How to Pair Your Xbox Wireless Controller with an iPhone or iPad!

Thanks to a new batch of software updates, it is now possible to pair your Xbox Series X Wireless Controller with your iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, or Mac! Here's how it works!
Grab one in white, black, or blue ➡ amzn.to/2YQD2QP
Grab the lowest prices on Apple hardware:
Macs - prices.applein...
iPads - prices.applein...
Apple Watches - prices.applein...
AirPods - prices.applein...
appleinsider.c...
Follow us on social media:
Twitter - / appleinsider
Facebook - / appleinsiderdotcom
Instagram - / appleinsider_official
Download our iOS app: itunes.apple.c...
Get a free trial of the best music for your videos via MusicBed: share.mscbd.fm/...
--
For all the Apple tech news you'll ever need, visit ➡ appleinsider.com
Our video gear ➡ kit.com/AppleI...
--
--
New here? AppleInsider has been around since the 1997 covering anything, and everything Apple. This KZbin channel will give you the best coverage for anything Apple related. New MacBooks? We'll cover them! New iPhones? We got you covered on that as well. Want to get the most out of your new Apple product? We've got videos to help you with that. Make sure to subscribe, comment, and share our videos!

[@P8REN]

I’m surprised Apple haven’t released their own controller.. but then again it would cost like £999.

[@0n1c420]

You know there is an MFi controller by Apple

[@BastianInukChristensen]

@@0n1c420 There is? Which?

[@vence1407]

@@BastianInukChristensen not by apple, but it’s on their store. I think it’s called steel series.

[@feistylove23]

Lmao nahh Fr , they be taxing like a mf bro

[@WowWATCHES]

Yes bro It will cost 3 kidneys (2 you can sell yours and one kedney of Apple's CEO or you can n borrow 1 kidney from your X ☺️😢😊☺️)

[@playerplus5917]

The video starts here -> 3:04

[@user-zg1ek1ud7o]

2:45 *

[@playerplus5917]

@@user-zg1ek1ud7o Everyone knows what to press on the xbox controller

[@user-zg1ek1ud7o]

@@playerplus5917 sorry, it was just in case anyone forgets!

[@ChrisBa303]

@@playerplus5917 if you know what to press on the xbox controller you probably also know how to find the Bluetooth settings on iPhones

[@playerplus5917]

@@ChrisBa303 Well yes, but actually no

[@AnonymZ.]

The fact that I just figured this setting was there, I love how they also let us change the key binds for the games that don’t let you

[@ThePearls627]

God bless y’all! The Lord is always by your side no matter what!!!

[@goldenzzy5985]

Amen

[@lismcke-topic7044]

Amen

[@Reaperboy-cy7sy]

amen

[@nott3ch264]

Amen

[@rash6053]

Amen!

[@bobthecheeseburg2815]

When I go to general to set up my controller the tab for it doesn’t show up

[@rese02118]

SAME

[@baconforlife6777]

same

[@rubenibarra4314]

Same

[@user-fi2bz5wp4h]

same

[@kkuba1022]

Same

[@kyronte]

The "Game Controller" menu does not appear at all even though I'm running 14.4 Any clues?

[@KhanhNguyen-uw2wz]

It’s really cool the controller Xbox. The controller Xbox is connecting with a device the iPhone Or Ipad.

[@Overloadreeboot]

Doesn’t work..... don’t know why. I have the exact same controller and I did everything he said including updating into the apple beta

[@Eli9A]

Download the xbox app than youll see it in the bluetooth

[@Eli9A]

@@wowee5334 xbox app not the xbox game pass app

[@Eli9A]

@@wowee5334 now find your controller on bluetooth and if you cant find it get one that supports it, Einstein!

[@ajkfireman]

I have two controllers for the series x and they both won’t connect

[@johnathonjones8982]

Download 14.5. The update fixed this problem

[@swiftsnowy2909]

Thank you, I’m going on vacation soon and it’s gonna make the car rides so much more fun

[@cieeerho]

So when I can actually use it ? Just got it and can connect but can’t control anything

[@eloiseb8543]

Same it’s so lame I just spent 60€ on a controller and I can’t control anything with it

[@Bri-bf1lz]

@@eloiseb8543 right

[@tyru2]

@@eloiseb8543 use your fucking brain... YOU CONTROL IT ON GAMES

[@fnafstuff9785]

@@tyru2 BRO RELAX. it doesn’t work you can’t control it on anything

[@tyru2]

@@fnafstuff9785 Well damn, y’all phones must be broken cause it works on games for me

[@-Songbirdd-]

Thanks! I’m probably gonna ask for an Xbox controller for Christmas now 😂

[@drefades]

Starts on 2:48

[@jgm3796]

Awesome overview. Can multiple controllers be connected simultaneously to iOS for two player games?

