How to Pair Xbox One, PS4, and Gamesir Controllers With iOS

Now that Apple Arcade is out, we have one more reason to grab our console or mobile controllers and pair them with our iPhone. It’s an easy way to enhance your overall gaming experience. 

That being said, the process of pairing a controller to iOS devices can differ from gamepad to gamepad. It’s no surprise that so many people don’t know how. 

So, here’s how to pair an Xbox, PS4, or Gamesir controller with your iPhone!

1: Inventory

First things first, let’s see what we need to have. 

1. An Xbox One, PS4, or GameSir controller
2. An iPhone
3. And if possible, the latest version of iOS

But, one thing that may not be so obvious is that your controller needs to support Bluetooth and iOS compatibility. Some older wireless controllers like the Dualshock 3 may or may not work while there is no hope for wired ones. 

For example, the older Xbox 360 controller won’t work with our guide. The same thing goes for the Gamesir  G3W, Xbox 360, etc.  

With that out of the way, let us move on with the guide. 

2: How to Pair Xbox One and PS4 Controllers With iOS

To pair an Xbox One controller, all you need to do is: 

1. Turn it on
2. Press the “Sync” button
3. Go to the Bluetooth settings of your iPhone
4. Once there, the controller should appear on the list of available devices
5. Tap on your Xbox One controller’s name
6. And that should be it

As for a PS4 controller: 

1. Hold down the PS icon along with the “Share” button until the lights start blinking
2. Go to your Bluetooth settings
3. And connect with the PS4 controller that should appear on the list

3: How to Pair A GameSir Controller With iOS

GameSir controllers are designed to work with numerous operating systems. For that reason, you need to know the various combinations that your model uses to connect with each different OS. 

For example, if you own the GameSir G3S, you need to: 

1. Hold down the power + Y button
2. Wait until the Apple icon starts flashing
3. Head over to your Bluetooth settings
4. Then connect with the controller

If you see nothing but a serious of numbers with letters, then wait for a few seconds and the name should eventually change to “GameSir G3S”. That being said, the controller doesn’t officially support Apple devices. But, if you own one, you can always give it a try. 

Wrapping Up

That’s all for now. If you’ve got any questions, let us and everyone else know about them in the comments section down below! Do keep in mind that not all games support controllers and that not all controllers play well with iOS. 

Even some options that are kinda optimized for iOS, like the GameSir G3S, may still not work at all in the end. Still, give it a try and let us know how that worked out for you. 

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George Kasiouras

Editor at Why The Lucky Stiff

George has been reading smartphone reviews since the days where single-core devices and Android 2.0 were a thing. And while he never expected to be the one to write them, here we are today. When he is not writing about tech, you'll find him writing novels, playing games, watching shows or anime, or maybe even soloing with his guitar.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-k-8246a1169/

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