Top 7 Ways to Fix PS4 Controller Not Connecting to iPhone Issues

Top 7 Ways to Fix PS4 Controller Not Connecting to iPhone Issues

Playing mobile games with console controllers makes for a more enjoyable gaming experience, similar to a console. Sony’s remote play feature allows iOS users to stream their PS4 games to their iPhones and iPads. However, many people are stuck at the main point where the PS4 DualShock controller does not connect to the iOS device. If you have tried to connect a PS4 controller to your iPhone to no avail, you should read this guide at the end.


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There are many reasons why a PS4 controller does not pair with an iPhone. The controller may be weak on the battery. The problem could also be due to a random problem on your iPhone and PS4 controller. Implement the fixes detailed in the section below and check which one is right for you.

1. Log in pairing mode

To connect the PS4 DualShock controller to your iPhone, make sure the controller is in pairing mode. Indeed, your iPhone (and just about all other devices) can only connect wirelessly to the PS4 DualShock controller in pairing mode. To put the DualShock controller in pairing mode, press and hold the PS button and the Share button simultaneously for about 3 to 5 seconds until the controller light bar flashes quickly.


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The pairing mode (the light bar flashes) lasts only 60 seconds. This means that you have one minute to connect your iPhone to the PS4 controller.

Beyond that, the controller exits pairing mode and does not connect to your iPhone. The point is: you have to be quick with the matching process.

With the PS4 DualShock controller in pairing mode, access the Bluetooth settings menu on your iPhone and press the controller in the list to pair it.


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If your iPhone does not recognize or detect the PS4 controller, continue to the following troubleshooting tips below.

2. Reactivate Bluetooth

Disable Bluetooth on your iPhone and turn it on again. Now try to connect the PS4 controller to your iPhone and check if the pairing process was successful. You can simply turn off Bluetooth from the iPhone Control Center.


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Note: For iPhone X and newer models, you can access the Control Center by swiping down from the upper right corner of the screen. For iPhone 8 Plus or older models, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the Control Center.

Alternatively, you can also configure your iPhone’s Bluetooth from the Settings menu. Go to Settings> Bluetooth and turn off Bluetooth.


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Wait a few seconds, re-activate the Bluetooth on your device and restart the pairing process (see method # 1 above).

3. Forget the controller

If you have already connected the PS4 controller to your iPhone, but the following connections fail, you must remove the controller from the list of Bluetooth devices on your iPhone. Here’s how.

Step 1: Launch the iPhone Settings menu and select Bluetooth.


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Make sure your Bluetooth is turned on.

2nd step: Next, tap the information icon next to the DualShock wireless controller.


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Step 3: Select ‘Forget this device’ and press ‘Forget device’ when prompted.


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The PS4 controller will be removed from the list of Bluetooth devices on your iPhone. Now try to pair the controller to your iPhone or iPad again and check if a connection is established. If that doesn’t work, try the other solutions listed below.

4. Charge controller

Another low factor that could prevent the DualShock controller from connecting to any device is a low battery level. Before putting the controller in pairing mode, make sure it is sufficiently charged. If the controller does not connect to your iPhone, check its battery level on your TV screen.

Here’s how to check the battery level of the PS4 DualShock controller.

Step 1: With the controller connected to the PS4 console, press the Share button. This will open the PS4 Sharing menu.


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2nd step: Check the battery icon at the bottom of the menu to see the battery life of the controller.


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If the controller is weak on the battery, plug it into a micro-USB power source for a few minutes to charge it and try to pair it again with your iPhone or iPad.

5. Restart the iPhone

Yes, this simple action sometimes does magic. Turn off your iPhone, turn it back on, and pair the PS4 controller with your device again.

Note: There are different ways to restart an iPhone, and it largely depends on the model. If in doubt, follow Apple’s official support guide to restart your iPhone.

6. Update iOS

The PS4 DualShock controller only supports iPhones running iOS 13 or higher. If your iPhone is running iOS 12 or earlier, you need to update your iPhone. To check for iOS updates available on your iPhone, go to Settings> General> Software Update.

7. Reset the controller

Resetting the DualShock controller to factory settings is another effective method of solving pairing problems. Follow the steps below to reset your PS4 controller.

Step 1: Turn the controller over and locate a small hole in the back, near the buttons on the left shoulder.


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2nd step: Use the tip of a paperclip or a SIM card ejector to push the reset button into the small hole for about 3 to 5 seconds.

This will reset the DualShock controller to factory settings and remove any issues that prevent it from connecting to your iPhone.

Then put the controller in pairing mode and check if it connects to your iPhone.

Then:

Does your Windows PC or laptop not detect your PS4 controller? Read the linked guide below to find out why this is happening and four (4) different ways to fix it.

Last updated Jul 7, 2020

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