[@Clapfkrp]

No?????

[@khateebshah2983]

Help me pls it comes up but when It does it asks for contact and call history by I don't have any contacts so it don't connect pls yelp

[@JurajHatina]

Nice! Took only like 20 years but at last we have the feature now. I need now Ori to run on apple silicon M1 and the world will be beautiful 🤩

[@AppleInsider]

It’s been possible to pair Xbox and PlayStation controllers to iPhones for a while, this is adding support for the new controllers released in November. So it only took a few months!

[@mj8435]

Tysm!!!! It wouldn’t connect you really helped me God bless everyone and thanks again!

[@amyaandelijahgaming7180]

Can someone help me? I was able to pair my Xbox controller to my phone perfectly fine for a while. But later on my Xbox controller started giving me problems and whenever I hold down the middle button it blinks rlly fast and automatically stops when I let go. Same thing with the Bluetooth button. I also went to Bluetooth on my phone settings and I pressed “forget device” on my Xbox controller so I could try and pair it again on my phone and hoped that it will work but now whenever I try to pair my Xbox controller to my phone I don’t see “Xbox” popping up in Bluetooth anymore. Are my batteries just dead or what?

[@munchieflipflop]

This is happening for me too

[@amyaandelijahgaming7180]

@@munchieflipflop yeah man! i was very happy that i finallh gogt a xbxo controller but it only lasted for maybe a month! do u think its just dead batteries

[@JuniorTennis]

It would be SOOO helpful if videos like this gave the compatible versions of the hardware. From what I see it's only the following xbox controllers will pair with IOS devices: Xbox Wireless Controller with Bluetooth (Model 1708) Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Xbox Adaptive Controller Xbox Wireless Controller Series S and Series X

[@preciousjewel171]

so xbox 360 controller can’t connect to ios?

[@aliwalker1809]

I HAVE SERIES X AND MY MOM HAS THE S AND I HAVE A 2021 PC SINCE I HAVE SERIES S I GET MODERN WARFARE 2 FREE CUS I GOT SERIES S

[@MateusFerreira-on3kp]

I still can't believe that apples customization for the Xbox controller is better than Microsoft's. On Xbox you can't even customize the triggers or do it on a per app basis.

[@bhabhutiji1169]

you can. check properly before commenting

[@MateusFerreira-on3kp]

@@bhabhutiji1169 I did check. The most you can do is swap them left/right. Remapping to another button only works on elite controllers. Maybe you should check properly yourself before pretending to be more knowledgeable than someone else

[@bhabhutiji1169]

@@MateusFerreira-on3kp i own an xbox since before you were even born, go sleep kid.

[@MateusFerreira-on3kp]

@@bhabhutiji1169 You really gonna go on year-old comment to talk shit and then say "go sleep kid"? lmaooo get a life (or do a 30 second google search before talking shit, my dude)

[@vanessafernandez6406]

when i connect my controller this happens me: ps4 and share button at the same time, wireless PS4 CONTROLLER shows up i press it then it says : connect to not connected after

[@Kandodndosjsoejwoe]

Samee

[@IPlayGuitarAndStuff]

It connected but won’t do anything after connecting.

[@producedbykhireyakeem4340]

Mines is connected but I can’t use it on Call of Duty

[@eloiseb8543]

Same

[@nolankories6780]

Will it still work when I go to play my Xbox

[@millerbarlow3868]

yo anybody know where the video actually dtarts

[@SidTheShid]

3:04

[@ivartheboneless1456]

Good review I tired to pair my Xbox one controller to my iPad mini 4 and my iPhone 12 both running ios15 .2 but does show up in my Bluetooth list any suggestions

[@falvy8013]

my controller is connected but it just won’t work- anyone know why?

[@cristianzavala7614]

Same

[@Erik-zr6wy]

@@cristianzavala7614 The app must support it, I think....

[@cristianzavala7614]

@@Erik-zr6wy I refunded it lmao

[@babielj4675]

U need to update your phone

[@falvy8013]

@@babielj4675 fully updated

[@dizzyfox0473]

For some reason my Xbox wireless controller doesn't really work with my iPhone 7 Plus. It pairs through BT without issues, but I get no options for it in the settings on my phone, and it doesn't do anything in any game. Am I missing something? I downloaded the Xbox App too if that does anything..

[@kkuba1022]

Same

[@twinkletoe.cos22]

Same,, it doesn’t show up in setting

[@Veez0]

y’all need the new gen controller

[@RawkFish_RBLX]

It keeps saying make sure its on and in range and i checked that

[@nguiraldes]

I have 2 controllers one connects no problem. The other doesn’t even appear on the list on the bluetooth devices. Both connect with no problem to the xbox one s. Can’t figure it out is so annoying. Please help

[@emmecardwell]

Thank you! Also I see you have a dexcom on your phone! Me toooo.

