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

Playing mobile games with console controllers provides a more enjoyable, console-like gaming experience. Sony’s Remote Play feature allows iOS users to stream PS4 games on their iPhone and iPad. However, many people get stuck on the primary point where the PS4’s DualShock controller is not connecting to their iOS device. If you’ve ever tried connecting a PS4 controller to your iPhone, you should read this guide to the end.

There are many reasons why a PS4 controller may not pair with an iPhone. The controller battery might be low. The problem can also be caused by some random glitches with your iPhone and PS4 controller. Apply the fixes detailed in the section below and check which one is right for you.

1. Connect in Pairing Mode

To connect the PS4 DualShock controller to your iPhone, make sure the controller is in pairing mode. This is because your iPhone (and pretty much any other device) can only connect wirelessly to the PS4 DualShock Controller when in pairing mode. To put the DualShock controller into pairing mode, press and hold the PS button and the Share button simultaneously for about 3 – 5 seconds until the light bar of the controller flashes rapidly.

Pairing mode (light bar flashes) takes only 60 seconds. So you have one minute to connect your iPhone to the PS4 controller.

Beyond that, the controller goes out of pairing mode and won’t connect to your iPhone. The point is: you have to be quick in the pairing process.

With the PS4 DualShock controller in pairing mode, go to your iPhone’s Bluetooth settings menu and tap the controller in the list to pair it.

If your iPhone doesn’t recognize or detect the PS4 controller, continue with the troubleshooting tips below.

2. Re-Enable Bluetooth

Turn your iPhone’s Bluetooth off and then back on. Now, try to connect the PS4 controller to your iPhone and check if the pairing is successful. You can turn off Bluetooth from the iPhone’s Control Center.

Note: On iPhone X and later, you can access Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen. On iPhone 8 Plus or earlier, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access Control Center.

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

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

3. Forget the Controller

If you have connected the PS4 controller to your iPhone before, but subsequent connections were unsuccessful, you should remove the controller from your iPhone’s list of Bluetooth devices. Here’s how to do it.

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

Make sure your bluetooth is turned on.

Step 2: Next, tap the information icon next to the DualShock Wireless Controller.

Stage 3: Select ‘Forget This Device’ and tap ‘Forget Device’ at the prompt.

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

4. Charge Controller

Low battery level is another influencing factor that can prevent the DualShock controller from connecting to any device. Before putting the controller into pairing mode, make sure it is sufficiently charged. If the remote is not connecting to your iPhone, check the battery level on your TV screen.

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

Stage 1: With the controller connected to the PS4 console, tap the Share button. This will open the PS4 Share menu.

Step 2: Check the battery icon at the bottom of the menu to see the remote’s battery life.

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

5. Restart iPhone

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

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

6. Update iOS

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

7. Reset Controller

Resetting the DualShock Controller to factory defaults is another effective method to fix pairing issues. Follow the steps below to reset your PS4 controller.

Stage 1: Turn the remote and find a small hole in the back near the left shoulder buttons.

Step 2: Use the tip of a paper clip or the SIM card ejector to push the reset button in the small hole for about 3-5 seconds.

This will reset the DualShock controller to factory default and clear any glitches that prevent it from connecting to your iPhone.

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

Mobile New Console

With a PS4 DualShock controller connected to your iPhone, you’ll enjoy better navigation and general gameplay in First Person Shooter (FPS) games and other iPhone games that require aim accuracy and precision. This is better than using the onscreen controls. If your PS4 controller is not working with your iPhone, refer to the solutions above to fix the issues.

Next: Is your Windows PC or laptop not detecting your PS4 controller? Read the guide linked below to learn why this happens and four (4) different ways to fix it.