You can connect most game controllers to an iPad using Bluetooth, the wireless connection built into both devices
An iPad works with controllers made by Apple, Sony, Microsoft, and other manufacturers. The process is the same for all of them: you turn on Bluetooth in your iPad's settings, put the controller into pairing mode, and select it from the list that appears. Most controllers connect in under a minute and stay connected until you turn them off.
The controller you choose depends on what you already own or what games you want to play. Some games work with any controller. Others require a specific brand. Check the game's description in the App Store before you buy a controller.
Key Takeaways
- Turn on Bluetooth in Settings, then put your controller into pairing mode by holding a specific button — usually the home button or a dedicated pairing button.
- Your iPad will show the controller's name in the Bluetooth menu; tap it to connect.
- Once connected, the controller stays paired to your iPad even after you turn it off, so you only pair it once.
- If the controller does not appear, restart both the controller and your iPad, then try pairing again.
- Some older games do not support controllers at all, so check the App Store listing before assuming a game will work.
Turn on Bluetooth and open the pairing menu
Open Settings on your iPad and tap Bluetooth. Toggle the switch to turn Bluetooth on if it is not already on. You will see a list of devices that have been paired before, but your new controller will not appear until you put it into pairing mode.
Leave this screen open. You will come back here in a moment to select your controller from the list.
Put your controller into pairing mode
The button you press depends on which controller you own. For an Apple MFi controller or Xbox controller, hold the home button (the circle or Xbox symbol) for three to five seconds until a light on the controller starts flashing. For a PlayStation controller, hold the PlayStation button and the Share button together for three seconds until the light bar flashes white.
If you have a different brand, check the manual or the manufacturer's website for the pairing button. The light flashing is your signal that the controller is ready to connect.
Do not put the controller away or turn it off while the light is flashing. Keep it near your iPad.
Select the controller from the Bluetooth menu
Go back to your iPad's Bluetooth settings. Within a few seconds, your controller's name should appear in the list under "Other Devices." Tap the name to connect.
The iPad will show "Connected" next to the controller's name when the pairing is complete. The light on the controller will stop flashing and stay solid or turn off, depending on the model.
Test the controller in a game
Open a game that supports controllers and start playing. The buttons should respond immediately. If they do not, close the game, go back to Bluetooth settings, and tap the controller's name again to reconnect.
Most games show you which buttons do what on the first screen. If a button does not work, the game may not support that particular button, or the controller may not be fully connected.
What to do if the controller will not pair
If the controller does not appear in the Bluetooth menu after you put it into pairing mode, restart both devices. Turn off the controller completely, wait five seconds, and turn it back on. Then go to Settings on your iPad, turn Bluetooth off, wait five seconds, and turn it back on. Try pairing again.
If the controller still does not appear, check that the battery is not dead. Most controllers have a battery indicator light or a button you can press to see the charge level. Charge the controller for at least 30 minutes and try again.
If you have paired this controller to your iPad before and it is not connecting now, go to Settings, tap Bluetooth, find the controller's name, tap the information icon next to it, and select "Forget This Device." Then put the controller into pairing mode again and pair it as if it were new.
Disconnect or reconnect a controller you have already paired
Once a controller is paired to your iPad, it will reconnect automatically the next time you turn it on and bring it near your iPad. You do not have to pair it again.
To disconnect a controller without forgetting it, simply turn off the controller. To remove it permanently so it will not reconnect, go to Settings, tap Bluetooth, find the controller's name, tap the information icon, and select "Forget This Device."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a controller with multiple iPads?
Yes. A controller can be paired to more than one iPad. Pair it to each device the same way you paired it the first time. When you turn on the controller, it will connect to whichever iPad is closest or was used most recently.
Why does my controller keep disconnecting?
The most common cause is a low battery. Charge the controller fully and try again. If it still disconnects, forget the device in Bluetooth settings and pair it again from scratch. If disconnections continue, the controller's battery may be wearing out and may need replacement.
Do all iPad games work with controllers?
No. Many games, especially older ones or games designed for touch, do not support controllers. Check the game's description in the App Store to see if it lists controller support. If it does not mention controllers, the game probably does not work with them.
Can I use a controller that is not made by Apple?
Yes. Most controllers from Sony, Microsoft, and other manufacturers work with iPad as long as they support Bluetooth. Some very old controllers or controllers made for specific gaming systems may not work. Check the manufacturer's website to confirm iPad compatibility.
What if I lose the controller's pairing button location?
Search online for "[controller name] pairing mode" or check the manual that came with it. Most manufacturers post pairing instructions on their support websites. You can also contact the manufacturer's support team with the controller's model number.