Every smartphone game has been modified in some way to accommodate touch controllers. However, there are occasions when using a gamepad to drive a car or control a character is far more practical. We will cover how to connect it to the device in this content. How to connect a joystick to your phone
How to connect a joystick to an iPhone via Bluetooth?
An Apple smartphone can be connected to a joystick in two different ways. The first uses Bluetooth and is wireless. The second is wired and can be accessed through Lightning (which will be used in iPhones until 2023) or USB-C (if we are discussing the most recent model).
Let’s examine how to connect a gamepad to an iPhone over Bluetooth by utilizing the Xbox controller and DualSense for PS5 as examples of two well-known devices. Let’s begin with a Microsoft product:
- Turn on Bluetooth module on iPhone;
- Press and hold the Connect button on your Xbox controller for 4-5 seconds. The indicator will light up, indicating that you have entered pairing mode;
- From the list of available Bluetooth devices on your iPhone, select your Xbox controller.
The pairing process with DualSense is similar:
- Turn on Bluetooth on iPhone;
- We hold down the PS and Create buttons on the DualSense and wait for the LED indicator to blink;
- In the list of Bluetooth devices on your smartphone, select the desired joystick.
This method also connects other Bluetooth gamepads. Please be aware that not every iPhone game works with a joystick.
How to connect a joystick to iPhone via wire?
There have long been branded gamepads available for the iPhone, such as the Backbone One. All you have to do to get them to function is insert the wire into the USB-C or Lightning connector.
With the right adapter, will other wired joysticks function as well? While some models work together, others don’t. Thus, if you intend to use a controller exclusively for the iPhone, be careful to verify this point before making a purchase.
How to connect a joystick to an Android smartphone via Bluetooth?
Additionally, a large variety of gamepads from various manufacturers are supported by Android. Additionally, there are still two ways to connect the joystick: wired and wireless. Let’s take another look at the process with Microsoft and Sony product examples.
How to connect an Xbox joystick via Bluetooth:
- Turn on Bluetooth on your Android smartphone;
- Hold Connect on your Xbox controller until the light turns on;
- From the list of Bluetooth devices on your smartphone, select your Xbox controller.
Setting up a gamepad on Android, like on iOS, occurs automatically.
As for DualSense, you need Android 12 or later to use it.
Connection order:
- Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone;
- We hold down the PS and Create buttons on the DualSense. We wait until the pairing indicator starts flashing;
- Find the joystick in the list of Bluetooth devices and connect it.
How to connect a joystick to an Android smartphone via wire
A wired gamepad can be connected to your smartphone’s USB port. Nevertheless, you must first download the USB OTG Checker software, which verifies if USB devices are compatible with smartphones. You will be able to play projects that support gamepads if everything goes according to plan. You’ll need to hunt for another joystick if not. How to connect a joystick to your phone
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