Now, on your Android phone, go to Settings > Bluetooth.
4. On the Bluetooth screen, tap on Wireless Controller.
5. Next, in the pairing request prompt, hit Pair.

Upon successful connection to your phone, the rapidly blinking blue light on your PS4 will turn a darker shade.

How to Connect PS4 Dualshock Controller to iPhone

With Android out of the way, let’s take a look at how to connect a PS4 controller to an iPhone. Here’s a quick rundown of the steps:

1. Once again, long-press the PS button and Share button on your PS4 controller to enter pairing mode.

2. On your iPhone, go to the Settings > Bluetooth.
3. On the Bluetooth screen, find and tap on DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller.

On iPhone, you don’t see a pairing window like on Android. Instead, the controller instantly connects. But, instead of a blue light, you will see your PS4 controller emit a red light instead.

Just like that, you can easily connect your PS4 controller to your Android or iPhone. To check if the pairing has succeeded, you can simply use the touchpad on the PS4 controller and see if it’s being detected on your phone.

How to Troubleshoot PS4 DualShock Controller

In case the above steps aren’t working out for you, and you are facing issues pairing the controller with your smartphone, then check out these troubleshooting tips below:

• Turn off Bluetooth on your phone, wait for the controller to stop blinking, and try again.
• Make sure that the controller is fully charged.
• Do check to turn off your PS4 before pairing the controller with your Android or iPhone.
• If you have paired the PS4 controller, but it still shows a “Connection unsuccessful” message or the inputs don’t work, then press the PS logo button in the center.
• Please ensure that none of your previously paired devices are connected to the PS4 controller.

My Experience Playing Games with a PS4 Controller on Android

Now, once you get into games like CoD Mobile and BGMI, the controller should be automatically recognized. However, I noticed that when opening CoD Mobile, in the lobby itself, I was asked to select the connected wireless controller I’m using to play the game. Nice little feature, for sure.

But, to get the best possible gaming experience out of it, make sure to set up your PS4 controller’s layout in the game. Else, the controls may feel wonky and out of order.

That brings us to the end of this guide. If you want to connect your PS5 controller to your phone instead, check out our dedicated interlinked guide. If you have any further queries, drop them in the comments down below!