[@georgearal1523]

Tried it now I’m so happy

[@sircaptain5534]

Do you need to buy an Xbox to get it or just get the controller for the connection to work?

[@jyros1431]

Mine is connected but still doesn't work. Here I'm running ios 14.4 , so maybe thats why... or the new controller is just not supported by the games yet.

[@jackfaygo8368]

Yes I have the same problem, can you let me know how you solved this problem?

[@lucidd7430]

@@jackfaygo8368 only for 14.5

[@Dr3thaGoat]

@@lucidd7430 ur sure

[@kevinmccallister184]

Yes that is the problem, in the notes for the update it states "Xbox series X|S Wireless connection support" So it is required

[@babielj4675]

Yes u needa update your phone

[@Blackbirdofheaven]

Does the button customization let you control the iPhone even when it’s not on a game, for example if I’m on safari can I scroll up and down the page? Or let me scroll through Twitter and TikTok? 😆

[@HealthyLiv1ng]

can you just use this as a multi-pair iOS & Mac device to pair across devices to control sound?

[@wushiko]

Thank you for the guide. My controller and xbox were already paired. If I pair a this controller to my iphone, will it still wake up the my console? Or do I have pair them manually each time?

[@Universal_Snowy.]

Is there like a Xbox three sixty version of how to connect

[@tzhari3268]

Thanks it works

[@lowsuge]

It recognizes in bluetooth but wont work in any game

[@blackchromatic-11yearsago]

Depends on the game some games don’t support controller usage due to unfair advantages

[@bentori]

Thanks It helped me a lot.

[@Luna7275]

Yo thanks I’ve been wanting to play call of duty mobile with my Xbox controller for so long and now I can

[@Jettywetty.69]

What games would be good to play?

[@kyefart]

tried on iphone 13 and ipad pro max both with version 15.1 and there is no game controller menu and it doesnt show up in bluetooth??

[@BalurPoco]

Hello! Is the button configuration is usable for Xbox One and PS4 controllers too?

[@fellowcheesecurd437]

I know it's usable for the Xbox one

[@kelza0]

I want to turn on vibration the controller how would I do that without the console

[@abuu._]

I don’t have that button to click to pair with

[@Gravy-mi3zy]

Really helped thx

[@rockybouja]

14.5.1 is out for my iPhone SE, downloading and will update if it works Edit: Skimming through the update it says Xbox controller and ps5 controller support so this is probably the issue folks.

[@hennydon4587]

So basically u have to update to 14.5 cuz my iPhone X has everything that’s required minus the 5G still have a decent connection but my series s controller seems to not respond when I’m trynna remote play ? If u agree then bet

[@realanti5508]

Does it have to be a “new controller” or I can use a “used controller”???

[@maverickpayne6544]

No it dosnt have to be new

[@baotang6436]

can I use this controller for game mobile Pokemon Unite ? are there any apps to adjust button?

[@doyoeven]

@AppleInsider, does it support PES 2021 on iPhone?

[@wslarry9915]

I have an xbox one s and it doesn’t let me and I don’t have the game controller on general bro? Help .

[@rhan9737]

It didn’t show up for me

[@emilyguinn4664]

It won’t work for me plz help it pairs with my phone but it dose not work on games plz help

[@marshallgochanour]

I tried this but whenever i hit the button to pair it just loaded for a fraction of a second and then it stopped.Any help please?

[@BowsettesFury]

Has anyone tried the keyboard with the controller on an Apple device? Just wondering because might need it for chat before entering squads or some type of multi player.

[@davidsantillan7851]

It won’t pair if just turns off when I press the Xbox logo and the sync button

[@JayBoogg]

it says I connected it on Bluetooth but every time i try to play on my phone it doesn’t work

[@rubenibarra4314]

Me too

[@babielj4675]

Just update your phone!

[@rubenibarra4314]

@@babielj4675 ok

[@FiatPandaSelecta]

Thanxs man. Also works with 8bitdo. Button mapping. Thanxs again😉❤❤

[@user-mu6bc4fm5h]

mine says pairing unsuccessful anyone know why?

[@GiftedSlinky98]

I got my Xbox one controller connect to my iPhone but it won’t let me do anything I don’t know what I’m doing wrong I can do it on my android phone for my Minecraft that I have On my android but not iPhone but want to use for call of duty or my madden mobile

[@josephnduaguibe]

Those previous version of controller work?

[@ninjamcyp545]

This is in controller Xbox 360 are the same ?

[@AlmightyOej]

Guys i need help I have the same controller as him and its not working when i play. Btw version is 14.4

[@lucidd7430]

Has to be 14.5

[@AlmightyOej]

@@lucidd7430 aww then wut controllers work with ios verison 14.4

[@we_are_nevertheless7305]

@@AlmightyOej original xbox one controller works

[@terrycrowder8430]

Thank u best I’ve seen yet for this content thank u thank u 🙏

[@randog64112]

I wonder if you can connect the Xbox 360 controller to my Ipad

[@CarlosLopez-vc7wn]

Hi so I did the pairing but my Xbox won’t turn back on! I hope somebody could comment on this to help me pair my Xbox controller back to my Xbox and turn it back on!

[@Lilty-cc1jv]

Why does mine say connect but not work in games that support controlers?! Im confused

[@mikaelaleigh8109]

Does it work on IpadOS 15.2?

[@Gatlin_Favors]

Yes sir he is by your side

[@Gio-vf1zf]

It seems like people connect but when they play a game App nothing works. Why would Apple trick us like this??

[@jakaboy01]

IDK if it's any different but have you tried other 3rd party gamepads/controllers? Maybe the Flydigi Apex 2?

[@disrrpt_466]

You are actually amazing man!

[@Sukujoo]

Work with 360?

[@elie1888]

Have a good day god love y’all

[@its_anthony4532]

Amen same to you

[@rednecklivesmatter1966]

Amen

[@michaelraiwet]

Is there a way to pair this to multiple controllers?

[@AppleInsider]

Yes! repeat the process with each one but I believe you can do at least four, perhaps more?

[@michaelraiwet]

@@AppleInsider Whoops! I meant multiple iOS devices! I tried but wasn't able to switch devices unless I forgot the device and re-paired it. Thanks!

[@seanhermm]

Does this work for all Xbox controllers or does it have to be a series X controllers

[@slayerthings850]

it worked with my xbox one controller

[@kendrool9788]

i cant find any game in app customization

[@dcscuzz]

Can someone tell me why my new controller keeps disconnecting from my iPad? How do I keep it connected

[@bad_beatsaber_players3861]

Mine connects it just won’t work with cloud gaming

[@jimmydiaz2207]

Does it work on iPhone 7S?

[@markitodorito9448]

I updated my phone and still don’t have that controller setting

[@Aguilar-1276]

My controller connected to my phone but the controller wont blinking and after a while it will stop blinking and turn on my actual xbox someone pls help

[@SneakyIsSad]

is this the new xbox one controller?

[@kopr547]

Hey i think I’m retarted im doing the steps nd the controller blinks but it won’t show up on my Bluetooth new devices

[@moisesramos17]

Tried it on my iPad 8 and the game controller tab doesn’t appear even after the updates

[@moisesramos17]

Update: I signed up for the Beta on apples website and it works on IOS 14.5 👍🏽

[@lakaioates4060]

It won’t let me do the thing in the general

[@DOCKYRBX]

How to add game?

[@Barryschefler]

Any chance we see Beta 2 today?

[@enriquevillas2602]

I have a iPhone 7 and I can’t do it, help me please

[@AintGodGood]

THANKS

[@johnnyvr8243]

Does the iPhone XR work

[@KaziroSensai]

what do i do if my controller is already connected to my xbox and it start my xbox?

[@braydenaarvig]

Thank you!!

[@rachelgold11]

How do switch back into Xbox?

[@ilovedora333]

It only blinks twice and then it stops blinking help me please

[@Wegeisbwvakqy8081]

Can I use my controller that’s already connected to my Xbox? And if so how do I re-connect it?

[@demarisgoated5157]

Did you find out

[@voidxaether]

To connect the controller between to both a host device using the Xbox Wireless protocol (i.e. an Xbox) and a second Bluetooth source, i.e. your PC or laptop. Once both are connected, double-tapping the pairing button will switch between the two almost instantly.

[@marcofioretti5691]

How can the firmware be updated??

[@twinky3912]

TYSM BRO

[@mehmy683]

For some reason my controller doesn’t turn on? Can someone please help

[@loveavabel9437]

I have an Xbox one s controller and that connects to my phone perfectly fine however for some reason the Xbox series controller can only connect but when I go to cod or Minecraft it doesn’t work any idea how to fix that?

[@saladtimes7656]

I had the same problem! I just Updated my phone and then I updated my Xbox controller. I just watch a KZbin tutorial to show me how to update my Xbox controller and it started working.

[@notreal2491]

do i need the actual xbox series s like console to turn the controller on?

[@AppleInsider]

Nope! Just the controller!

[@notreal2491]

@@AppleInsider but when i press the on button it doesnt turn on and the batteries are all good?